Farmville Central has certainly been producing some tremendous talent over the years and 2023 Jah Short has been a name many are familiar with already. Short is coming off another special season with the program and is now hitting the court once again with Garner Road, looking to capture more eyes with his game.
We caught up with Short not long ago to get an update on all the latest; what this past season was like for him, how he has stepped up as a clear leader of the program now, his excitement about summer ball, and what has been going on in his recruitment' He answered it all in our latest 1-on-1.
Phenom: How has everything been going for you as far as basketball'
Short: Everything's been going well.
Phenom: Looking back to this past high school season. What was that experience for you in helping carry the success of the program and being a leader on the floor'
Short: It was a great experience. I felt like I was made for times like this, but I never got the chance to prove it because of my former teammates but this year was my time to shine, and I think I did well as a leader.
Phenom: How different was it for you in being that leader on the court and elevate your game'
Short: It was different because like I said, I felt like I could've been a leader but in past years I've had teammates like Terquavion Smith, Justin Wright, and Samage Teel that were already in that position and I took advantage of learning for them to translating myself into those positions when they left.
Phenom: How do you think your game has elevated in the last year or so'
Short: I think I've elevated my game by pushing myself to be better and making everyone around me better.
Phenom: What areas are you still looking to develop' Anything you are focusing on specifically'
Short: I'm still working on my jump shot and ball-handling because once those two things click, it'll open up the offense more for me and my teammates.
Phenom: What's your excitement about playing with Garner Road again this year' What are you hoping to show more about your game'
Short: I'm very excited about playing with them this summer because in past years, I've felt like we've played well and this year we've added a few more pieces to the puzzle which should make us better. I'm hoping to show more of my ability to be a guard because in AAU everyone is much bigger than school ball so I wouldn't say I'm undersized but I'm smaller.
Phenom: Recruitment still going strong. You received a big offer not long ago from East Carolina. Has the new staff reached out or anything or stayed in contact with you'
Short: The new coaching staff and I have been building a bond. They came to every game we have had on the 3SSB Circuit and we had an open gym at school not too long ago and some of the coaches came out to see me play including the head coach.
Phenom: You also just received an offer from Mount Olive. What did they say they liked about your game and what you could provide at the next level for them'
Short: They like the way I play and not just make plays for my myself; I make everybody around me better.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing interest your way' Who would you say is staying strong with you'
Short: Mercer, Marist, Bucknell, and Liberty have been reaching out since the live periods but I'd say Mercer, East Carolina, and Marist are recruiting me heavily.
Phenom: Have you been able to make any visits' If so, where did you go and what did you like about that visit specifically'
Short: I made a couple of unofficials last year to Appalachian State and North Carolina A&T but other than that, I haven't been on any but when I went to Appalachian State, I liked the environment of the football games and how heavy they support their athletic teams.
Phenom: Do you have any upcoming visits'
Short: No.
