Player: Rasir Bolton
Class: 2018
Height: 6’3/ Weight: 170 pounds
High School: Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, Virginia Beach VA
Personal: Rasir is the son of Ray and Chalonda Bolton. His father Ray is a former high school coach and highly regarded basketball clinician. He has had successful coaching stints at Carlisle, Petersburg, John Marshall and LC Bird high schools. Brother Resean Bolton was a 2014 graduate of Petersburg High School and played collegiately at Alderson-Broaddus University.
Athletic Achievements: Ranked among the top players in the 2018 class by every major publication…February 2016: Earned 1st team All Virginia Independent Conference.
Recruiting Update: OFFERS: Old Dominion, Hampton, VCU, Clemson, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Richmond, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, ECU, St. Joe’s, Penn. INTEREST: Pittsburgh, Texas, South Carolina, Yale, Princeton, Tulsa.
Notable performances: Led 2 schools in 2 years to the VISAA Division 2 State Final 4. Made his high school debut in November 2014 bursting onto the scene with a 25 point, 6 assist, 4 rebound effort against Elite Prep (NC) and followed that up with 21 pts, 7 ast, 5 stls vs New Hope Christian (NC)…As a Sophomore at Carlisle avg 22.8 ppg and 4.5 apg while shooting (49% FG, 48% 3FG and 87% FT), scored 31 points on 6-10 shooting from three point range, added 5 rebounds and 5 assists vs perennial national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy on December 8, 2015. That effort was part of a dominant three game stretch for the then sophomore who wore out opponents with a 32 point-per-game average that also included 37 and 28 points against perennial North Carolina prep powerhouses High Point Christian Academy (feat. Bam Adebayo, Kentucky; Ty Graves, Boston College; and ODU commit Michael Hueitt), and Mt. Zion Academy on back-to-back nights! He followed it up two days later with 21 of team’s 55 points in a win against GW Danville…
Bolton had a break-out summer! The point guard was efficient, effective and electric! The sophomore started every game for a Team Loaded (VA) 17U team that finished #9 Nationally with an overall record of 42-8; Adidas Gauntlet Runner-Up; Adidas Summer Finale Final 4; and ESPNU Showcase Game participant; Bolton led the ultra-talented Team Loaded roster in minutes played, PPG (13), APG (3), FG% (48%), 3FG% (49%), 3ptrs made and FT% (91%). His efforts were highlighted by a 33 point (7-11 three pointers) championship game victory over Team Felton feat. UNC commit Jaleek Felton in Myrtle Beach and an 18 point, 4 assist, 6 rebound performance in a 20 point come from behind victory over CP25 Southeast Elite (FL) feat. Chaundee Brown (Wake Forest commit) scoring all of his 18 points (11 pts straight) in the second half! The very next game Bolton scored 29 points, 6-9 FG, 3-4 3FG and 14-14 FTs in 2OT victory over Dream Vision (CA) in Adidas Summer Finale Elite 8. Bolton was his best when his team needed him the most.
The Rasir Bolton Highlight Collection
https://youtu.be/7v-ibKL4tIY– YAHOO! https://youtu.be/W864xUAfTMo – Soph Mixtape
https://youtu.be/sy3NeaLkuW8– MakePlayz
https://youtu.be/g1ATwjfnCxM – Hoops Column https://youtu.be/gPGD3Gi2dgA– Hoop Group
https://youtu.be/tQGv-GdBPI4– Rasir’s 1st 2 games as freshman at Millwood
https://youtu.be/sXX4SiR-l9g– Millwood Mid Season
https://youtu.be/fOZ5yyDNRcA – HPCA https://youtu.be/cV-zIcNIs2g – Oak Hill
https://youtu.be/VXW8LQ3rqjE – 3 Stripes Interview Adidas Finale
https://youtu.be/vy4TcUFln8g – Metro 60 Highlights
https://youtu.be/uBhY-YOjcCw – 33 pts vs Jaleek Felton Big Shots
https://youtu.be/JxwnqSTDxcg – 8th grade Varsity Highlights
What the scouts are saying
Rasir is a steady point guard who exudes toughness. He has good vision with a nice touch/range but most importantly, he wants the ball in his hands for the tough situations. – Jamie Shaw, Co owner and National Recruiting Analyst for Phenom Hoop Report
High School Coach Evaluation: Rasir Bolton’s preparation and approach to the game of basketball is what makes him an elite point guard. His countless hours of working out and his study of the game is one of the best I have seen since coaching Thon Maker (2016 #9 NBA Draft Pick). Rasir’s great personality makes it easy for him to get others to follow his lead on and off the court. Bolton did a good job this past AAU season for Team Loaded Virginia 17U getting everyone involved during games, while still being special with his talents. Don’t let the baby face fool you, the kid is as cold-blooded as it comes with the ball in his hands. – Michael Blackwell, Head Coach – Team Loaded Virginia 17U; Assistant Coach (State Champion) John Marshall High School
High School Coach Evaluation: Rasir is an extremely crafty and high scoring lead guard. He possesses all of the necessary tools to be a play making point guard on the High Major level. His range is limitless and his release is as quick as they come. Rasir has been very consistent during the course of his career because he continues to add to his game every year. He is a proven leader as evidenced by the success he has led multiple teams to achieve. Even more impressive, is that he is the epitome of the words “Student Athlete.” Rasir currently holds a 3.9 GPA and that combination of skill and intelligence is what makes him one of the best Point Guards in the country! – Coach Trey Mines, Head Coach H.D. Woodson High School; 33-0, USA Today #9 Nationally 2015-16
High School Coach Evaluation: Rasir is a highly talented, multi faceted player. In the brief time I have had to watch Rasir, it’s easy to see right away what all the buzz was/is about. There are so many dimensions to his game. He can run the pick and roll to create offense for himself or others with ease. He can drive and kick with the best of them to get others looks on the perimeter. He has the ball on a string when he’s attacking space and breaking down his defender. Offensively he is highly skilled in every way and still manages to be totally unselfish. Defensively he is long and knows how to use that length by getting multiple deflections constantly and break away steals that translate to instant offense. His IQ on both ends of the floor is clearly a level above most. A true floor general! His ability to lead a team is second to none. He puts teammates where they need to be in order to be successful. Rasir is a proven winner. Student athlete fits Rasir to a T! With a 3.9-4.0 gpa, his potential is limitless. He will continue to excel at every level as he continues to embark on what is most certainly going to be a productive career. – Coach Richard Barbosa, Head Coach Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School
Coach Frank say’s: Rasir is as complete a guard as anyone in Virginia and combines solid skills with elite athleticism and a high basketball IQ. He is in excellent physical conditioning as he plays a lot of minutes at a high level and competes on every possession, day in and day out. Always poised and confident, Rasir is a sharpshooter with excellent range and shot consistency. He has a quick release and gets great extension on his shot. He is a scoring threat from all levels and is an efficient scorer mixing in crafty, basket attacking moves and explosive quickness with a sound mid range game and a “don’t miss” floater. Is undeterred by contact. Rasir is a high volume scorer but also creates scoring opportunities for others. He has great vision and passing skills and the ability to read defenders and defenses and make the right pass. Delivers the ball to his scorers when and where they are a threat. Rasir changes speeds, attacks space aggressively, has an explosive first step and shifty, slicing attack dribbles to keep defenders on their heels. Rasir rebounds well and communicates defensively. He brings that same high motor intensity on the defensive end where he has a strong upper body and excellent footwork and lateral quickness, active hands. A lockdown on ball defender who wants to guard the opponents best player. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and just loves to compete!
Let’s meet one of the nations most highly coveted players, Bishop Sullivan PG Rasir Bolton
Q: Rasir we highlighted just a few of your magical moments on the basketball court earlier in the article but you’re also a high academic student! With such a rigorous basketball schedule with games and training, how do you manage your time between basketball and academics'
A: I manage my time with academics by finishing my work during the school day. I have a study hall class period and we have study hall as a team after school 2-3 times a week so it gives us more time to work on the court.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why'
A: Math is my favorite subject because I’m just naturally good with numbers and it comes easy to me
Q: You keep a busy basketball schedule and are applauded by coaches for your tireless work ethic. Playing year round be it in camps, actual games or in practice, the body has to take a beating yet you always answer the bell with productive performances on a consistent basis. What do you attribute your durability to'
A: Recovery, icing, stretching, drinking protein shakes and things like that to help refuel my body
Q: We highlighted a couple of your more notable performances earlier where you put together a string of 30+ point games both in high school and in AAU against highly regarded opponents. Can you recall what went through your mind during those stretches' I guess you can call it being in the zone, what is that feeling like'
A: To be a in a zone where you can’t miss is a great feeling for any player. When all your shots are falling it really boosts your confidence but the only thing going through my mind in those situations is just winning the game by any means necessary
Q: You obviously thrive on the opportunity to go against some of the other top players in the nation. Who have been some of your toughest individual matchups either in AAU or in high school'
A: Justice Kithcart , Matt Coleman and the Oak Hill guards but I’ve played lots of good guards it’s hard to name just a few
Q: You always seem composed, unemotional in your body language, workmanlike. Have you ever been in awe over a player you played with or against or an event you participated in'
A: I have respect for other players I play against but I’ve never been in awe of anyone I’ve been on the court with and I’m always grateful for being able to play in events and camps
Q: Can you name for us one or two players that really defended you well' Also who have been your hardest defensive assignments'
A: I’d say the hardest guys to guard are the ultra aggressive guards like an Eric Ayalew or a Matt Coleman and the teams who’ve really defended well against me would be the teams who have set up schemes against me
Q: You recently visited Clemson and left with an offer. You also left with a good feeling about the staff and the campus and told the Clemson Insider you have always been interested in Clemson. What made this particular visit so special for you'
A: Clemson is a great school, the coaches made me feel like I was family and the atmosphere was pretty amazing.
Q: Have you decided yet what you might major in when you get to college'
A: Not anything specific but definitely something in the field of business and heavy on the math
Q: I think you got your first offer from Hampton University during your freshman year. What are you looking for in a college and what factors will be key in your decision making when you do commit'
A: A home feeling! Somewhere where I could see myself for 4 years, where I can improve on and off the court and where I can come in and make an immediate impact
Q: What are some areas of your game you are concentrating on at this time where you feel like you have most room for improvement'
A: Getting better as a leader always, working on decision making, becoming more efficient and dominating the game on the defensive end
Q: You obviously have a natural feel for the point guard position, the result of great training and preparation. What advice would you give to young players who desire to play the point guard position and what would you suggest would be their most important skill'
A: The most important skill of a point guard to me is being a leader vocally and by example and being able to get guys to play with you. If you can get your team to listen and believe whatever you say anything is possible
Q: How does Rasir Bolton spend his time away from basketball and school' What hobbies do you enjoy'
A: I listen to music a lot , I like to draw and when I’m off the court I usually go with my boys and play pick up at the park or play 1on1
Quick hitters with Rasir Bolton
Q: Is there a player in college or the NBA that you pattern your game after'
A: I’d say I model my game after Damian Lillard , he’s an efficient scorer and leader and when it’s time to win the game he’s always going to come through for the team
Q: Who is your favorite athlete, any sport and why'
A: My favorite athlete would be Michael Phelps because he’s simply the greatest winner of all time
Q: Who is your favorite figure in American history and why'
A: My favorite American figure would be Harriet Tubman because she was courageous enough to risk her life to find a route to free her brothers and sisters and gave everyone hope
Q: If you could have lunch with one person, who would it be and what would be your topic of discussion'
A: The owner of the Oakland Raiders (late Al Davis) and talk about how happy I am with the team and how great the season is going
Q: If you could change a basketball rule, what rule would you change and why'
A: Carry, because I’ll hit somebody with a crossover and the ref will call a carry and mess up the play
Q: What is your favorite food and place to eat'
A: Cheeseburgers and my favorite place to eat is TGI Fridays
Q: Whatt is your favorite movie and favorite actor or actress'
A: My favorite movies would be Semi-Pro and Step Brothers and my favorite actor is Denzel Washington
Q: If you weren’t playing basketball, what sport would you be playing and what position'
A: If I wasn’t playing basketball I’d probably play football, either a quarterback or wide receiver
Q: Do you have a pre game ritual, if so what'
A: Before every game I have to take a nap and then I put in my headphones and listen to music but the nap is very important
Q: What is Rasir Bolton going to bring to a school at the next level'
A: I will bring leadership and toughness. I will bring competition everyday on the court and a winning mentality.
Thank you for taking time out to bring our readers up close and personal and we look forward to seeing you at the Phenom National Showcase in two weeks! We wish you all the best Rasir!