Rockford’s Jake Bascom is becoming a matchup nightmare

Rockford’s Jake Bascom puts up a shot against Lake Orion at the BCAM Reaching Higher team camp at Grand Valley State on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

ALLENDALE, Mich. -Jake Bascom drove to the basket, did a spin move into the paint and went up for a hook shot, and drained it.

It seemed like everything was going in to the basket for the Rockford High School junior on Saturday at the BCAM Reaching Higher team camp at Grand Valley State.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound forward is a matchup nightmare. He can shoot, post up and even brought the ball up the court a few times on Saturday.

“Since last season, he's really improved his post play,” Rockford coach Kyle Clough said. “When he finds a matchup we like, he's able to put pressure on the defense both on the perimeter, and now finish at a really high level around the rim.”

Bascom said he needs to work on his shooting, too.

“I think I can work on my shooting a little more,” he said. “You can always improve on that. Also, my dribbling. I figure if I can work on that more, I feel like I can open up more options.”

Bascom started on varsity last season as a sophomore and averaged 12.5 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Rams, who won the O-K Red Conference. He also was First Team All-Conference. 

“He's also an incredibly unselfish player,” Clough said. “Sometimes too unselfish. But he doesn't care about getting credit, or how much he scores. He's truly just all about winning and that makes coaching him pretty easy."

This season will be special for Bascom. He gets to play with his little brother, Josh, who is entering his freshman year and will play on varsity.

“Its awesome,” Jake said. “I love it so much. It’s fun to share the court with him.”

Bascom got his first college offer last month from Ferris State University.

On Saturday and Sunday, a lot more coaches may have gotten to see how much Bascom has improved.

“It’s a little bit of pressure, but I love it,” Bascom said of playing in front of so many college coaches.

Click here to watch some highlights from Rockford’s game against Lake Orion on Saturdray.

Rockford’s Josh and Jake Bascom during a team camp at Grand Valley State on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).