Reece Rodriguez (Class of 2024) of Hendersonville High School in North Carolina, Gavin Pearce (Class of 2025) of Daniel Boone High School, Grey, TN, and Caleb Eaves (Class of 2026) of David Crockett High School, Jonesboro, TN participated in the Johnson University Elite Camp on October 21. Head Coach Logan Sharp is looking to lead the Royals towards a conference championship as he begins his career as the new Head Coach of the Johnson University Royals.
Reece Rodriguez had a very productive camp as he continuously found teammates open for easy baskets (which he is VERY good at), as well as guarding his guy all over the floor. Reece also showed his ability to score from all levels and was able to get into the paint at will. With the ability to score and keep his teammates involved at the same time, Reece was certainly a major factor throughout the camp. Reece showed his teammates, on more than one occasion, “if you get open….I will get you the ball” as he showed his game to be that of a true point guard! To say that Reece improved his status and raise his stock is an understatement, as Coach Sharp told me that Reece was VERY solid all day long and played very well. Reece is planning on going back to catch the Royals in action very soon!
Gavin Pearce, Class of 2025, also made a name for himself as he displayed his game during the camp. Gavin continually made plays on both ends of the floor and displayed a deadly shooting touch beyond the arc. Gavin’s hustle and willingness to do whatever the moment called for was noticeable every time he stepped on the floor to compete. The attention to detail, especially in some of the smaller things, like boxing out, being in the passing lane, and being one the main guys that showed true joy when his teammates did well (all HUGE things that leads to WINS), as it caught the attention of his teammates and coaches! Gavin is also planning on going visit the Royals program and catching a game soon.
Although Caleb Eaves, Class of 2026, was one of the younger hoopers there, he definitely didn’t let that keep him from being an impact when on the floor. Caleb’s ability to get out and run the open floor and being to able to finish was displayed often. Caleb continually showed the ability to score in a variety of ways, from pull up jumpers, drives to the rim, and also being a facilitator with assists and steals. Caleb proved to be a pivotal player for his team as he contributed in multiple ways and was always seen to be playing with a smile on his face. The desire to compete and do whatever he could do to help his team win was evident form the moment the games started, along with the way Caleb attacked the drills and worked hard to improve each and every time he participated!
All 3 GameDay recruits did very well and definitely turned some heads Saturday and we can’t wait to see how this productive day improves their game and recruitment going forward! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU GUYS!
After speaking with Coach Sharp, I was very pleased to find out that he was very complimentary of our GameDay hoopers. Coach Sharp is excited for the season to begin, as he wants to showcase the new facilities in the basketball program and is expecting to have a really good season and compete for the title! One thing that Coach Sharp wants to expand on is to recruit at a high level, especially in the local areas, and fill up the Graham Center to capacity! Athletic Director and former coach of the Royals program, Brandon Perry, feels like that he has hit a home run hire and is very excited about the vision and direction that Coach Sharp has for the program. As Coach Perry said recently in an interview, “it was very difficult to step away from coaching at Johnson University, but after interviewing Coach Sharp, I knew instantly that I had found the right man for the job and made the transition easier for me to step away and hand the reins over.”
