Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Lancaster, PA (Future150) -- Lancaster J.P. McCaskey High School (PA) senior swingman Devonne Pinkard is no stranger to being seen as a basketball star in the city of Lancaster.
Entering his season season, he is already highly regarded in south central Pennsylvania. However, the area not exactly a hoops hotbed.
That hasn't stopped the 6'7", 185-pound shooting guard/small forward from displaying his all-around talents to people in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
As a junior, he helped lead McCaskey to a Lancaster-Lebanon League championship title. Along the way, he was picked as an L-L League News Section 1 All-Star and All-League pick.
He also helped lead the Red Tornado to a 22-8 record, where they ended their season in an opening round loss to eventual state champion Chester in the first round of the AAAA Pennsylvania state playoffs.
He averaged 16 points and eight rebounds along the way, and his statistics and lengthy, skilled frame has caught the attention of several college programs.
"East Carolina, UMBC, LIU-Brooklyn, Stony Brook, Delaware, New Hampshire, Wagner, Quinnipiac, Longwood, Radford, Citadel, and Niagara have all offered", he told Future150.
However, several schools are also showing strong interest, including Drexel, Towson, Tulane, Northeastern, and Duquesne.
As he enters his last season playing high school basketball in Pennsylvania, he has several goals he would like to accomplish.
"As a team, I want to win all four championships; our Christmas tournament, our league, our district, and the AAAA state championship."
"Individually, I just want to play my game and become a better leader. I know my shots will always be there. Now, I just want to win."
When it comes to how he thinks he stacks up against some of the best players in the state, he believes his diverse skill-set puts him at the top of the list.
"Rondae Jefferson from Chester and Brandon Austin from Imhotep Charter are two good players, but I do feel I have the best offensive game though, just because I'm able to shoot from anywhere and I can put the ball on the floor, get to the hoop, or find my teammates."
While the Chester Clippers will without a doubt start the high school season as unanimous favorites to win their third consecutive state title, Devonne Pinkard is ready for his share of the spotlight.
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