2019 Stock Riser Jaylen Townsend: Player Profile

<em>Photo courtesy of the Edwardsville Intelligencer</em> &nbsp; As we approach the season I am continuing to profile some of the top talent in Southern Illinois. One of the most exciting players for me to talk about wasn't on our initials rankings for the class and now sits at #31 going into the season based on her strong Spring/Summer sessions. Edwardsville guard <strong>Jaylen Townsend</strong> is 5'8 and very much an all around team player. In fact when asked what her best skill is Jaylen feels it is that versatility that is her strength. Whatever the teams needs she will do was her answer. Jaylen has shown that she is more than the role player that everyone has seen the last two years. She has patiently waited her turn while showing herself as a shut down defender and excellent rebounder while playing behind some stars for the Tigers. At the college level she can be that same player and be that glue player that everyone needs. But, during the AAU season she consistently led Blue Star Silvey in scoring with many games of 15 or more points. Jaylen has shown a good shooting touch from long distance and the mid range. I look for her to make a strong statement during her senior season at Edwardsville. During the spring and summer in addition to working on improving all aspects of her game Jaylen played good competition with the Blue Star Silvey team. In June the EHS team really worked together to prepare for a season that will require replacing 3 starters and a high percentage of their scoring and rebounding. Coach Blade has had the pleasure of having returning leaders and top scorers over the past few years. This year will be different as Jaylen and the other Tigers will not only need to replace the production lost, but just as importantly that leadership on and off the court. Jaylen has been a part of two straight trips to Redbird arena for the state finals and lists a third trip as a goal for this year. The Tigers have not been able to seal the deal on a State title in those trips and Jaylen would love another chance at it in her final season. She mentioned one of her favorite basketball trips in her life was the final AAU tourney with the Blue Star Silvey team this July. The trip to Atlanta was memorable as they made the championship game, but also just because it was their last event together. Jaylen is unsure of her college plans yet. She will definitely play in college but at this point is waiting on more offers to come and also to decide on her major. She really enjoys Literature and writing in high school but until she decides on her direction she isn't making any college decisions. She is focused on finding the right fit academically in addition to a good fit for basketball. Because of her versatility and willingness to be a team player, she can fit just about anywhere, so that is less of a concern. Jaylen is a very hard working respectful young lady that I look forward to watching during her senior season. I expect her to do her best to keep Edwardsville at the top of the conference and help them make another strong playoff run. No matter what that takes from her, she will give it 100%.