Prospect Spotlight: Jordyn Beard (2021)
Hugoton 2021 Jordyn Beard is among the state’s top rising junior forward prospects and after a solid sophomore season, she is poised for a breakout season in 2019-20. A physical 6’1 post player, Beard brings a high defensive basketball IQ,…
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Continue ReadingHugoton 2021 Jordyn Beard is among the state’s top rising junior forward prospects and after a solid sophomore season, she is poised for a breakout season in 2019-20.
A physical 6’1 post player, Beard brings a high defensive basketball IQ, can rebound, block shots and score around the basket. She averaged 12.2 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.4 blocked shots per game a year ago before an ankle injury ended her season early with three games remaining.. She says she is still looking to improve her all-around offensive game, but can shoot from 12-15 feet well for a player her size.
“I am still very limited offensively in regards to my back to the basket game, but I have a consistent mid-range jump shot that stretches out to about 12-15 feet and I run the floor well for someone my size,” Beard says.
After going 7-14 overall with a young team last season, Hugoton has high expectations in 2019-20 as several key players return for the Eagles.
“We were very young and inexperienced, starting games with three sophomores, a freshman, and a senior for most of the season,” Beard says. “Our season ended with a first-round loss to Larned in sub-state.
“My expectations for this upcoming season, I believe we will be a pretty strong team: although young. I am really looking forward to a new chance at getting to chase a state title. My personal goal for this season is just to stay healthy and be able to help my team through the entire season.”
Beard is coming off a strong offseason running with Wheat State Elite, an elite travel team coached by Dana Crain.
“Playing with other talented players and gaining national level exposure allowed me to develop parts of my game that will help me going into my junior season,” she says. “I have been working hard on improving my back to the basket post game, and finding ways to increase my offensive IQ in a fast pace setting.”
A fan of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team and the late Pat Summit, Beard says she appreciates the Lady Vols toughness and style of play.
“Defensive communication and knowing where everyone should be defensively are the things that I learned the most from watching UT,” she said.
Beard has drawn interest from several college programs, ranging from Division I to NAIA but does not yet hold an offer.
“I believe things will pick up as my junior season kicks off, but I am not focused on picking a school to attend at this moment,” she said. “My primary goal is to stay healthy and help my high school team compete for a chance at a state title.”