New York City’s uncontested best high-school baller is ready for the next step.
Thomas Jefferson’s Shamorie Ponds is embracing his commitment to St. John’s, and he’s starting to show it. The guard’s on-court prowess is no secret — Entertainment and Sports Programming Network named him the nation’s No. 36 recruit, and he’s averaging 28.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Ponds netted a game-high 29 points to help the Orange Wave beat powerhouse Christ the King 68–65 on Feb. 6.
But his post-game demeanor speaks volumes about how he’ll handle playing at the next level. Fans mobbed him after the win over Christ the King, taking pictures and asking for him to sign autographs. He took it all in stride.
“It’s fun, but it could be annoying sometimes, but I just do it,” Ponds said.
Ponds understands what he’s become around New York City. He is willing to handle the responsibly that comes with being the face of high-school basketball in the five boroughs and the face of St. John’s No. 17-ranked recruiting class.
That group recently added German sharpshooter Richard Freudenberg to go along with former Kennedy guard Bashir Ahmed, partial qualifier Marcus LoVett Jr. and Tennessee transfer Tariq Owens — all people Ponds is excited to share the court with.
“That’s some good additions,” Ponds said. “I feel we are going to have a good shot next year.”
