June 1, 2011
The Hamptons are located in the far east end of Long Island, New York. These townships have some of the most-expensive residential properties in the United States with three in the Top 10 most expensive ZIP codes. As a result, the Connecticut Huskies who won the NCAA title need only to take a simple ferry ride to reach the Hamptons for a well-deserved luxurious vacation.
However, this article is not about a team that finished the Big East season in ninth place and won both the conference and NCAA titles, but rather it is about the Sheldon Huskies and their up and coming 2013 combination guard, Armani Hampton. The Huskies finished this past season 24-8 with a second consecutive SJS title. The Huskies lose Darius Nelson and Ramon Eaton to matriculation but will have a chance to win a third straight SJS title if they go to this Hampton.
At 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds, Hampton is a finesse player with the ability to get to the paint where he can pass to the open teammate. In addition, he has a deadly killer crossover to stymie his defender and has an accurate three point shot. He compares his game to former Arizona State Sun Devil James Harden because he scores when his team needs the offense and he is able to hit the big shots.
"Armani's strengths are that he is a hard working athlete, is probably our best 3 point shooter, and is a good pull-up mid range shooter. He is getting better every day with confidence. He is also a very good defensive player and prides himself on it," said Sheldon High Coach Joey Rollings. "On the court, Armani wants to win and isn't scared to take the game winning shot. He gets after every loose ball and is not scared to mess it up with the big boys down low. He is a 'yes sir coach' kind of guy, never complains, and does what you tell him. He plays hard and wants to win."
During this summer, Hampton is playing with both of his Play Hard Play Smart 16U and 17U club teams to work on his game. The 17U team is mostly comprised of 2013 prospects and has played some tough competition with above-average results. In addition, Hampton will be training with Ron Nelson, former Duke Blue Devil Demarcus Nelson's father, to work on his ball handling and shooting technique while using any spare time on weight training.
Hampton has been playing basketball since kindergarten. He was at Pleasant Grove for his freshman year before transferring to Sheldon this past season. In middle school, Hampton played for his club team Beyond Basketball that included current Huskies Dakarai Allen and D'erryl Williams and former Franklin High prospect Ikenna Iroegbu.
Coach Rollings believes Hampton has a future playing in college. "I think low to mid major once he gets a little stronger and quicker," said Rollings. "He is lifting weights all summer and getting results. So, if he works hard, I think that he could be a great shooting guard that can consistently knock down the three point shot. Armani is about a 3.5 GPA student that takes school very seriously. Mediocre is not in his vocabulary on or off the court. He strives to be the best at both. I just wanted to say that he is a great kid that works very hard and listens to what you tell him. And it is fun coaching him and his friends because they will do what it takes to win as they are already putting many hours a day in the gym and on the court. He could be one of the top 3 point shooters in our league and city next year. I am looking for big things from him."
Hampton considers English his best subject as he would like to major in Communications or Marketing. He wants to attend a program with nice weather, strong academics, and plays the run and gun style of basketball. The Portland Pilots have flown in to see him play. Hampton plans to attend their elite camp and visit the campus. He is interested in several west coast schools but will not limit his recruiting to the PST time zone. He expects to have a big summer with PHPS to increase his recruiting exposure.
His team goal is to win another SJS title while making a run at state. He wants to average a double double and make the all league team. During his free time, he likes to cook and considers himself a five star chef.
If the Huskies expect to have some home cooking, then they will need to fill the shoes of the previously mentioned Nelson and Eaton. In order for them to do that, the Huskies will have to go to the Hampton. Expect a five star performance from Armani for Sheldon in Sacramento.
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