CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Sports editor
A 14-year old Camden native recently turned heads during a camp in Dallas.
According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Sylvan Hills guard Jalen Nettles, 6-3, 155, created a “buzz” at the Nationally Ranked Freshman/Sophomore Pangos Basketball Camp in Dallas.
Nettles is the grandson of the late Charles and Gladys Nettles and the son of Nick and Wanquita Nettles.
Jalen spent the early years of his life in Camden before moving to Little Rock about 10 years ago.
“No matter how far he goes, he is still from Camden,” Nick said regarding his son.
While Nettles landed in the top 60, there were some who felt he should’ve ended up in the top 30 with his performance during the camp.
Prep Hoops Texas writes that Nettles was “one of the most intriguing prospects at the camp with great size for the lead guard position.” Basketball Channel analyst, Van Coleman who is in his 40th year of scouting High School Prospects stated that Nettles ‘is young with a big upside and he is one that the bigger schools should go out and take a look at. Athletically and skill wise, he really impressed”.
Nettles attended the camp with Jonesboro freshman guard Jesse Washington, 6-0, 160.
Washington and Nettles played summer and spring basketball for the 14-under Joe Johnson Arkansas Hawks.
Nettles is set to join the varsity squad as a ninth grader at Sylvan Hills.