"Feel the Fire: The Underdog with Unshakable Drive"

Jermaine Ward

@therealjay366

IG: @thereal.jay366

5’10, 145lbs, Class of 2027

Tenor HS, WI

Jermaine is a fearless finisher and relentless playmaker with a nonstop motor. His attacking style puts pressure on defenses from the tip, and he thrives when he's creating for teammates or driving hard to the rim. Tough, vocal, and team-first, he brings intensity and emotion to every game. Jermaine energizes the floor with his presence, his drive to win and elevate his squad separates him from the pack. He’s a spark who takes pride in his leadership and knows how to rally a group when it matters most.

He averaged 10 points, 4–5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game this past season while helping guide Tenor, a small school with a big heart, all the way to the Wisconsin state playoffs. That run, full of adversity, proved that Jermaine is built for moments where toughness counts. His biggest improvements were his finishing ability, confidence, and decision-making. Now he’s spending the offseason working on his body, tightening his ball-handling, and becoming a consistent threat from beyond the arc. His goal isn’t just to improve but to dominate and bring more respect to his school and his game.

Jermaine has AAU battles ahead this July, including a big event in Indiana where he’s locked in to prove he belongs among the best. His goals are to get his name out there, take on elite competition, and show out with his teammates. He’s especially fired up when his squad is moving as one and he’s able to get downhill and finish at the rim. With more confidence and work, his impact is only growing.

He handles adversity by thinking before reacting and leaning on his team to make the best decision. The best advice he’s ever received is, "Defend harder than anyone in the gym, and never stop working."

Off the court, Jermaine keeps his circle small and his focus tighter. When he’s not in school or grinding at his job with Interstate Parking, he’s back in the gym getting reps in. Then he goes home, rests, and does it all again. That daily discipline speaks volumes about his hunger and heart.

I assess that Jermaine’s explosiveness, heart, and leadership make him a strong backcourt weapon with serious potential. His mindset and motor give coaches a trustworthy player who will do whatever it takes to help the team win, whether that’s locking down on defense or putting pressure on the rim.

Jermaine is a gritty guard on a mission. He’s ready to put his name on the map this AAU season and take another step when school ball returns. With his toughness, unselfishness, and drive to improve, expect a breakout year from one of Wisconsin’s fiercest underdogs. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.