"No Entry Zone: Lockdown Defense and a Trigger from Deep"

Jakyree Vanlier

@JakyreeVan71483

5’11, 170lbs, Class of 2028

Eastern HS, KY

Jakyree brings an intensity to the court that few can match. He’s a fierce competitor known for his tenacity, up-close defense, and a shooting touch that punishes defenders who give him even a sliver of space. Jakyree doesn’t just guard, he devours assignments, taking pride in locking down top-tier talent and making them work for every inch. His defensive pressure is relentless, his physicality is fearless, and his confidence on the perimeter makes him a dual threat on both ends. What separates Jakyree is his ability to completely take over a defensive possession while remaining a lights-out shooter on the other end. Coaches can expect a high-energy guard who thrives on matchups, brings toughness to every play, and refuses to back down from any challenge.

This past season, Jakyree made major strides in his offensive game, transforming his outside shooting into a true weapon while continuing to anchor his team’s defense. Beating powerhouse St. Xavier High School was the most impactful moment of his season, proof that with grit, effort, and belief, anything is possible. Now, his offseason focus is locked in on sharpening his finishing at the rim and improving his playmaking vision to become even more versatile. He’s also working on avoiding early foul trouble, knowing that staying on the floor means staying in the fight. Jakyree is fired up to compete in the Body Armor Memorial Day Classic and has his sights set on the KABC Titans Shootout, where he plans to show out and make his presence felt.

When facing adversity, Jakyree relies on his coach's wisdom: "So what? So what if you miss a shot? Get back. So what if you get scored on? Get back." That fuels his resilience and keeps him locked in. The best coaching advice he’s ever received is, “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” That message is what he lives by, showing up every day ready to grind, learn, and elevate his game.

I assess that Jakyree is a defensive force with elite shooting upside. His ability to clamp down on top scorers while spacing the floor offensively gives him serious value in any system. With continued development in his playmaking and finishing, he projects as a complete guard who can impact both ends at a high level.

Expect Jakyree to keep rising. He’s already proven he can shut down top competition and deliver from deep when it counts. As he becomes more polished with the ball and continues to develop his all-around game, his potential to become a cornerstone player is clear. He’s built to battle and built to win. Stay tuned.