WEST PALM BEACH – His football teammates and coaches see this.
His basketball teammates and coaches know this.
And opponents in both sports have experienced this.
Jalen Jeter represents a model of consistency and excellence, regardless of any game’s outcome. The Forest Hill junior’s respect for all things around him is greatly appreciated in more ways than one.
Despite the fact that Forest Hill dropped a 80-59 decision to Seminole (Sanford) in the Class 7A State Final Four on March 6, Jeter did his best to put a positive spin on it. He scored 15 points and added four rebounds in Forest Hill’s final game of the season.
“The atmosphere was live and the competition was next level,” Jeter said. “But we didn’t come prepared and ready to play.”
The Forest Hill Falcons ended their best boys basketball campaign ever with a 28-3 record.
“It was a great season,” said Jeter, who is the Falcons primary point guard and team leader. “It feels great because ever since my freshman year, we’ve taken a step closer to our goal, which was states. Even though we didn’t win, we made history and put Forest Hill on the map. I’m just mad we couldn’t get the job done.”
Jeter (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) is a true leader on the court, as well as on the football field.
“He’s a great kid,” Forest Hill football offensive coordinator Jim Basford said. “He always has a smile on his face. All of his teachers enjoy him. On the field and on the court, he’s explosive and super confident in his ability. He is a difference maker.”
For his junior football season, Jeter had 1,736 total yards and accounted for 19 total touchdowns (running and passing) in 10 games played. His best game arguably came in Week 1 against Santaluces, which turned out to be a 40-32 comeback win for Forest Hill.
In the season-opener against the Chiefs, Jeter had 17 carries for 132 yards and three touchdowns. He was also 9-of-14 passing for 104 yards and one touchdown.
“He carried us in the second half,” Basford said. “A few backs went down to injury, and he just made play after play. With him on the field, he always gives us a chance to win. With the ball in his hand, he always has a chance to make a big play.”
Jeter, who is currently ranked as our No. 4 athlete and No. 15 overall player in Palm Beach County, offered his take on how this past football season went at Forest Hill.
“To be honest, it was better than I thought it was going to be,” Jeter said. “Before we had our first game against Santaluces, I had some doubts. But seeing how hard my team worked over the summer and how late my coach put this team together, it made me want to step up and lead this team. So this past season meant a lot to me because it really showed and brought out my leadership.”
At the moment, Jeter has no offers on the table. But he expects his predicament to change for the better over time.
“It’s okay because I’m gonna make sure they have no choice but to give me a offer this year,” Jeter said. “I expect nothing but high level performances and nothing less.”
Basford anticipates continual greatness from Jeter.
“I am really excited to see him elevate his game even further this year,” Basford said.
Jeter is appreciative of his coaches giving him the chance to excel in both sports.
“I want to thank my coaches for believing in me,” Jeter said.
PHOTO CREDITS: Gene Nardi and Morgan Waters
