The top available prospect in the state of Arizona's 2014 class was Westview High School's unsigned 6-foot-5 graduated senior forward Isaiah Bellamy. After graduating from Westview High School this spring, Bellamy went into the summer still unsigned. While still considering his options for college, Bellamy competed again on the club circuit in an attempt to find a college home.
This summer, Bellamy played his best basketball of his young career - helping lead his Arizona Magic Elite 17U team to several strong tournament finishes in July, including an Elite 8 finish in the Las Vegas Fab 48 - an event in which his team knocked off the #1 ranked New Jersey Playaz, Nike's top team after winning the 2014 Nike Peach Jam. Bellamy was instrumental in that victory, as he made several big shots and played strong on both ends for his team.
This week, Bellamy decided to continue his quest for a division-I scholarship - accepting a scholarship offer to play for Westwind Prep's post-graduate team this fall. Head coach and Director of Operations, Jai Steadman, watched Bellamy perform this July and was very impressed with Bellamy's ability and body for the collegiate level. This fall, Bellamy will suit up for Westwind and compete against other top-rated prep programs nationally, and also local junior college programs.
Bellamy had received serious recruitment and offers from numerous division-II college programs, but decided to head to Westwind for an opportunity to develop into a division-I prospect.
Bellamy averaged 14.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per/game this season for Westview HS, while leading the team to a 22-7 overall record on the season.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Bellamy is a strong, well-built athlete with a very good knack for the basketball and excellent toughness. He has very good athleticism, especially after two past knee injuries that hurt his progress as a player. Once regarded as the top prospect in Arizona's 2015 class as a youngster, Bellamy has had to adjust his game over the years, but has developed into a very good small forward prospect with a good overall skill level. A good scorer with an ability to score inside and outside. At his best in the post, where he is able to overpower weaker defenders or from mid-range where he is a good shooter and finisher around the basket. A streaky three-point shooter still, and needs to add consistency to raise his overall play. A solid ball handler and passer, but still needs to see the floor better. Strong rebounder and finisher. Capable shotblocker.
Recruiting Notes: Peoria High School's 6-foot unsigned senior guard Brody Sharkey will also play for Westwind Prep's post-graduate team this fall. Sharkey also went unsigned after graduating this spring, and has decided to develop his skills with another year before heading the college route. This decision should benefit him nicely as he prepares for the college level.
Sharkey is among the best pure individual talents in Arizona’s 2014 class. While being a lesser known recruiting target, the athletically gifted guard prospect is a nice talent for a smaller college program. He is a big-time scorer with excellent energy and bounce on the floor. He has a nice handle of the basketball and a good shooting stroke off the dribble – capable of scoring the basketball at a high rate. While his shot selection can be questionable at times, he has really developed in this area of his game. As he continues to develop his ability to make plays for others, and make players around him better, he will see his overall game develop as well. Sharkey has the potential to become an excellent defender – possessing excellent quickness and quick hands. While he is a strong defender now, he has the potential to become a lock-down defender over time.
