Desert Vista High School's 6-foot-11 junior post Steele Bennett did not have a good junior season for himself, but he has picked up his play this spring while traveling with his club program on the spring circuit.
As a result of his play of late and his potential for the future, Bennett has received an offer from a program in the Big Sky Conference, as Montana State University has extended a scholarship offer to Bennett.
Bennett has the size and potential to receive many more scholarship offers this club season. How much recruiting interest he attracts will solely depend on how much he wants it.
While Bennett was thought by our staff early to develop into a big-time recruiting target for division-I programs, he has not developed at the level that we thought he would have by this point, but now he seems to have found a new vigor in his approach to the game. If Bennett can play with more intensity and develop a better sense of urgency on the basketball court, he will see his recruitment begin to soar this club season. But it will continue to depend on how much he loves it.
Bennett is a member of the Mormon faith, so it will be very interesting to see where he lands for college. It is still very unclear as to whether he will take a Mormon mission after he graduates next spring.
Bennett helped lead his Factory program to a local tournament championship this past weekend in the Bash in the Desert. Bennett also played well throughout the spring evaluation period.
I will continue to follow the progress and recruitment of Bennett throughought the spring and summer, and bring you updates as they continue to develop for Bennett.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Bennett is a very big post prospect with excellent size for the college level. Standing 6-11 in heigth, there are not many players around his size. Bennett has a solid overall skill level, but does not play inspired basketball at this point and needs to get much quicker in his moves and explosion off the ground. He does though have a soft touch from the perimeter and a solid jump hook in the post, but he still needs to refine his overall post moves to become a much more effective scorer around the low block. Needs to be much more assertive in his approach to the game to reach his full potential as a player. A solid rebounder that keeps balls in play and is a solid finisher around the basket, but more explosion off the ground will help him immensely over time to finish around the basket. Runs the floor well. OK athlete. Solid low-post defender. Has some upside.
