An Interview With Jessica Washington of Jenks

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By Lynn Jacobsen

One of the state’s highest profile girls’ basketball players is junior Jessica Washington. The 5-9 point guard leads 13-2 Jenks in points scored (286), scoring average (19.1), assists (2.7) and steals (2.6). ESPNHoopGurlz ranks Washington as the 18^th overall prospect and third best point guard in the 2013 graduating class.

She has drawn offers from schools around the country including power conferences like the Big 12, SEC, ACC and the Pac-12.

Washington spoke with VypeUniversity.com about recruiting following the Lady Trojans’ win over East Central in the semifinals of the Union-Jenks Invitational.

VypeU: If pressed today, could you name your top 3-5 schools? Or is it way too early in the process?

Washington: Right now, I’m keeping my options open. There’s definitely a lot of schools coming in to watch and that’s always a good thing.

VypeU: Are you enjoying the recruiting thing, or is it a hassle?

Washington: I think it’s kind of fun. It pushes me to get better every day. That way, I keep these options going.

VypeU: Is it kind of an in-the-moment thing, meaning whoever is in Jenks on that particular day, is who you like?

Washington: It does go like that. They are telling you all the great things about their school. It’s easy to get caught up in that. I still have a lot of schools on my mind.

VypeU: Have you taken any unofficial or official visits?

Washington: I’ve taken some unofficial visits, no official visits. I’ve been to Notre Dame, OU, OSU, TU.

VypeU: What do you like best about recruiting?

Washington: Getting to know the coaches and learning about their programs.

VypeU: What do you like least about recruiting?

Washington: There’s not really anything I like least about it. There is a whole bunch of letters that come in every single day.

VypeU: What advice would you offer to others about the recruiting process?

Washington: Keep improving and not get satisfied whenever somebody is on you.

VypeU: How long does it take you to go through mail?

Washington: You wouldn’t want to know. It’s crazy. The mailbox is full every day. I’m sure our mailman is tired of it.

VypeU: You are catholic, correct?

Washington: Yes, I’m catholic.

VypeU: Does that give Notre Dame an edge in recruiting?

Washington: For my family, maybe. I’m sure they would love for me to go there. It’s a good school.

VypeU: Who is your favorite athlete?

Washington: Kobe Bryant, no question.

VypeU: Who is your favorite female athlete?

Washington: I really like Skylar Diggins.