Jake Dallas, York Catholic star discusses life in York, All-State campaign and outlook heading into the last chapter
When did you first start playing basketball?
"I first started playing basketball when I was about six years old. At this point I was in kindergarten, and did not truly know what was going on, but I have always enjoyed playing the game. I didn’t really start to work hard at my craft until I was in seventh grade, which is when I finally knew that basketball was supposed to be my main sport."
Can you describe your game from the skill standpoint?
"I would say that I am an extremely hardworking player that is a great leader. Both vocally and by example who can score the ball from all three levels. I can get to my spots either off of the catch, or off the dribble. Whether it be a mid-range pull up, a finish at the rim, or a three. However, my biggest strengths are definitely my high basketball IQ and my shooting ability from the perimeter."
How was life growing up in York?
"Life in York has been great for me. I have attended private school my whole life, and I have really valued the life lessons I have learned throughout the years. I have been blessed to attend a school with such a rich basketball history like York Catholic because I have been able to learn many lessons from all of the great players, and coaches that came before me. Also, I love the way that the community has been so supportive of me, and the rest of the YAIAA athletes. It seems as though there are always tons of people attending County playoff games for every sport to support us student athletes. It is very nice to have that feeling of support to back us."
How was your junior season?
"Team wise we went 12-13 playing a very tough schedule. Although, our record may not be the greatest, this year was definitely a success for us as a collective group after coming off of a season where we lost 5 key seniors. With only one senior on the roster, we qualified for Districts, and even won the first round game at home. Then we ran into a tough matchup against Trinity in the semifinals. We would go on to lose to Delone Catholic in a tight contest in the third place game, ending our season. However, this was a great season as our younger players were able to receive a ton of experience, and should be ready for a deep playoff run this coming season."
"From an individual standpoint," Dallas said. "I had an amazing season, and this season far surpassed my expectations. I averaged 23.0 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game, and also made 60 three pointers over the course of the season. Along with this, I was blessed to have reached a personal accolade, and dream of mine when I scored 36 points against York Tech to score my 1000th career point. Not only that, but I was selected as First-Team all YAIAA, and Second-Team All State as well. As a little kid I never would have thought I could have achieved all of this, yet here I am today. Super grateful for such a great high school career so far."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
"I pride myself in working hard, and it is rare that you will not see me getting shots up or lifting. I try to lift a few times each week, so that I continue to build strength, and prepare my body for the collegiate level. I lift with S3 Performance Training usually twice a week, and then I will do some more lifting on my own during the week as well. From a basketball standpoint, I usually get at least 2 to 3 skill workouts in a day along with attending school. I spend a lot of time honing in on my jumpshot, and I am always working to extend my range well beyond the college 3-point line. I work a lot with Sam Sutton with his program, Sam Sutton’s Skills Academy. He has been training me since about sixth grade, and he is the one who has taught me how to shoot. He has also really helped to develop my game to the level that it is at right now, and I could not have achieved everything that I have without his help. I also train with Dave Lydner of Endless Work as well. He often helps to add different moves in my bag to help me to continue to get to my spots as it becomes increasingly harder the older I get. All in all, all of the people that help to train me have continuously backed me throughout this journey. I am very grateful for each and every one of them."
Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
"Currently, it would have to be Tyler Herro. I love the way that he plays, and I often find myself modeling the way I play after him. However, if I had to choose an all-time favorite player it would have to be Dwyane Wade. When I was younger I would watch him play, and I just loved the way that he made the game look so effortless. I am a Miami Heat fan, and he is the main reason that I am one."
Who would you consider your role models?
"My role models are definitely my parents. They are very supporting, loving, and great people. Without them, I would definitely not be the person I am today. They are very hardworking, and I often strive to work just as hard as they do every day. My mother is a great leader, and I often find myself watching her to try and see how I can improve my own leadership skills. My father is extremely supportive of me and my goals as he used to drive me all over the place to all of my workouts before I could drive. They are both great, and I want to be just how they are when I am older."
What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?
"From my perspective there are two main challenges facing players today. The first being the craziness that is the transfer portal. The transfer portal has made getting recruited at any level of college basketball extremely hard for high school players. A lot of the coaches seem to be thinking, 'Why should we take a chance on an 18, or 19 year old kid when we could go and get a 23 year old from the transfer portal.' Who has already been at that level for at least a year knowing the ins and outs."
"Another challenge facing players today is the issue of social media. Social media has increased jealousy in the basketball community. From the idea of comparing yourself to other people because they are receiving offers or recognition. It traps people into comparing themselves to each other, and being envious rather than happy for others who receive certain recognition."
As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?
"One of the main things that I am looking for in a college is a place where the community is extremely supportive of the team. As well as a place where I can have great relationships with my fellow classmates. Another main thing I am looking for in a college is a place where I can have the opportunity to compete for playing time right away. I want to be able to make an impact on the team’s success as soon as I make it on campus."
What are your expectations heading into the last chapter?
"I am expecting great things coming for my team and myself in this last chapter. I think that we could have a very successful up and coming year, and make a deep playoff run as well. I am excited to see what will happen next year, and cannot wait for this last chapter to get underway."
Close to wrapping this up, but let's think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? Rap to me.
"In the next five years, I see myself not only excelling on the basketball court but also in the classroom through both my senior year and all four years of college. As of right now I plan on majoring in biology, exercise sciences, or something along those lines. I am eventually hoping to get into a Physician’s Assistant program as well. Then hopefully become a PA out of college. All in all, I see myself becoming a great young man through the next five years."
Thank you Jake for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?
"Yes, I have a few words of encouragement. The main thing I would tell younger players is to stick with basketball no matter how hard it gets. Do not give up even when it seems like it is impossible to not do so. By playing this game, and persevering through challenges you will learn a ton of lessons that will not only help you as a young man, but for the rest of your life. Thank you for your time Mr. Smith."
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