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The Jared Dolimpio Interview (Mechanicsburg, PA)

 


Name: Jared Dolimpio

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-2

Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard

High School: Cumberland Valley (PA)

Graduation Class: 2027

GPA: 3.7

AAU Club: West Virginia Gold Hoops - PUMA

Status: Uncommitted

Recruiting Email: jareddolimpio@gmail.com

MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Jared Dolimpio is a 6-foot-2 Combo Guard from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He's currently a sophomore at Cumberland Valley High School and runs with West Virginia Gold Hoops on PUMA's PRO16 circuit. In his freshman season, Dolimpio was named to PennLive's 2024 All-Newcomer team operating in a sixth man role for the Eagles by averaging 5.7 points per game to help CV to a 25-4 record, Mid-Penn Conference and District 3 6A championships.

As the RPN continues to build upon the 2027 recruiting class, Dolimpio was a kid that couldn't be passed on. The sophomore has a great feel for the game with natural scoring ability, high IQ defending on the ball, but his game speaks fluently as he's very unselfish and willing to make winning plays through different phases in a game. He's a typical RPN guard as it was not hard to see. While evaluating him from being moved up to varsity in week two to getting valuable minutes as he continued to do what was asked of him, Dolimpio made the most of his freshman season as his resume is beginning to build.

Why not take advantage of adding talent?

Oh, he's here as the RPN caught up with the 2027 recruit on his freshman campaign, life in PUMA and the outlook heading into year two.

Jared Dolimpio Interview
When did you first start playing basketball?
- "Since I was two years old, I knew my passion would be basketball. Everywhere I went, I always needed a basketball in my hands. I would sleep with a basketball every single night. I played my first team basketball game when I was 5 years old. I am now 15, now into my sophomore year and basketball is still my number one passion."


Could you describe your game from the skill standpoint?
- "I would describe my game as a fast, athletic player that loves to score. I enjoy to get out in transition, and get easy points for my team. I love getting screens and coming off them, using my speed and athleticism, as an advantage to get by my opponents. Although, I love to get to the rim, I still have a great ability to shoot the ball as well."


How was your first year experience at CV?
- "My first year at CV was a great experience. I was at the Ninth Grade Academy, which is a sole school for the freshmen in the district. At CV, it is very easy to connect with the people around you. All the teachers seem like great people, and are very understanding. I did great my first year at CV academically, and can’t wait for my sophomore year to start."


You've had a freshman year most first year guys don't get to experience. Working your way into the rotation, being named to a postseason team, capturing two golds in the process and helping the Eagles to a 25-4 record. How was your freshman season? - "My freshman season was amazing. No one knew my name at the beginning of the year. So, I knew I needed to come out confident, and show the people who I am. The main reason it was easy for me to adapt to varsity basketball so fast was the trust my team put in me. From the coaches, to the players, everyone trusted each other. That’s why CV Basketball is so special. The bond we have as a team is much different from every other team."


You joined West Virginia Gold this past grassroots season. What led to the decision on joining the club and life on the PUMA circuit?
- "I’ve never experienced anything like it. Traveling all around the country on private planes to play in PUMA Circuit games. I knew that if I wanted to be noticed, I would need to play on a live circuit where college coaches are always at. The competition at the tournaments was great. It really forced me to work harder, and harder to prove myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunity West Virginia Gold has given me."


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?
- "Since the beginning of last school year, I have been waking up at 5:15 AM before school. Going outside for an hour doing drills and working on my game. In rain, snow, whatever the weather is there, are no excuses. Outside of my own training and school ball, I work with a great trainer in Shawn Lewis Jr. He's with The Road Prep Academy. He pushes me to my fullest, and helps me be the best player I can be."


What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?
- "The main problem I see with players today is confidence. If players are not confident, they won’t be able to perform."


Who would you consider your role models?
- "My role models are my mom, dad and brothers. Without them, I would not be the player I am today. They have supported me throughout all my life, and are always there for me when I need them."


What are your expectations heading into year two?
- "My expectations for this year as a team is to win districts and play in a state championship game. I know we have the skill to win the state. With how we played last year and the group of players we have this year, I know it is possible to do so. My personal goals are to be the best player I can be for the team. I want to be considered a leader on the team."


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 want to play college basketball. My dream has always been playing D1 basketball, let alone any level where the opportunity is there. With the player I am now, I know I have the skill to go that far. I know chances are slim for high school basketball players to go pro, but I know anything is possible if I put my mind to it."


Thank you Jared for taking the time to talk with me upon my return. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
- "I loved this, thank you for the opportunity as it means a lot. Some words I have are just for people to work on their game. Working on your game outside of practice is one of the most beneficial ways to improve in your craft."



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Location: Mechanicsburg, PA, USA