Over the past few months, Damari Stephens has started to see some recruitment interest. Though for a player with all of his tools, the recruitment of the 6’6” forward of Waterford Mott High School (MI) and the Reach Legends is flying under the radar.
Stephens was highly productive all season with the Reach Legends. This was evident at both the NY2LA Next Level Invitational and Final Chapter tournament with his play on both ends of the floor. His highly impactful play helped them go undefeated at 4-0 at each of these two tournaments. At the Next Level Invitational during the May live period, he averaged 10.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1 steal per game. Then at the Final Chapter in July, he went for 7.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. “I feel like my season with reach was very productive especially when we played as a team,” Stephens said about his time with Reach Legends.
When asked about his game translating to the next level, Stephens said “At the next level, I can bring IQ, physicality, and also being a team player doing what’s best for us. He is a high energy and tough player who can overpower opponents around the paint playing bigger than his listed height but has continued to show progressing perimeter skills. He can simply control the glass with his combination of strength and motor in addition to his defensive versatility.
Even with his consistent play and projectable tools, his recruitment has been limited. He did receive an offer from Oakland Community College back in July. Not only is he a standout on the hardwood but also the football field where he has been seeing some recruitment interest too. He recently took a visit to Northern Michigan for football.