LaMelo Ball goes for 20 points, 13 assists in Spire debut, Rocket Watts drops 38

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Playing in his first game at Spire Academy since announcing his return to high school basketbal last week, LaMelo Ball went for 20 points, 13 assists and 5 rebounds in Spire’s 96-84 win at The Hill school outside Philadelphia.

Michigan State-bound guard Mark “Rocket” Watts poured in 38 points and 4 assists.

There it is, the long [unusually long] three for Lamelo Ball. His first high school three-ball in over a year. First game back. pic.twitter.com/29OnR1Fbz9

— Jake (@jakeweingarten) November 10, 2018

LaMelo Ball with 21 POINTS in his first game back in high school ? @MELOD1P @ZO2_ @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/IYQ7Hk70QA

— Overtime (@overtime) November 10, 2018

Ball, the 6-foot-7 guard who initially committed to UCLA, is back in the high school ranks after stints playing professionally in Lithuania and with the Junior Ballers Association.

He has said he hopes to play at a top American college like Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky or Michigan State, but it remains unclear if he’ll be eligible for college.

Jermaine Jackson, who played in the NBA for the Pistons, Raptors, Hawks and Knicks and is now the Spire head coach, says Ball could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft in a couple of years.

“In my opinion, LaMelo Ball can be the No. 1 pick in a year or two going to the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Jackson told TMZ Sports.

“Ain’t no question about it.”

Spire won’t play again until a game at Quality Education (N.C.) Nov. 19.

Additionally, Spire is expected to play Our Savior New American at the prestigious Hoophall Classic on Jan. 19, sources told ZAGSBLOG. 

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