Southern Cal, O'Neill show interest in Steele

While Jalen Steele has made his summer rounds on the AAU basketball circuit, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound shooting guard has picked up a few fans along the way.

The latest: Southern California coach Kevin O'Neill, a former Tennessee coach.

Fulton coach Jody Wright said he received a call from O'Neill on Monday about Steele and received another Tuesday seeking Steele's transcript.

Steele has a lengthy list of offers, which includes Dayton, Tulane and Marshall. Now major Division I programs are showing their interests.

Marquette and Xavier have come on hot during the July evaluation period.

And now USC.

"I think (Steele) has himself on the national radar now," said Wright.

O'Neill has a connection to Wright, who used to work basketball camps at Tennessee with O'Neill and assistants Billy Schmidt (now head assistant at Dayton) and Lawrence Frank (coach of the New Jersey Nets). So, he didn't give Wright a fluffy business pitch.

"He is in a difficult situation (taking over for Tim Floyd at USC). He said they're probably facing probation and losing some scholarships," said Wright. "But he told me needs a shooter who can defend well. Word had it, from another buddy of his (in Knoxville), that Steele was the real deal."

Tennessee has not offered Steele.

"Recruiting is need-based, and it's a business," said Wright. "If UT is full of guards, it doesn't make sense to recruit him and doesn't make sense for him to go there.

"Jalen wants to go somewhere where he can play, and, at the same time, he wants to play at the highest level he can."

Steele was the PrepXtra boys' player of the year this past season, as he scored 21.3 points per game and led the Falcons to their second Class AA state title in a row.

He is showcasing his game this week in Indianapolis, Ind., at the Hoosier Shootout with the Tennessee Travelers.

"He knew coming in that this summer was big for him," said Wright. "He's concentrated on his body. I think he surprised some people over at the Rocky Top League this summer. Not just with his shot, but also with his jumping ability. He had a couple of really nice slams. Forceful. Over people. Not breakaways.

"He's a good, solid 190 (pounds). He knew July was huge for him. His stock is really rising."

Last-second Opportunity: Spots remain for Friday's Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County's golf tournament at Centennial Golf Course in Oak Ridge.

Entry fee is $400 per team or $100 per person. Proceeds benefit the club.

"We encourage everyone in the community to participate in this tournament," said Wright, the tournament chairman. "Sponsorships and playing spots are still available, and all of us are looking forward to a great day of golf to help our kids in this community."

Call 865-426-4711 or 865-594-1939 or visit www.swingaclubfortheclub.org for more information.

Powell Named All-American: Farragut shortstop and Vanderbilt signee Curt Powell was named an All-American by EA Sports.

Powell was also the Gatorade state player of the year and the PrepXtra player of the year.

He batted .504 with eight homers and 39 RBIs. Consequently, Farragut (39-5) won its second consecutive Class AAA state title and received a No. 8 national ranking by Baseball America and ESPN.

Smith Rejoins Pemberton: Kevin Smith has joined ex-Catholic football coach Mark Pemberton's staff as defensive coordinator at West Laurens in Dublin, Ga.

Pemberton accepted the job at West Laurens in late March.

Smith was Catholic's defensive coordinator and strength/conditioning coach this past season when the Irish won Class 3A state championship, allowing 11.2 points per game while starting five sophomores.