Hayes' Jenkins the glue holding together successful New Heights 16U

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. – New Heights’ 16U team is an impressive collection of talent, a mixture of public school firepower and Catholic school precision.

There is South Shore’s Terrence Samuel and Shamiek Sheppard, Pathways’ Jordan Washington, former Boys & Girls sharpshooter Teyvon Myers, incoming Cardinal Hayes guard Nassir Williams and New Jersey standout Mike Bourke. They have all in their own way contributed to the program’s breakout spring and summer which includes titles at the Adidas Invitational, Hoop Group’s Summer Classic East, Providence Jam Fest and Nike Baltimore Elite Classic.

denis gostev

Jalen Jenkins of Cardinal Hayes and New Heights is having a big summer.

Jalen Jenkins, the versatile 6-foot-6 forward out of Hayes, makes it all work. He is the team’s glue, a rebounding, scoring and distributing machine who can play inside and out and is the program’s lone rising senior.

“He shows real leadership with this group,” said New Heights coach Kimani Young, who noted Jenkins’ high level of “focus” and “concentration” rubs off on his teammates.

When New Heights lost its first game in the Adidas Invitational, Jenkins made sure his teammates didn’t lose confidence. After the crown, he made sure they weren’t satisfied. Though a point guard is often an extension on the floor of the coach, Jenkins has that role on New Heights.

“What he does doesn’t show up in the stat sheet,” Young said.

“Since I’m the only senior, I have to step up my game even more,” Jenkins added.

He’s been with the program since fifth grade, so he knows exactly what Young expects, especially on the defensive end, and he’s been integral in getting that point across to his teammates. It’s no coincidence New Heights’ success this AAU season has coincided with his defense-first mentality.

“That’s what wins championships – defense,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins entered the live period particularly focused. After what he termed a down July last year, this one was especially important to his college chances, even though he may land at prep school following his senior year at Hayes because he is only 16 years old. Last summer, the pressure got to him, playing in front of so many high-level college coaches. He missed too many easy shots and committed a lot of turnovers.

“This year I wanted to show I’ve improved my skills and I can play college basketball,” said Jenkins, who has either offers or interest from Dayton, St. Bonaventure, Quinnipiac, Marist, Fordham, Iona, Hofstra and Iowa State. “I thought about it a lot going in, not to force anything.”

Thus far, it’s gone according to plan. Jenkins has led New Heights to the titles, he’s displayed all his capabilities on the court, from an improving 3-point shot to his ability to bang in the paint and play the role of a point forward, leading the break off of defensive rebounds.

“He’s taken his recruitment to another level,” Young said. “He went from the MAAC/Colonial to at least the Atlantic 10.”

The college interest, already there before the live period, will only increase. But for now, that’s secondary to Jenkins. He’s proud of where this team has come on the national landscape – it’s the only program he’s ever known – ranked third in FiveStarBasketball.com’s top 25.

“As the team makes a name for itself, everybody makes a name for themselves,” he said. “To be part of that is a great feeling.”

zbraziller@nypost.com