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All-Star Spotlight Q&A with Jahaire Wilson


A couple of YAIAA championships and a pair of District 3 gold medals highlighted Jahaire Wilson's basketball career at William Penn.

The three-year starter and inside anchor to coach Troy Sowers' Bearcats plans to join cousin and teammate D'Montie Shaw this fall at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem. While awaiting the arrival of the other GameTimePA.com boys' basketball all-stars in mid-March at William Penn, Wilson looked back on his career.

As the YAIAA Player of the Year, as voted by a panel of GameTimePA.com writers, Wilson recently looked back on his career.

See the rest of the YAIAA boys' basketball all-stars

Why Northampton?

My cousin D'Montie, from what he told me, it's a pretty good junior college campus. That's what fits me. A small college suits me perfectly fine.

What would you like to do?

Probably be an athletic director.

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Between you and your older brother Derek Wilson, who's the biggest leaper?

Haha. It used to be Derek, but I started hitting the weight room a little bit. He said eventually I'd get over him. When I did, it was a big accomplishment for me.

Where do you get the jumping from, your father, Derek, or mother Jeanitza?

Honestly my mom's side because she was a high jumper in high school (at William Penn). My dad was just a ballplayer.

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

The fans, the coaches, my teammates. Just playing on the basketball court for the love of York High.

Can you single out one moment?

That shot by Kristopher Johnson in the 2014 district championship. That was one of the best moments ever in my life.

Who would play you in a movie?

My brother, Derek. He relates to me and is basically my twin.

Who introduced you to basketball?

My coach, Rodney Washington, from York Raiders. I was in seventh grade and just a football player. He just told me to come on the court. I came on, started grabbing a bunch of rebounds and fell in love with the game. That's where it went.

What was the hardest part when you first started playing?

Athleticism. I was kind of chunky, so I had to run and slim down, stop eating so much greasy food.

What sport is your worst?

In gym, we'd play soccer and someone tried to kick the ball. Kicked me right in the shin. I never wanted to play soccer ever again.


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Being D'Montie is your cousin, what's that relationship like?

He's like my brother. We've been through it all. Won lots of games and lost horrible games together.

Is there a sport you wish you tried in high school?

Track. Probably high jumping.

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Still undecided about it?

Yeah.

What are your hobbies outside of basketball?

Playing games, eating and working out a lot.

What was your pregame ritual?

Listen to music and hold my son. It calms me down a little bit.

Who do you look up to?

Malik Generett (2009 William Penn grad). If it wasn't for me watching him, I probably wouldn't be here right now. He inspired me a lot.

Any advice that's stuck with you?

Malik. He's actually my cousin, too. He told me to get bigger and stronger and try to win a state championship for York High.

Contact Matt Goul at 771-2045.