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Vilonia, Ark., is a small town of 4,000 residents just north of Little Rock. Like in most small towns, everybody knows everybody in Vilonia, and everybody there knows National Scouting Report 2017 basketball prospect Matt Stanley.
A 6-foot-8 forward/guard at Cabot High School, he is recognized as one of the state’s premier juniors.
High school kids shouldn’t have to encounter life-altering events. It’s a time to relish one’s youth, make fond memories with family and friends, and start thinking about college.
But life hasn’t worked out that way for Stanley. He has had to endure more than his share of misfortune.
Stanley’s hometown was hit by two tornadoes three years apart, almost to the day, in April 2011 and 2014, creating widespread destruction and havoc. In addition, Stanley also has had to experience the life-and-death struggle of his mother, Sandra, who has battled cancer.
Matt has coped the only way he knows how: He turned to basketball as his outlet.
“In my life, I have faced a lot of challenges,” he said. “From my mom battling cancer, to my town being destroyed by, not one, but two tornadoes, but through it all I have always had basketball. On the days I felt down, by picking up a basketball my entire mood would change.”
Stanley has made a big fan of NSR scout Larry Perrin, who discovered him. Perrin couldn’t say enough about Stanley’s talent.
“Matt Stanley is one of the top-rated 2017 basketball prospects in our state and perhaps in our region,” Perrin said. “He shows great ball-handling skills for a man his size. He is quick and very coordinated while still growing. He has a very quick and high release on his jumper, and his range is unlimited. He is able to score from anywhere on the floor. Matt has become more aggressive and takes people to the basket finishing with authority. He plays AAU for the most elite team in our region and is dominant versus the most outstanding competition in the country. He is a defensive-minded athlete that excels at shot blocking and rebounding with great length. Matt still has a huge upside in his development potential.”
Stanley looks forward to his promising future.
“Basketball to me is a way to start my life,” he said. “It is a gateway to a debt-free education. I can receive the jump start with just a ball and a goal. By achieving my goal of playing college basketball, I know I would make my friends, family, community extremely proud. These, among many others, are the reasons why playing college basketball is not only my goal, but my dream.”
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.