On Top Of The Game: Jordan Gregory

Jordan Gregory: Pueblo East High School

Position: Point Guard

PPG: 18.6

Season Honors: 4A First Team All-State, The Denver Post

On March 13 Pueblo East point guard Jordan Gregory penetrated defending state champion Sierra’s stout defense, hoisted a perfect midrange jump shot and knotted the game at 48 apiece. Gregory, who scored 19 points in the 4A state championship against Sierra, led the Eagles all night, and connected on the short jumper to send the game into overtime.

Unfortunately for Gregory and the Eagles, Sierra was too much in the extra frame and won, 61-56. It could have been the first state championship in school history in any sport for the Eagles.

Despite the loss, the Eagles’ sensational playoff run united the entire Pueblo area. “I told our guys they galvanized a community,” said Pueblo East coach Dave Ryder. “It was a hugely exciting time (in Pueblo).”

Gregory’s success was not limited to the playoffs. The junior point guard led the Eagles to a 25-2 record and averaged almost 19 points per game. And he did it by spending hours perfecting his craft in the gym.

“He’s absolutely the most dedicated kid I’ve ever seen,” Ryder said. “He’s always trying to make himself better, and that’s had a trickledown effect on the rest of our program.”

That dedication and determination has some Division 1 colleges taking notice. Northern Colorado, Denver, Yale and Portland have all expressed interest in Gregory’s services, Ryder said.

Ryder said he believes Gregory has the makeup to play the highest level of college basketball.

Gregory is no slouch in the classroom either. He maintains a 4.2 grade point average and scored a 27 on the ACT in his first attempt. Ryder said it is a coach’s dream to have a player with Gregory’s intellect because it translates to the basketball court.

“You say something to him and he gets it right away,” Ryder said.

Despite losing some key seniors, Ryder said Pueblo East has a chance to get back to the state championship game. “Once you get to that stage, man it makes everyone hungry and they want to get back there,” he said. “They’ve already been working extremely hard.”

For Gregory, next season could be a stepping stone to the Division 1 level. There’s no doubt he will put in the necessary work to get there.

Contact the writer at prossi@milehighhoops.com

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