2025 Christian Jeffrey set for breakout season at Mt. Zion

November 18, 2023 by Colby Giacubeno

Last weekend the Myrtle Chaffin Classic tipped off on the campus of Mt. Zion Prep. The hosting Warriors already had a couple of games under their belt coming into the event, but it was my first live viewing of their new addition in 2025 point guard Chris Jeffrey. 

The 6-foot-3 Brooklyn native showed why the early hype is real as he led his Mt. Zion group to a win over TLAP behind 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. 

"The transition to Mt. Zion has been good for me," Jeffrey told MADE Hoops. "I've been able to workout a lot more and I just notice that my body is starting to turn into a good machine."

Jeffrey's body is the first thing you notice. He has a strong, chiseled frame that is evident as he bullies his way for paint touches. Smaller guards get exposed quickly when trying to keep him in front while the bigger, longer wings have a tough time with the quick burst out of his first step.

"I chose Mt. Zion because of coch Rod [Harrison] is going to push me until I can't go anymore. I know that he will get the most out of me and help grow my game."

Jeffrey transferred from Bishop Loughlin and quickly took the reigns of the offense. He brings an alpha male presence with the ball. Not in a selfish way, but in a confident way that he will do whatever needs to be done. He controls the pace, establishes paint touches and has shown early understanding of when to look for his own opportunities or make quick reads to find others.

"Being from Brooklyn, you don't have anything to lose. I think that's where my toughness and attitude comes from. You have to stay hungry no matter what you accomplish."

For those who haven't seen Jeffrey in action, he describes his game as, "a guard who can run the offense or play off the ball. I play both sides of the court. I like playing defense and I can rebound as a guard."

One sequence in particular that describes his game in a nutshell happened in the win over TLAP. Jeffrey made a rotation to pin the opposing guards layup off the glass and on the landing he lost his footing and hit the deck. As his teammates scooped up the loose ball and led the break, Jeffrey stood up, put his head down and sprint down the middle of the floor as he trailed everyone in the action. One of Jeffrey's teammates missed their layup attempt, but he cleaned up the mess with a two-handed put-back dunk that ignited the crowd. 

"One player that I watch a lot of is Davion Mitchell from the Kings. I like the way he impacts the game with his defense and he can be just as impactful on the offensive side, too."

"The next progression in my development is definitely my shooting. I need to shoot it better. Once I get that down, I'll be good."

Jeffrey caught some attention over the spring and summer playing with New Heights Lighting on the EYBL Circuit. The plan is to return and play for their 17U team this spring. 

George Mason and Oklahoma State are the two programs who stay in consistent contact with Jeffrey. There is a plan to take an official visit to Oklahoma State in the near future, but a date isn't set in stone. Expect more programs to get involved quickly as the early season progresses.

Jeffrey took home the Elite Prep League Player of the Week honors as a result from his productive weekend. Mt. Zion is set to play in the National Prep Showcase this evening where Jeffrey will look to continue his strong start to his junior campaign.