Captain Mentality: Lavonte Jenkins’ Mission for 2026

Written By: Kavon Baptiste November 25th, 2025

Since the age of 12, Jenkins has found the love of basketball to be true. Basketball has been

everything to Jenkins and something he wants to continue to have for his basketball journey. A Class of 2026 Standout out of McClyments High School, Jenkins is looking to prove that he is the best player in his class. Greatness started with a simple message he heard at seven years old:

“If you defend, you’re gonna get the ball”. More than a decade later, that early lesson still shapes

every part of his game, and it’s now driving him toward his biggest season yet.

His childhood coach taught him that strong defense forces turnovers, creates transition buckets, and breaks an opponent’s confidence. Jenkins took that advice personally, and it stuck. Today, his training sessions still begin with the same foundational skills: defensive slides, footwork, and the discipline to shut down the other team’s best scorer.

Growing up, Jenkins was inspired by Stephen Curry, an incredible guard that the NBA has never seen before. But it's just not about Curry's amazing three-point shooting that he loves. He is inspired by Curry’s free-throw shooting. This has motivated Jenkins to be dedicated to his scoring and free-throw shooting. His work ethic demonstrates that he is a determined player who is committed to improving in all areas of his game, including those that are less frequently discussed.

“He really got me into shooting, putting up 500 shots every continuous shooting.”

This all doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s something that's worked on for days and years. His work ethic starts with how he approaches every day. Before school, he gets shots up in the gym from 6:00 to 8:00 to improve his shooting. After school, he waits for practice, but before practice, he puts up

more shots. During practice, it’s hard with a lot of conditioning, building that strong defense, and a mindset.

Jenkins attended the High School All-American Showcase in Sacramento, where he wanted to show his lockdown defense, High-level communication, and his three-level scoring package, all he looks to bring into his senior season. But even rising stars know there’s always room to grow. For Jenkins, the next steps are clear: he wants to handle double teams better and improve his decision-making when defenses collapse, especially finding open teammates off pressure. Elevating team chemistry by increasing ball movement to help teammates play with confidence and rhythm.

“ Even if my teammates aren’t making shots still giving them more opportunities to score” .

Entering his senior year with two goals that guide his every practice, every drill, and every

decision on and off the court: lead McClymonds to a state championship and earn the college

offers he’s worked for since elementary school. He wants to show college coaches his

determination on defense, get his teammates involved, and score at all 3 levels. This season

marks a major shift for Jenkins. Once a role player coming off the bench, he now steps into the spotlight as team captain, responsible for setting the tone for a young roster and being the voice that keeps them locked in. With this captain's badge, he is embracing the challenge fully. After finishing last season averaging around 10 points per game, he’s aiming much higher this year.

“ My goal this season is to average 20-25 a game.”

Jenkins has his eyes focused on the future and Universities. His dream fit for school is UNLV.

UNLV is the best for him because of its incredible basketball program and defense-first

mentality.

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