College decision from USC target Cam Scott not as imminent as once expected

Basketball prospect Cam Scott won’t be announcing his college choice as early as previously planned.

The Lexington High School junior guard said in December that he hoped to announce a commitment in late January or early February before the playoffs begin in South Carolina.

This week, Scott told The State that his recruitment will continue after his high school season and possibly through the AAU season in July. The AAU season ends with the annual Peach Jam event. Scott plays for Team United on the Nike circuit.

“Me and my family have discussed it and we are probably going to wait until after high school season or AAU. We will choose between then,” Scott said Tuesday. “The biggest thing for me is to take the pressure off me and making a decision so early. Now, I can relax and focus on winning a state championship.”

Scott is ranked as the No. 27 player nationally by the 247Sports Composite in the Class of 2024.

While the timing of his announcement might change, his top schools remain the same, and he continues to hear from them regularly. Scott narrowed things down to Auburn, Florida State, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He said he’s also been hearing from Alabama.

Scott has taken official visits to Auburn, South Carolina and Texas. He can take two more official visits before his senior season starts.

Texas remains in the mix despite the uncertainty of its coaching situation, Scott said. The Longhorns fired Chris Beard last month after he was arrested on a third-degree felony assault charge.

Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks continue to pursue the local standout. Scott said he got a text from USC coaches before Tuesday’s game against River Bluff. USC has struggled in Paris’ first year, but Scott knew it wasn’t going to be an easy rebuild with the Gamecocks.

“Everyone still has to get used to coach Paris and the coaching style,” Scott said. “And coming into the future, it might be different. I know a couple people coming in and they know each other. Maybe that friendship will help and they can get it turned around.”

Scott is having one of his best seasons since joining the varsity squad. He scored 23 points Tuesday in a 61-43 win over River Bluff.

Lexington is ranked No. 3 in Class 5A and can clinch the Region 4-5A championship on Friday.