Democracy Prep’s Jordyn McFarland – Las Vegas Sun News

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Jordyn McFarland received a basketball scholarship offer from North Texas last summer before playing one minute of high school basketball.

“That boosted my confidence,” the 6-foot-2 forward said.

The college interest has continued to pour in for the rising sophomore at Democracy Prep. She’s also received offers from UNLV, Sacramento State, Utah State and, earlier this month, Oklahoma State.

McFarland is playing in the offseason with Utah Lady Prospects, where games are often contested in front of college coaches. An Oklahoma State assistant was front and center last week — a scholarship offer followed.

“When you walk into the gym, you definitely notice all of the coaches,” she said. “But during the game, you don’t see them because you’re caught up in the flow of the game.”

Only the best of the best start as high school freshmen. McFarland was a first-team Class 5A selection last winter for Centennial, averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game in shooting 61% from the field.

At a showcase event in Dallas, she scored 22 points on 71% shooting, scoring from all three levels — in the post, driving to the basket and with her jump shot. She transferred to Democracy Prep this summer.

“I grew at Centennial. They taught me how to take criticism better,” McFarland said. “If I am not getting the ball, how can I help make a name for myself in different ways.”

One of those ways was defense — something she takes pride in. Often facing some of the nation’s top players, McFarland more than held her own. She can guard multiple positions.

McFarland has had plenty of good coaching over the years, including from her dad. Andre McFarland played at Durango High and Colorado State.

“He’s my most honest critic,” she said. “I am grateful for it.”

Time will tell who the better McFarland turns out to be, but Jordyn admits to “secretly wanting to be better” than him.