Welch's Stock Is Rising

Elk Grove Franklin guard Julian Welch is off to a strong start in his senior year on the hardwood and he's hoping to turn some more heads this season and earn his way to college...

Julian Allen Welch, was on the SacBees All-Metro second-teamer last season for Franklin High School of Elk Grove.

Last season he averaged 18.2 points per game, with a season high of 35 points against Rocklin H.S. and Bella Vista respectively. Julian averaged 3.7 rebounds per game and 1.4 steals per game.

He’s a versatile player, being able to play defense as good as anyone and knowing when to drive to the basket on a two-point play or dropping back to hit the three.

His ball handling is excellent and it seems at times that the ball is governed by his thoughts. I mean he seems to be able to make something out of nothing adding to his teams score with ease.

At 6'3" and 185 pounds he's got the size and speed that's required to execute the plays that his position demands. Julian Welch is just as good, if not better, than some of the kids that are being recruited by elite D-I schools.

After playing the first three games of the season he’s averaging 33 points per game. His performance has sparked interest with Division I recruiters in the Pac-10. Having just talked to one of these scouts I’m amazed that there wasn’t more interest in him last year since his numbers were just as good.

Franklin made it to the third round of the playoffs losing to Sheldon High School. Franklin H.S has only been in existance for a few years and maybe there lies part of the problem. Competition is so fierce to gain admission to play at the next level that a relatively new school, like Franklin, isn't on many college recruiters radar.

Just as IBM is considered a Blue Chip stock, Julian Allen Welch , JAW, is well on his way to being considered a Blue chip Player. His stock has skyrocketed with his stellar performance so far this season. If he keeps up that level of play, you may not see his initials on the New York stock exchange, but definetly look for his name on the roster of a Division I college team next fall. A solid investment in a solid player.