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I didn't see a thread for the 2021 basketball class, so figured I would kick it off by mentioning some country boys from my old stomping grounds that might be worth a look.

The SBAAC is not usually a hot bed for basketball talent (the Cumberlands played before Wilmington joined the league), but there are a pair of Division I prospects in the league who are juniors. Bog Huggins/West Virginia have shown interest in both Brayden Sipple (6-4 SG Blanchester) and Skyler Schmidt (6-7 F CNE). Also I know Sipple holds an offer from Detroit and was recently invited to an Indiana home game. Here are their stats:

Brayden Sipple - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=545422
Skyler Schmidt - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=543549

Full disclosure, I graduated from Blanchester, but I don't know either personally. I have seen Brayden play in person a couple times though.

(02-01-2020 01:26 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  I didn't see a thread for the 2021 basketball class, so figured I would kick it off by mentioning some country boys from my old stomping grounds that might be worth a look.

The SBAAC is not usually a hot bed for basketball talent (the Cumberlands played before Wilmington joined the league), but there are a pair of Division I prospects in the league who are juniors. Bog Huggins/West Virginia have shown interest in both Brayden Sipple (6-4 SG Blanchester) and Skyler Schmidt (6-7 F CNE). Also I know Sipple holds an offer from Detroit and was recently invited to an Indiana home game. Here are their stats:

Brayden Sipple - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=545422
Skyler Schmidt - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=543549

Full disclosure, I graduated from Blanchester, but I don't know either personally. I have seen Brayden play in person a couple times though.

Great update. Last player of note who I recall coming out of those environs (not sure if it was the same conference) was Brian Grant. I believe he went to Georgetown High School.

(02-01-2020 01:36 PM)geef Wrote:  

(02-01-2020 01:26 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  I didn't see a thread for the 2021 basketball class, so figured I would kick it off by mentioning some country boys from my old stomping grounds that might be worth a look.

The SBAAC is not usually a hot bed for basketball talent (the Cumberlands played before Wilmington joined the league), but there are a pair of Division I prospects in the league who are juniors. Bog Huggins/West Virginia have shown interest in both Brayden Sipple (6-4 SG Blanchester) and Skyler Schmidt (6-7 F CNE). Also I know Sipple holds an offer from Detroit and was recently invited to an Indiana home game. Here are their stats:

Brayden Sipple - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=545422
Skyler Schmidt - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=543549

Full disclosure, I graduated from Blanchester, but I don't know either personally. I have seen Brayden play in person a couple times though.

Great update. Last player of note who I recall coming out of those environs (not sure if it was the same conference) was Brian Grant. I believe he went to Georgetown High School.

Yeah, my coach at Blanchester was previously the head coach at Georgetown at least one season while Grant was there. It's pretty rare for Division I talent to come out of the SBAAC.

(02-01-2020 03:35 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  

(02-01-2020 01:36 PM)geef Wrote:  

(02-01-2020 01:26 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  I didn't see a thread for the 2021 basketball class, so figured I would kick it off by mentioning some country boys from my old stomping grounds that might be worth a look.

The SBAAC is not usually a hot bed for basketball talent (the Cumberlands played before Wilmington joined the league), but there are a pair of Division I prospects in the league who are juniors. Bog Huggins/West Virginia have shown interest in both Brayden Sipple (6-4 SG Blanchester) and Skyler Schmidt (6-7 F CNE). Also I know Sipple holds an offer from Detroit and was recently invited to an Indiana home game. Here are their stats:

Brayden Sipple - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=545422
Skyler Schmidt - http://www.sbaac.com/bkPlayerStats.aspx?player=543549

Full disclosure, I graduated from Blanchester, but I don't know either personally. I have seen Brayden play in person a couple times though.

Great update. Last player of note who I recall coming out of those environs (not sure if it was the same conference) was Brian Grant. I believe he went to Georgetown High School.

Yeah, my coach at Blanchester was previously the head coach at Georgetown at least one season while Grant was there. It's pretty rare for Division I talent to come out of the SBAAC.

Yea I also played in the SBAAC. The talent in that league just isnt there. Get a few D1 baseball players every now and then and a handful of Football guys, but I dont even know of a D1 basketball player to come out of the SBAAC

I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

Crystal Ball'd by Brian Snow after his visit here. If I'm remembering correctly he had a Crystal Ball to Butler before his visit but it seems like that flipped.

3* top 200 (#189) player according to 247. As far as a ranking comparison, that puts him around the Mike Saunders level of recruit with plenty of time to jump up or down.

nice

(02-24-2020 10:03 AM)dubcat14 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

Crystal Ball'd by Brian Snow after his visit here. If I'm remembering correctly he had a Crystal Ball to Butler before his visit but it seems like that flipped.

3* top 200 (#189) player according to 247. As far as a ranking comparison, that puts him around the Mike Saunders level of recruit with plenty of time to jump up or down.

So was he at yesterday's game or is this just a general update on interest?

Some video clips.

https://www.indystar.com/videos/sports/h...154250001/

It was reported he made his second visit to Cincy either Saturday or Sunday.

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

If he's a good shooter why doesn't he shoot good?

9.4pts/game, 41% shooting, 31% from three, 69% FT

(02-24-2020 02:17 PM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

If he's a good shooter why doesn't he shoot good?

9.4pts/game, 41% shooting, 31% from three, 69% FT

Those are his sophomore year stats. Junior year is looking a little better, although nothing jumps out. He does play on one of the best teams in the state though.

14.3 PPG, 6.7 REB, 4.5 AST on 46% shooting from the field, 35% shooting from 3, and 76% shooting from the free throw line. Source: https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/pierce-.../stats.htm

(02-24-2020 02:43 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:17 PM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

If he's a good shooter why doesn't he shoot good?

9.4pts/game, 41% shooting, 31% from three, 69% FT

Those are his sophomore year stats. Junior year is looking a little better, although nothing jumps out. He does play on one of the best teams in the state though.

14.3 PPG, 6.7 REB, 4.5 AST on 46% shooting from the field, 35% shooting from 3, and 76% shooting from the free throw line. Source: https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/pierce-.../stats.htm

I don't think shooting is his forte, but is a work in progress. But he is an elite athlete. His game seems to remind me somewhere between Kevin Johnson and Immanuel McElroy. Could be an ace defender, with a decent shot.

(02-24-2020 12:52 PM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 10:03 AM)dubcat14 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

Crystal Ball'd by Brian Snow after his visit here. If I'm remembering correctly he had a Crystal Ball to Butler before his visit but it seems like that flipped.

3* top 200 (#189) player according to 247. As far as a ranking comparison, that puts him around the Mike Saunders level of recruit with plenty of time to jump up or down.

So was he at yesterday's game or is this just a general update on interest?

I saw him there yesterday

Thomas would be a really solid start to the 2021 class.

(02-24-2020 05:09 PM)jarr Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:43 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:17 PM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

If he's a good shooter why doesn't he shoot good?

9.4pts/game, 41% shooting, 31% from three, 69% FT

Those are his sophomore year stats. Junior year is looking a little better, although nothing jumps out. He does play on one of the best teams in the state though.

14.3 PPG, 6.7 REB, 4.5 AST on 46% shooting from the field, 35% shooting from 3, and 76% shooting from the free throw line. Source: https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/pierce-.../stats.htm

I don't think shooting is his forte, but is a work in progress. But he is an elite athlete. His game seems to remind me somewhere between Kevin Johnson and Immanuel McElroy. Could be an ace defender, with a decent shot.

Those really seem like solid comparisons. For a more recent comp, I'd liken him to Keith Williams; really good length, good outside-in game, aggressive around the rim, so-so outside shot that needs further development. I'd be extremely happy if he wound up in red and black.

(02-24-2020 05:09 PM)jarr Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:43 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:17 PM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

If he's a good shooter why doesn't he shoot good?

9.4pts/game, 41% shooting, 31% from three, 69% FT

Those are his sophomore year stats. Junior year is looking a little better, although nothing jumps out. He does play on one of the best teams in the state though.

14.3 PPG, 6.7 REB, 4.5 AST on 46% shooting from the field, 35% shooting from 3, and 76% shooting from the free throw line. Source: https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/pierce-.../stats.htm

I don't think shooting is his forte, but is a work in progress. But he is an elite athlete. His game seems to remind me somewhere between Kevin Johnson and Immanuel McElroy. Could be an ace defender, with a decent shot.

Hmmm. Sounds like the type of guy we used to sign that people complained about.

(02-25-2020 10:28 AM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 05:09 PM)jarr Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:43 PM)robertfoshizzle Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 02:17 PM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 09:48 AM)dsquare Wrote:  I hear he's a pretty good perimeter shooter. Love how Brannen and staff are combing Indiana, 1 cball.

https://247sports.com/Player/Pierce-Thomas-46056581/

If he's a good shooter why doesn't he shoot good?

9.4pts/game, 41% shooting, 31% from three, 69% FT

Those are his sophomore year stats. Junior year is looking a little better, although nothing jumps out. He does play on one of the best teams in the state though.

14.3 PPG, 6.7 REB, 4.5 AST on 46% shooting from the field, 35% shooting from 3, and 76% shooting from the free throw line. Source: https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/pierce-.../stats.htm

I don't think shooting is his forte, but is a work in progress. But he is an elite athlete. His game seems to remind me somewhere between Kevin Johnson and Immanuel McElroy. Could be an ace defender, with a decent shot.

Hmmm. Sounds like the type of guy we used to sign that people complained about.

Brian Snow said hes an athletic freak like keith williams, but not as aggressive or alpha as keith. But a WAY better shot than keith.
Hes currently inside the top 200 for 247 and will be one of if not the best EYBL team this spring summer. Id be willing to bet he slides into the 150 range.
Also Brannen isnt recruiting guys with huge flaws on offensive like Mick did. Sure Kevin Johnson was a good shooter , but even after 4 years here he still couldnt dribble the ball

(02-25-2020 10:28 AM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(02-24-2020 05:09 PM)jarr Wrote:  I don't think shooting is his forte, but is a work in progress. But he is an elite athlete. His game seems to remind me somewhere between Kevin Johnson and Immanuel McElroy. Could be an ace defender, with a decent shot.

Hmmm. Sounds like the type of guy we used to sign that people complained about.

I'd disagree. We haven't signed nearly enough good athletes in our run. It's why Houston's guards have given us problems over the last few years. Over the last decade the only really good athlete I can think of as a guard is Keith. Maybe Cane as far as speed.

I'd argue we've emphasized size/physicality of perimeter players when you look at guys like Troy/SK/ Jarron who were all very physical for their position.

Who's complaining about a Top 200 player? The guys people bagged Mick for like Eliel, Jamaree Strickland, etc. weren't even top 300. Thomas' stats aren't amazing because he plays on one of the best teams in the country.

(02-25-2020 10:54 AM)Cataclysmo Wrote:  Who's complaining about a Top 200 player? The guys people bagged Mick for like Eliel, Jamaree Strickland, etc. weren't even top 300. Thomas' stats aren't amazing because he plays on one of the best teams in the country.

Those stats on 247 are also from the 18-19 season. I'm sure he's also played AAU last summer and likely has completed his 19-20 season which his stats may have been significantly different now that he's an upper classman.