Recruiting Report: Gavin Richards (2017)
Photo Credit: Dale Barger
Over the last 5 seasons, Tri-Village High School from New Madison has been one of the elite teams in Division 4. One of the reasons for this surge has been the talent the Patriots have had over these years. One of those talented players is Gavin Richards (2017). Richards is a great 2 guard with several colleges showing interest and although currently uncommitted, he will greatly help whichever school he chooses.
Gavin and the Patriots had a good season this year. “I strengthened my game in the off season to work more on my shooting and being more efficient…(the season) ended a little earlier than what we would have liked”. Tri-Village put up a fight, but could not defeat Cincinnati Christian in the regional semifinals. Gavin stepped up in big moments throughout the postseason and the shooting was definitely one of the reasons. He shot just under 50% from behind the arc for the season but is still looking to improve it. “I’d really like to get (shooting) up to 50% or 60%”.
Besides seeing improvement in his shooting, Richards’ other strength was his ability to attack the rim and finish. What impressed me specifically was his patience with the basketball. Gavin knew how to attack but also would not force any shots and waited for an advantage or open shot to make his move. Although he’s a lefty, Richards can finish with either hands on either side of the floor. His offense is not his only strength. Defensively, Gavin proved this offseason that he can guard anybody he is assigned. In the district title game against Jackson Center, Gavin guarded Findlay commit Brady Wildermuth, who had at least a 5 inch height advantage on Richards. He held Wildermuth to only 13 points and wasn’t afraid to get physical with Brady. This will help him at the college level with whoever he commits to.
I talked with Gavin about playing for Tri-Village and if he felt playing for such a great team prepared him for the collegiate level. “It did help prepare because you’re taking the best guys from every school and I really believe if you put any of our high school team on any other team in the area they would be the best”. There is no doubt the Patriots have been one of the top teams in the area and even the state in Division 4, and Gavin is one of the reasons for that. That being said, now that he graduates along with several other seniors, the question becomes how will Tri-Village replace him? Gavin averaged 3.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and an astonishing 20.4 points per game this year. Someone will have to step up and fill the voids Gavin leaves upon graduating.
Some of the schools pursuing Gavin include: Otterbein, Marietta, Ohio Northern, and Defiance. Gavin tells me there is no rush to commit though. “I don’t have a deadline on when I will commit because it’s a serious decision and I’m working on evaluating all my options”. One thing is for sure, if Gavin Richards commits to any one of these schools, he will have the potential to become one of the top players for that school over the next 4 years. He is a player to keep an eye on going forward.