Open Gym Notebook: Fort Wayne Snider High School
Open Gym Notebook: Fort Wayne Snider High School
Last Season
Snider had one of the better seasons they’ve had lately on their way to the SAC regular season championship. Led by Senior Malik Williams, the Panthers put together a complete season with some big time wins. As a team they liked to get out in transition and play tight defense on the ball. Snider was the best when they were causing turnovers and getting easy baskets in the open floor. In the half court, they moved well without the ball and were a better team overall going to the rim. They graduated five seniors, four of which started last year but are really looking to rebound quickly from their 17-7 season.
Returners
Keondre Brown – 6’0” | G | Class of 2018 – Keondre Brown is one of the few returning guys that played a big role in the success of this team last season. The senior guard has added strength to his frame and showed that he can get to the basket with good success finishing through contact. Brown has a smooth stroke from deep but has a great impact when he gets into the teeth of the defense. Look for him to turn into a tough point guard throughout the season.
Jayden Walker – 6’1” | G | Class of 2018 – Jayden Walker has developed his game from the end of last season. He knocked down three after three this afternoon at their workout and really controlled the pace of his own game. He’s an even keel personality but got the job done when he needed too. He has good athleticism and length at the guard position and showed it with some rim-raising finishes in their skill work. He’ll be an integral piece for them this year.
Jonqwell Lee – 5’10” | G | Class of 2018 – Jonqwell Lee is a true point guard and plays with good pace. He understands when to push the ball in transition and when it’s better to get a great shot on a given possession. Lee comes back for the ball when a forward rebounds it and sees the floor well when he’s bringing it up. He’s got a good feel for the offense and knows how to put his teammates in positions that are their strengths.
Dillon Duff – 6’6” | W/F | Class of 2020 – Dillon Duff dominated in drill work and in live game action today. Duff has greatly improved his game going to the basket. He rebounded the ball at an elite level and uses his length well around the rim to create space to get his shot off. Dillon was disruptive in passing lanes and made good decisions with the ball in the open floor. He’s developing into a solid sophomore wing for the Panthers.
Newcomers
Dayreon Wright – 5’11” | G | Class of 2019 – Dayreon Wright is an athletic, strong guard with a competitive edge that wears off on his teammates. Wrights was one of the more vocal players during the open gym session and didn’t take losing lightly. He combines strength with quickness in the open floor and gets to the rim with regularity. Dayreon can knock down the long ball at a good rate given enough time to set his feet and step in with confidence.
Malachi Dufor – 6’1” | G | Class of 2020 – Malachi Dufor is another sophomore that could put together a solid campaign for the Panthers this year. Dufor has great length at the guard position, rebounds on both ends, and can stretch the floor with the long ball. He stepped into a few corner threes with confidence this afternoon while also attacking the basket and finishing with both hands. Intriguing prospect on this young roster.
Isaac Farnsworth – 6’1” | G/W | Class of 2020 – Isaac Farnsworth is a transfer from Lakewood Park Christian that will have an immediate impact at Snider. He had a great freshman year and learned a lot about the game under Rod Wilmont. Farnsworth was the most vocal player in the gym this afternoon and will continue to do so. He brings energy and enthusiasm to the defensive end and attacks the basket with strength on offense. Great addition for Snider.
Treveon Jones – 6’2” | W | Class of 2020 – Treveon Jones is a guy that can step up into role for Snider this season and put together a good high school career moving forward. He’s a left-handed sophomore wing with good length and athleticism. He mixes it up on the boards and gets into passing lanes. Jones understands the game and rotates correctly on the back side of the defense. He will be a guy that could blossom quickly in the Fort Wayne area.
Jermaine Woods – 6’4” | F | Class of 2021 – Jermaine Woods is a freshman with good size and length. He moves well in the open floor and is starting to realize how much he can impact games by changing shots around the rim on defense. He rebounds with his quick leaping ability and has good touch around the rim. Woods is developing a more consistent jump shot and will fit nicely into the Panther program.
Michael Eley – 6’1” | G/W | Class of 2021 – Michael Eley is another freshman that will have an impact for Snider this season. Eley was one of the more consistent shooters from deep on the afternoon but also thrives in transition in the open floor. He identifies areas on the floor that he will find openings and moves well without the ball. When he adds strength to his frame, he will become a tough matchup in the SAC.
Looking Forward
With Keondre Brown being the lone returning starter from last season, Snider will be looking for a handful of guys to step up and play above their current level. They have guards up and down the roster that will get up and down the floor for the full game. They will be a team that gets up in the offense and tries to make them uncomfortable. The Panthers will surprise many teams this season and will finish well in the SAC as they start to put it all together. Brown, Lee, Walker, and Duff will be some guys that should have strong seasons for Coach Rauch. Their growth will come with some growing pains but they have plenty of talent up and down this roster to have another great year.