Prospect Watch: J.J. Schwepker (2020)
Class of 2020 wing J.J. Schwepker of Fort Zumwalt South is a knock down perimeter shooter who can really stretch an opposing defense.
The 6’5″ Schwepker is a gym rat who loves to work on his game. His combination of size and excellent shooting ability have earned him an early scholarship offer from Lee’s McRae (NC) and interest from Division II schools such as Maryville and Quincy.
“To work on my perimeter shooting, I do a lot of drills with my dad where I am always moving and he’s doing different things to distract me,” Schwepker said. “To go along with this, we do 100 set shots where the goal is to make 70 or more.”
As a sophomore, Schwepker made 60 3-pointers, which was a big part in helping the Bulldogs to a 24-5 record and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals. After winning a district title, Schwepker had his biggest game of the season in South’s victory over Battle in the sectional playoffs. He scored a season-high 21 points and made five of his seven 3-point attempts.
“Winning districts last season was one of the best experiences I have had,” he said. “I learned a lot about playoff basketball and the intensity that it is played at.”
Schwepker and his teammates have their sights on taking that next step in the state playoffs. The Bulldogs were eliminated by eventual state champion Webster Groves in the quarterfinals last season. With a strong nucleus returning, led by Schwepker and Belmont commit E.J. Bellinger, the Bulldogs are looking for another banner season.
“The goal for this upcoming season is to win,” he said. “This year’s team, in my eyes, has a legitimate chance at winning a state championship. Making it to the Elite Eight last year was a blessing, but we want to go even further this year.”
Schwepker has been doing his part to prepare for the season by trying to add to his offensive game. He has put in more work on his ball handling and driving to compliment his 3-point shooting.
“Over the summer, I focused really hard on driving to the basket and taking contact,” he said. “Along with becoming a threat from the mid range and of course, being more consistent from long range.”