Prospect Spotlight: Parker Rochford (2021)
As a freshman last season, Edgewood-Colesburg guard Parker Rochford was a key piece to his team’s state-tourney run.
Now, a sophomore, the 5-foot-10 point guard is the main man for the Vikings and has been dynamic in that role. Through six games this season, he’s averaging 26.5 points, 3.3 assists and 4.5 steals per game.
“I initially like to drive and kick, that’s what I’ve always done when I was little playing. But last year, I didn’t really do that though, my job was to sit in the corner and wait for my brother to drive and kick to me and shoot that,” said Rochford.
“This year, it’s changed a lot. I have to create shots for other players instead of them having to fund me.”
After making a deep run with the football team in the Class 1A playoffs, Rochford missed the first two weeks of hoops practice “I started off not shooting very well, but it’s getting better,” said Rochford.
There’s been one massive game that put Rochford on the map season: a 51 point outburst during a five overtime win over MFL-Mar-Mac.
“Ethan Streicher, our second-leading scorer, was sick that game. They kept me pretty honest in the first half with a zone, and then they went into a man-defense, and they couldn’t stop my driving, so I just drove the whole game,” said Rochford.
Although he’s a standout with the football team, Rochford says it’s basketball that’s his No. 1 love. He’s hoping to get some more exposure over the next year, and maybe get some college looks this summer.
“Basketball for sure (is what I like best), I don’t really have a football body. So, I’m just looking at basketball right now,” said Rochford, who laid out his goals and plans for the next year.
“I want to better my teammates and help them continue their success, so we can win more ball games. As for me, I might want to get into AAU this summer, I don’t know yet, but I probably will this summer.”