Most Intriguing Prospects: Clermont Northeastern at Blanchester
The level of excitement surrounding my first look at Brayden Sipple, Blanchester’s star sophomore wing, began bubbling around a year ago. The anticipation heightened by the mile on the drive down to Blanchester. The experience didn’t disappoint either. Sipple dueled…
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Continue ReadingThe level of excitement surrounding my first look at Brayden Sipple, Blanchester’s star sophomore wing, began bubbling around a year ago. The anticipation heightened by the mile on the drive down to Blanchester.
The experience didn’t disappoint either. Sipple dueled with fellow sophomore Skyler Schimdt in a thrilling 64-59 Clermont Northeastern win. We will go deep on their evaluations, while finishing up with a few shout outs for other top performers.
Skyler Schmidt (2021), 6’4” F/C, Clermont Northeastern
stats: 23 points, 16 rebounds
Schimdt used his body and strength advantage in the paint to dominate the glass, grabbing eight more boards than the second leading rebounder in the game. Showed good hands on those, too. As a scorer, Schimdt almost exclusively caught the ball on the block and powered the ball up off the glass. Schmidt was also able to disrupt Blanchester’s drives to the basket by turning away several layup attempts.
Schimdt has growth potential — his feet are massive. He also has a pretty wide frame to go along with a strong lower body. In theory, though, Schmidt could turn into a more versatile 4 who pick-and-pops and makes an impact outside of the paint.
Schimdt, however, would need to become more active than he is today to do so. Against Blanchester, he was able to wait around the basket for missed shots or simple post entries. There was a surprisingly low amount of times where Schmidt screened or caught on the wing or high-post and made a move, although he seems to have the mobility and shooting ability to be that type of player.
Brayden Sipple (2021), 6’4” W, Blanchester
stats: 32 points, 7 rebounds
Sipple is a volume scorer from the wing with a lot of natural ability. Out the triple threat position, Sipple simply glided by initial defenders with his first step. He was most efficient when he got down-hill towards the rim, especially in the second half when he stopped avoiding contact on layups. Sipple has an effective pull-up and shoots it with a nice rhythm. Used flare screens well off the ball against the zone yet was streaky on open 3-pointers
The sophomore has a nice repertoire of physical tools, including length and agility. We hope to see him again in a game where there is less zone being played and he’s being challenged one-on-one against athletic wings. The only thing we’d wished Sipple would’ve changed was his lack of assertiveness when game started slipping away from Blanchester in the fourth. He may need to develop a stronger court sense as time goes on.
Bryce Reece (2022), 5’11” G, Clermont Northeastern
stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds
Reece hustles! The freshman battled with a chip on his shoulder by challenged lofted balls in the passing lanes and throwing his body all over the floor defensively. Reece also possesses a nice runner in the lane. Converted several free throws as the game was winding down with a pretty shooting stroke.
Jackson Waialae (2020), 6’3” W/F, Blanchester
stats: 7 points, 8 rebounds
Waialae impressively tracked down long rebounds and pushed transition. He made the right pass in the open floor, often hitting teammates on the opposite side of the floor in an advantageous situation. Used length in passing lanes. Waialae scored on a triple and a couple contested finishes, too.