Trace Stivers @TraceStivers , 6'8 , 195, c/o 25 from Legacy Christian School,KY is a dynamic versatile big that is among the best anywhere in my assessment. . This stud can do it all and excels in every stats category we have.He could easily average extremely high scoring numbers but thrives in making his teammates better. One the best passing bigs in the country transitioning defense into offensive via the fast transitionally passing. When he rebounds ,Trace's eyes are always down court looking to fuel the fast break for ease points. .Trace is an extremely efficient shooter too. It's almost automatic anytime he chooses to score inside or out. With a silky smooth touch Trace is lethal from downtown shooting 45% from that range and 60% true shooting period. The numbers don't lie.Its Trace's unselfishness that impresses me the most ,he just loves being the workhorse that drives his team and pushes them to be better.Trace is a beast on the boards , like he owns the paint in everybody's house and all rebounds belong to him. And his defense is rock solid too. Strong rim protector .. Gotta say Trace is one of the more complete bigs around with the ability to play the 3-5 effectively. His IQ and athletic abilities help him thrive in all he does.Most bigs are one dimensional. That's not the case here.
Last season Trace only averaged 2 points, 2 assists and 3 rebounds. Things began to change in the AAU session where Trace averaged 6 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.Trace's biggest on the court accomplishment was gobbling up 20 rebounds like the windex man wiping the boards clean closing out Grassroots showcase in the Championship game..But off the court this gem enjoys being able to connect with his teammates from across the state and learn from their game they have brought to the team. Trace's goal has been to win as many games as possible while giving his all to win state and the 2k tournament.Trace feels that if that fire and passion to win aint there, he is doing his team and more importantly the game of basketball a disservice. .How is this playing out? The team is 20-2 while Trace is having a monster season averaging 13.2 points, 7.1 assist, and 9.5 rebounds.While flexing his defensive dominance with 7 blocks and 2 steals per game. Including 11 blocks in the game against the best team in their league which they beat as a side note and they just beat the #2 team in their league as well.There is a reason for all the buzz and hype over this team with this young star as their anchor in the middle. . I think it's safe to say that the Championship might land with them in the end..
This versatility and defensive swagger separates Trace from the pack anywhere in the country. Add his IQ and cort vision and man this kid is special. H is unselfishness and drive with passion and purpose to win is huge for any coach. Knowing Trace is gonna bring engry , hustle , grit and toughness every moment he is on that court and understanding what winning plays look like.. Trace is certainly a d1 talent with an extremely high ceiling. but he understands that only 10% of high school athletes play in college and works extremely hard not to be one of them. . Spends his time perfecting his craft and digging into his education where he excels just as much with the Beta club to validate that. Trace feels that even if he spends a couple years at a D2 or D3 that is kinda what he expects because he doesn't put up crazy scoring numbers.. However I personally know and believe this is a coach's dream. The ultimate blue collar guy that's just gonna get wins with hustle , effort and heart that match his skills. With his size and that defensive swag, if he wins that state title with this team, a lot of eyes are gonna lock in on him. They will get the total package that checks every box and a well grounded kid with a strong character and strong morals. No worries of any kind on or off the court to be concerned with even in the classroom. .His statement about this drastic improvement in his game, " It just takes one coach to believe in you.. Well said young man, well said.
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