Basketball recruiting has become a year-long process for colleges and universities. That means that high school players are in the spotlight all year.
Here in Hartselle, basketball recruiters have been focusing on Tigers’ junior guard Brody Peebles and Lady Tigers’ sophomore guard Masyn Marchbanks.
Peebles, who has been playing on the AAU circuit with Pro One Basketball, has picked up several offers this summer plus numerous accolades as he has raised his level of play. UAH, UNA, UAB, and Lipscomb have all offered. Auburn, Belmont, Liberty, Samford, and Wofford are also interested but haven’t offered at this time.
According to Trent Markwith, Southeastern Regional Scout for PrepHoops, Peebles should see a jump in his recruiting following his performance in the UAA finals earlier in July.
“It’s been really great,” Peebles said when asked about how his summer play has been. “ My AAU team got to play in some big events against a lot of high-level talent. It’s been a blessing and it’s great to know that a lot of time and effort I’ve put into my craft is paying off.”
Marchbanks, who has played for the Lady Tigers since the eighth grade, plays AAU ball with the Southern Starz. She has picked up offers from Southern Miss and Western Carolina this year.
“This AAU season has been more challenging than the years before because my team (AL Southern Starz ) has been playing on the Nike Circuit, as an Official EYBL Affiliate across the country,” according to Marchbanks. “It has brought along better competition and more exposure throughout this summer.”
Her offer from Western Carolina came after the first half of the July recruiting period. Coach Kiley Hill, who was just hired at Western Carolina, offered Marchbanks a scholarship. Hill was an assistant coach at Southern Miss, who has also offered a scholarship. Marchbanks and Hill have known each other and built a relationship over the last couple of years.
Hartselle fans will be seeing a lot more college recruiters in the stands at their games over the next few years.
