Stacked sophomore class looks to make impact at varsity level

Friday, November 18, 2016

Varsity minutes will likely be available for several Nevada Tiger sophomore basketball players this season. Comprising the core of Nevada's super sophomore class, are: wing forward Matt Thompson, guards Carter Swearingen and Will Johnson, and forward Kayden Ast.

In addition, sophomores Devin McHugh and Jayden Ast should contribute heavily at the junior varsity level.

Super sophomores: point guard Carter Swearingen is guarded by fellow sophomore Will Johnson (35) during a recent practice at Nevada High School's Wynn Gymnasium. (Photo by Matt Resnick/Daily Mail)

The recent loss of Nevada star forward Clay Gayman to injury will likely hasten the need for one or more players from the sophomore class to step up and make an immediate impact at the varsity level.

With Gayman out, the Tigers are losing the centerpiece of its offense, as well as a shot-blocking defensive force in the post. Last season, the 6-foot-6 All-West Central Conference selection averaged around 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals a contest. Those numbers will be virtually impossible to replace.

Gayman's mother, Colleen Gayman, confirmed Thursday night that her son suffered an Avulsion fracture at Wednesday's practice, adding that Clay will not be able to place any weight on the injured leg for at least a week.

Nevada varsity boys head basketball coach, Shaun Gray, also confirmed that Gayman was injured at practice Wednesday. As of press time, the timetable for Gayman's return to the hardwood was unclear.

"We are still in the evaluation process," Gray told the Daily Mail. "He's seeing a specialist on Monday to confirm things."

Gray continued, "The facts as of now: Clay turned his ankle in practice; is not playing in (Thursday night's) Seneca Jamboree; and is being looked at by a sports injury specialist on Monday. Then we will know more."

Others who could see a significant increase in minutes due to Gayman's injury, are: junior forward Hunter Mason, who was already projected to be in the Tigers season opening starting lineup; junior guard Braeden Hinton, and 2015-16 sixth-man, small forward Zach Gardner.

Sophomore class

* Matt Thompson, 6-foot-5 wing forward. Scouting report: Shoots the ball well and has good ball handling skills for his size; hits the glass hard and can score in the paint.

"He knows he must gain quickness and lateral speed to guard at the varsity level, and is working hard to get to that point," Gray said.

Gray noted, "Matt has gotten longer and more athletic over the past year. As a freshman, his lateral foot-speed was really one of the only things holding him back from being able to make that next jump as far as his impact."

Gray said Thompson's continued growth from a physical standpoint bodes well for his future on the court.

"The fact that Matt has gotten taller, thicker, stronger and more athletic means that he brings us more versatility," Gray said. "He can handle and shoot the ball like a guard and defend on the perimeter ---- and now has the size where we can have him (defend in the post)."

Prior to Gayman's injury, Gray said that Thompson would likely be playing all four quarters of junior varsity action, leaving him available to play in two quarters during the varsity contest (if the games fell on the same night, which they almost always do).

Sophomore Matt Thompson (right) looks to make a pass over the top of junior Zach Gardner. Thompson and Swearingen headline a loaded sophomore class. (Photo by Matt Resnick/Daily Mail)

With the Gayman injury, Gray could elevate Thompson to a rotation player ---- meaning he would need to be available for the entirety of each varsity game.

"If we need someone with his skill-set, he will be able to step in and kind of get his feet wet," Gray said last week. "And as the season goes on, if he shows he can defend at the varsity level, his minutes will only increase. He could play some big minutes off the bench for us this year, and an even more prominent role for us next year."

Thompson, who hit the weight room hard over the summer, said his favorite college basketball player is Kansas Jayhawks point guard Frank Mason III. In addition, Thompson has the basketball pedigree to succeed, as his mother, Lori Kennedy-Thompson was a standout four-year player for the Lady Tigers under head coach Kevin Swope.

* Carter Swearingen, 6-foot-0 combo guard. Scouting report: Strong with the dribble and can attack the paint while demonstrating good body control on drives to the rim; has developed into a very good outside shooter with deep range.

"Carter put in a ton of hours in the gym during the offseason," Gray said. "Carter has a positive attitude that rubs off on teammates and is a big asset for us."

Swearingen is already penciled in for a varsity role as the backup point guard to senior starter Matt Sommer.

"Carter has gotten quicker and his handles are much tighter, to where he's able to cross people over and then go by them," Gray said. "From a ball-handling and shooting standpoint, he's ready to play a prominent role at the varsity level."

Swearingen's ability to defend will be the key to his success at the varsity level, according to Gray.

"Like it is with all younger kids, it's going to be interesting to see if he can defend at a high level. It's hard to defend in high school. You have to be quick, smart, and anticipate. I think Carter is capable, he's just never had to do it before. If he can defend, I will have no problem putting him in as a regular rotation player."

* Will Johnson: 6-foot-1 guard-forward. Scouting report: Hard worker; skilled offensive player with the ability to shoot and attack; positive attitude and team player; working to gain strength in order to compete against more physical players.

"(Johnson) shoots and handles the ball pretty well," Gray said. "He needs to work on getting a quicker first-step. He's a little thin right now, so he will need to bulk up and put on some muscle in order to handle the contact and physicality of the varsity level."

Gray continued," From a shooting, effort and energy standpoint, he's got everything you need. And his lateral quickness (defensively) is pretty good right night as well. He should get some varsity minutes off the bench for me as a knockdown shooter."

* Kayden Ast, 6-foot-4 forward. Scouting report: Nice touch inside and is working on improving his outside shot; very athletic and jumps well, allowing him to rebound and contest shots; knows that he must play with a high motor and improve his intensity in order to compete at the varsity level.

"Kayden has multiple post moves with his left and right shoulder," Gray said. "He competes in the high jump and long jump in track, so he can really jump. It's just a situation where his motor has to be higher defensively and while playing without the basketball.

"If you feed him the ball on the block one-on-one, he can score against varsity defenders," Gray said. "It's the rest of his game he has to continue to work on. And right now, he's been working hard on his outside jumper."

* Devin McHugh, 6-foot-5 forward. "Devin continues to develop and grow into his athleticism. He has the potential to be a very good post player in the future," Gray said.

"Devin has a huge frame and is dunking the ball with two hands. He's a defensive force in the middle, but his offensive skills are raw. He's probably a year away from big-time minutes at the varsity level."

* Jayden Ast, 5-foot-8, combo guard: "Jayden has a very good shooting touch from the perimeter and can handle the ball well," Gray said.

"He's a prototypical shooting guard. He knocks down shots and plays hard. But he has to get more physical to play at the varsity level. He has the potential, if he gains that physicality, to play in varsity games in the future."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: