We have often stated, “it’s not where you start, but where you finish” is most important and this statement is custom made for 6’4 sophomore shooting guard Trey Wertz of Providence Day. Wertz is young for his grade (just turned 16 last week) and has been a pivotal player in the overall success of the team.
We have watched Trey’s development and growth for quite some time. He has attended our NC Phenom 150, NC Junior Phenom and our Drills and Skills Camp. Back in 2014, we wrote, “Trey has been attending our Drills and Skills camp for over five years. In addition, he was a regular at the NC Junior Phenom camp. Now he is in the high school ranks and look for big things from him. . First, Trey has tremendous length and is a lights out shooter. He has excellent range with the majority of them coming from the 3-point line. He has exceptional shooting mechanics and a really quick release.”
No matter the venue, Wertz has shown tremendous confidence in his shooting ability especially in a catch and shoot situation. He moves well without the ball and is outstanding in creating angles so the passer is able to get the ball to him in a scoring opportunity. Wertz earned an invite as a freshman to the 2nd Annual NC Top 80 event this past March. Once again, he demonstrated his elite shooting ability. He has a quick release and maintains a strong shooter’s mentality. Wertz also showcased a nice feel for the game and has a strong basketball IQ.
However, it was the game on the road against Wesleyan Christian this year that we noticed a more versatile player. With star PG Devon Dotson on the bench with foul trouble, it was Wertz who took over duties of the team’s floor general. In our game recap, we wrote, “Wertz was the glue guy for Providence Day. When Devon Dotson picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter, Wertz moved over from his SG position to the PG position. He handled the ball well and his court vision led to five assists. He finished with 14 points, but he provided stability to the team when Dotson was sitting out the majority of the third quarter. The slender and extremely lengthy Wertz (6’9 wingspan) is definitely a prospect to monitor over the next few years. He already sports an offer from the University of Richmond, but expect more to jump into the fray with his high academic/high character young prospect.”
Currently, Wertz is putting up strong numbers against high-level competition. He is averaging 11 PPG, 2.6 RPG and 1.8 APG. Wertz is shooting 59% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line. Not to mention an automatic free throw shooter. The next step for Wertz is to get physically stronger which will happen over time. His body has matured and he is getting more aggressive in attacking the basket, which will only make him a more dangerous offensive player and complete basketball player.
Rankings in the 2018 class and younger classes are rather fluid and have more room for error. That being said, Wertz is a consistent top 20 player in his class for the state of North Carolina. However, we particularly like his long-range potential. Shooters translate at every level and college coaches are putting a premium on lengthy shooters. Wertz is young for his age and currently stands 6’4 with an enormous 6’9 wingspan and the baby face Wertz looks like he is still in the growing process both physically and as a player.
If he continues to work hard, Wertz definitely has the upside and potential to become a top 10 player in the state for his class. Wertz has the length, frame, skill set and ability to shoot the ball at a high level. While he is not quite there yet, don’t be surprised if Wertz finishes strong and is in the conversation as one of the top players in North Carolina for his class. The ingredients are all there. Remember, it’s not where you start but where you finish.