Recruiting Report: Trae Steckler (2018)
Mandan and ND Phenom multi-position talent Trae Steckler is also a multi-sport standout who will be deciding between football and basketball when it come to the college level.
Trae averaged 21.4 points and 9.3 rebounds a game as a junior shooting an amazing 63 percent from the floor as a player that goes between the wing and the frontcourt regularly. Steckler is also a 70 percent foul shooter.
“This winter was very good,” Trae Steckler said. “This year during high school basketball, as a captain I really focused on playing my role and doing what I could to help my team succeed. I really focused on extending my game to the perimeter and hitting shots I’m capable of hitting. I also focused on being more confident with the basketball.”
Mandan’s eight man rotation included three seniors so they will lose some veteran contributions. That said, Trae returns with second and third leading scorers Camren Steckler and Trey Weist plus Isaac Watson and Elijah Klein who played as a freshman this winter.
Mandan’s somewhat younger line-up had it’s ups and downs. They had a huge win over Bismarck Century but they only won ten games. There were a lot of big moments this year for sure.
“The most exciting experience was beating Century on our home court and scoring my 1000th point against another rival Bismarck High School,” Trae explained. “I also am excited for next season as we are bringing back a group of hard working players that have been working on their game this season.”
A guy with the numbers that Trae Steckler has still can improve. He only took ten threes all season so working on his range is key.
“I am always working on my ball handling, my perimeter shot, and moves to the basket,” Steckler said. “My goal is to be able to score from anywhere and be able to make strong moves to the hoop”
Trae is playing with the North Dakota Phenom this winter and for that team Steckler is playing just about every position on the floor.
“The first three tournaments have challenged me a lot having only a limited number of players which meant I was playing all different positions,” Steckler said. “One thing I did was bring up the basketball a few tournaments and that really gave me the confidence that I could play any position on the floor.
“The last tournament we had everyone expect for one guy. Our team is very tough and showed we can compete with anyone. Beating two good Illinois teams and losing to a very skilled Wyoming and Wisconsin team.
“We showed lots of improvement but there’s always room for more improvement! Playing in the 17U division is very tough to win games. There is lots of skilled players out there. One thing I like about this division is that you have to finish games. Games come down to the wire and you have to find a way to win.”
Steckler is more than just a basketball standout, he also plays wide receiver and defensive end for his football team.
“Right now I am hearing from a few schools for basketball particularly U of Sioux Falls, Jamestown, and Augustana. I was recently offered by Valley City State and will be visiting soon!
“For football I have had contact with Montana State, North Dakota, North Dakota State, Minnesota State Moorhead, Dakota State, Jamestown and U of Mary. Right now my options are open I’m not leaning towards one sport or the other. I’m going to play the sport that gives me the best shot!”
So it’s skill work on the basketball court this summer along with playing the Phenom, and weight room work for both sports as well as likely camps and whatever skill work is done in football.
For hoops Trae has a lot to focus on this summer.
“My goals for the rest of the summer are to continue to work on my game and be the best I can be. One goal I have is to be more consistent with my perimeter shooting and being able to make strong moves to the hoop.”