Recuiting Report: Trae Steckler (2018)
Trae Steckler of Mandan was seen playing point, wing, high post four-man, and low post big this year for the Dakota Phenom. Trae played all those roles well and seemed to enjoy being versatile.
The first event we saw Steckler he was playing a lot of point guard for the Phenom and then moved to the wing as the Phenom had several low post options. The result? The ball wasn’t turned over and went where it needed to be plus Steckler hit open shots.
The next event we saw the Phenom Trae was the second best threat around the basket. So he switched off between playing the four and the five and he played both roles well. Always finishing tough, always rebounding, always moving the ball correctly. Trae Steckler was a versatile player.
How did that happen? Trae wasn’t afraid to challenge himself.
“I grew better as a basketball player this spring/summer by practicing my weaknesses,” Steckler said. “Being able to handle the ball was my biggest struggle. By being able to handle the ball I became more confident with the ball which allowed me to extend my shot and be comfortable shooting those shots while being consistent. I also became quicker which helped me speed up my game and be able to score at the rim.”
Steckler has a big football season in front of him but he also wants to stay sharp this fall as a hooper.
“I will continue to stay in the gym and do my workouts to keep me in shape and ready for the season,” Trae said. “The things that I needed to work on I will still continue to work on.”
The Phenom put together a very tough schedule. Competing in the Comets Shootout and Great Plains Alliance as well as the Battle at the Lakes and the Fab 48, the teams the Phenom played were tough. And it made Steckler a better player.
“Playing at the Grassroots is a big step from high school,” Steckler explained. “The speed of the game is a whole different level! It challenged me by making me go out of my comfort zone and working on the things that I needed to work on.”
Will Trae play basketball or football at the next level? That is something Trae is deciding right now.
“Right now my options are open. I’m not going towards any direction. I will be visiting a few schools coming up. For right now I will be visiting Valley City State for basketball and hopefully Bemidji State for football.”