Prospect Spotlight: Raymond Swopes
After a strong summer on the grassroots circuit, Washburn Rural guard Raymond Swopes is gearing up for a big senior season.
A 6’1 guard, Swopes is a streaky shooter that can get red hot and knock down 3-pointers in bunches, but is skilled enough to get to the bucket or create mid range jumpers off the dribble.
Swopes competed for SSA Elite this past season as says the experience of playing against high level competition helped him grow and expand his game.
“I also became a better defender by guarding bigger and stronger guards and gained more confidence throughout my game,” he says.
Known primarily as a shooter throughout his high school career, Swopes says spent a lot of time focusing on becoming a more diverse offensive player.
“I think where I really grew was getting to the basket more,” he says. “As primarily a shooter, I really focused this summer on driving and penetrating to create offense for myself and my teammates. I started to become more explosive and aggressive. I also spent a lot of time in the weight room everyday this summer which increased my vertical and body mass, to become a stronger and heavier guard.”
After going 15-7 a year ago, Swopes says expectations are high this season for a Washburn Rural squad that returns several talented players.
“I believe we have all the pieces to be successful,” he says. “I feel like we have guys that can score and that it could any of us having a streaky game. One downside we have is height this year, but I believe we make up for this with our ability to guard and create pressure to the ball.
“With this I feel we can run a at a high tempo and create turnovers for easy buckets. I expect us to build upon or record last year of 15-7 and compete for a league title.”
Swopes says he is looking forward to playing Topeka Hayden, a rival opponent that features several talented players in its own right.
“They have a lot of talent but I believe we can compete with them,” he says. “They are the team favorite and I believe my team can get it done. I also know a lot of the members of that team and competing against my friends always pushes me to go even harder.”
A fan of Steph Curry, Swopes says he his parents have had the biggest impact on his basketball career to date.
“They know what I am capable of and push me to get past my limitations,” he says. “My dad always tells me to keep shooting, don’t worry about the last one focus on the next one. They have always supported me and want me to be the best that I can be.”
Swopes says he has drawn some interest from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., and plans on visiting the campus soon. He has also drawn interest from Kansas Wesleyan, but does not currently hold any offers.
He says with some offseason work and a big senior season ahead he hopes that will change in the upcoming months.
“I have been working on my pull up jumper as I can get up and elevate off the ground to create easy shots for myself,” Swopes said. “I have also been working on becoming a leader for my team now that I am a senior and to lead by example for our younger guys within our program. …”