Prospect Spotlight: Trae Swartz (2021)
Ottumwa recently wrapped up its 2018-19 campaign, and it was 6-foot-4 forward Trae Swartz who shined the brightest for the Bulldogs.
Just a sophomore, Swartz was by far and away the leading scorer for Ottumwa, and he led the team in rebounding and blocked shots for good measure.
Swartz, in addition to his post prowess, was able to showcase some 3-point shooting ability. And should emerge as one of the state’s premier versatile threats over the next two seasons.
“I’m mostly a post guy, but I can get to the rack and I can shoot 3s pretty good mid-range, too,” said Swartz. “I can do everything, I can handle the ball a little bit, too.”
The Bulldogs struggled to a 6-15 record this season. But with Swartz coming back, and guys like Joe Hammer, Drake Handling and Kie Glosser, he thinks Ottumwa has a shot to improve next season, “I think we’ll be pretty good next year,” he said.
On March 2nd, Swartz will try out to play with the Iowa Barnstormers 16U sqaud. It would be his first spring and summer playing club basketball.
“I’m really looking forward to the competition, and I’m looking forward to turning into more of a shooting guard,” said Swartz. “College coaches are looking at a 6’4 guy not as a center or a power forward, but a guard. So, I’m going to work on getting a little bit quicker, and go from there.”