Prospect Spotlight: Nate Gerber (2020)
In the center of Paulding County lies a truly under the radar talent. Starting at Wayne Trace High School and leading the team in scoring the last two seasons, Haviland is the home of Raiders wing Nate Gerber (2020). An…
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Continue ReadingIn the center of Paulding County lies a truly under the radar talent. Starting at Wayne Trace High School and leading the team in scoring the last two seasons, Haviland is the home of Raiders wing Nate Gerber (2020). An intriguing prospect with little college attention thus far, Gerber has an opportunity this summer to continue developing his game and ultimately try and earn his first college offer. I had the opportunity to chat with Nate and learn more about his role with Wayne Trace, how the Raiders continue to have such consistent play, and more.
The Raiders cultivated their season, falling to District runner-up Kalida in the District Semis, after a 19-6 season. Wayne Trace earned a share of the Green Meadows Conference during the season and knocked off Hicksville and Ottoville during the year. Wayne Trace is no stranger to postseason success and although this season ended in the Districts, Gerber and his Wayne Trace teammates understand every seasons expectations are high.
“Because of (Coach Al Welch), we have set high expectations. We focused on a GMC title throughout the season which has led us to winning 30 of 48 GMC championships. Then, we prepare for tournament right after which has allowed us to achieve 25 sectional titles”.
Not only are Hicksville and Ottoville in the Elida District, but this season’s state champion Convoy Crestview also competes in the District. Even with the Knights and Kalen Etzler (2021), Gerber and his Wayne Trace teammates have a mindset that they can compete with anybody on any night.
“We expect a GMC title every year and always want to make it to Districts. THankfully, we have gotten a lot of experience and the pressure doesn’t get to us. Our seniors lead us well enough to take the nerve off underclassmen”.
When you first see Gerber, you would assume he is the team’s center as he stands 6’5. IN actuality, Nate plays on the wing and does well at it. Specifically, he has a dagger of a jump shot, especially pulling up off the dribble. Because of his size he has potential to be quite an offensive weapon. However, one area of improvement is his interior play. Gerber needs to continue to build his strength as well as work on his explosiveness so he can beat defenders off the dribble more. With another season of high school ball and AAU, Nate has plenty of time to work on this.
Gerber will be running with NWO Basketball Club this summer and will use this time to kickstart his recruitment and hopefully visit some schools soon. When he is not making plays on the basketball floor, he is a WR for the football team. In the classroom, he owns a 4.0 GPA and is currently #1 in his class. A member of National Honors Society and Student Council, Gerber gets It done in the classroom just as much as the basketball court. Although he currently owns no offers, I would guess with his continued success and strong work ethic he will attract attention soon.