Baller Spotlight: Oliver Vincent
Volga, SD – Entering his senior campaign this two-time First Team All-State selection has one thing on his mind: Leading Sioux Valley back to the South Dakota State “A” Championship game, where I believe most Cossack fans are hoping the…
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Continue ReadingVolga, SD – Entering his senior campaign this two-time First Team All-State selection has one thing on his mind: Leading Sioux Valley back to the South Dakota State “A” Championship game, where I believe most Cossack fans are hoping the 3rd time could be the charm! Mr. Vincent has been the main catalyst to Sioux Valley’s successful run in Class A basketball since he entered the starting line-up as a freshman. He helped lead the Cossacks to a (21-1) record and a berth in the South Dakota State Tournament as the 2nd seed before Covid canceled the playing of the 2020 tournament. During his freshman season SV put the State on notice that with Vincent as the point man the Cossacks will be a team to reckon with going forward. In his three seasons leading Sioux Valley Hoops, Oliver has led a talented group to an overall (64-8) record and back-2-back South Dakota class “A” State Championship games. Finishing Runners-up in 2021 with a (23-2) record and again in the 2022 season going (20-5). The All-Stater has racked up the awards and set many records. Perhaps none more impressive than his charges taken record and his unique ability to make all those around him a better basketball player while doing whatever was needed to lead his teams to wins! See below for all things Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD !
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD (2023) |6’1 PG| Sioux Valley/Pentagon Schoolers
Stats
18 ppg, 7 apg, 4 rpg, 3 spg – Junior Season
20 ppg, 4 apg, 3 rpg, 2 spg – Sophomore Season
13 ppg, 2 apg, 2 rpg, 2 spg – Freshman Season
Accolades
*First Team South Dakota All-State 2021
*First Team South Dakota All-State 2022
*First Team Big East Conference 2020, 2021, 2022
*First Team LCC 2021, 2022
*Class A All-Tournament Team 2021, 2022
*SD POY finalist 2021, 2022
*Argus Leader Team 2021, 2022
*Register Co-Player of the Year
*1,400 plus Career Points and counting
*64-8 record as varsity starter
*2021 State Runner-up
*2022 State Runner-up
Shane Hennen of Hennen Workouts on Vincent
“Oliver is the most skilled player in the state. His ability to let the ball float in his hand for such a long time then change height and speed in an instant makes him unguardable 1 on 1. He has elite foot control and maneuvers around traffic like an NBA guard. He has division 1 skill. He’s more skilled than some D1 kids I train. Coaches need to take a shot at him. He’s a coach’s kid and could fit into any system if given a shot.“
It’s easy to see why so many college programs have offered Oli a scholarship to attend their university and play college hoops at the next level. We all know the ultra-skilled basketball player can score the basketball at a high percentage and is in range the moment he enters the gym but more times than not you will find him defending the opposing team’s top offensive threat. His willingness to sacrifice his body is evident in setting the Charges Taken Record or watching him lead his team in last year’s State Tournament with a badly sprained ankle that hardly would fit in his shoe. The Kid is TOUGH as nails and is a relentless worker when it comes to his training.
Seth Boomsma of Boom Athletics on Vincent
“Oli is an extremely high-level athlete possessing a 40in Vertical Jump blended with the quickness of a 4.05 Pro Agility — numbers that would turn heads of football scouts. Oli is so effective on the court with his use of athleticism, basketball IQ & ability to manipulate defenders with his high skill level.”
Q & A with Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD
PHD: When it comes to AAU ball with the Schoolers this summer, what were a few highlights?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “AAU ball this year was a lot of fun, made of lots of great memories once again and I am sad it has come to an end this year. I thought a couple of highlights from the year would have to be getting interviewed after playing a great game against one of the top teams in the NY2LA Circuit and getting interviewed in the media room after the overtime win down in Louisville Kentucky. It was fun to also get to play the game I think most SD AAU fans have been wanting to see with the Schoolers playing SD Attack, I believe we won 78-70. With the two great programs merging talents going forward I believe that was a great game to have gotten to play. As an individual memory, it was pretty cool being one of only two players to ever go over 2000 career points in the 30-plus year history of the Schoolers program, but I am more proud of reaching the assist record and charges taken record for our program.”
PHD: What does Oli Vincent do for fun outside of hoops?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “Hoops doesn’t really take a rest in our home. But I do enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, my friends, and swimming. I am a bit of a movie junkie and I love the grind of working out and lifting weights. I enjoy boxing as well.“
PHD: From right now until your senior season of hoops starts, what do you hope to improve on when it comes to your basketball game?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “My overall game.Get stronger and faster and be 100% when the season gets officially underway.“
PHD: Can you tell us about how the recruiting process has been going for you?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “I just want to win. I want to help Sioux Valley achieve something that has never happened here so my dad actually had to sit me down and say “let’s get out and visit some campuses and programs that have been recruiting you.” I visited a few places my Junior year, and this year I have been really trying to get on campus and play with the programs and the teams recruiting me. Watch them practice, build a relationship with coaches and in the end hopefully pick a place that is a good fit for myself and the school. I have some really good offers and I am so grateful for them. I have got to experience each level of recruitment NAIA, D3, D2, D1 and I think that has really been amazing.”
PHD: What are the goals for Sioux Valley this coming season?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “The goal for Sioux Valley definitely is to try and take it one step further and get the real trophy this year. The path doesn’t change, one step at a time.”
PHD: What is your best basketball memory?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “My best basketball memory I have had playing has to be playing in the State Championship game two years in a row. Nothing quite like getting your name called, running out of a huddle in a game of that caliber, or slapping the Sioux Valley tag on the Slap Board to advance.“
PHD: Before a big game, what is your go-to meal?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “I usually try to stick with something that will sit well. A sub sandwich most days.“
PHD: As a basketball player what is the best part of your game?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “I feel like the best part of my game is how I am able to see the floor and use my IQ, so I can find a way to make everyone around me better and keep them involved while also knowing when it’s time to just flat out go make a play.“
PHD: Any idea what you want to study or major in at college?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “I am not positive but probably on the business side of things.“
PHD: You and the Cossacks have been fortunate to make the State Tournament several times. Can you describe the feeling of playing in the big dance?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “No. It’s indescribable! A bit magical!”
PHD: In South Dakota, where is your favorite venue to play a basketball game?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “We have some sweet venues in South Dakota. There is nothing like playing in front of the Cossack Crazies at a home game. The Pentagon is really special and like a second home to myself, but nothing is as magical as playing in the Denny or Summit come late March.“
PHD: If your Schooler squad was to play a 1v1 tournament who would win?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “I would. We got some great guys, skilled guys, stud athletes, amazing basketball players, but I would win it. Love those guys, all of them, but no question.“
PHD: Who wins in a game of P-I-G, Oli Vincent, Kelton Vincent, Tayt Vincent, Buster Vincent, Bill Vincent?
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD : “LOL.They are old!”
**HIGHLIGHT VIDEO BELOW**