South Spencer Rebels Open Gym Notebook:

After a 9-15 season last year that was filled with tough losses and plagued by injuries, the South Spencer Rebels behind third year Head Coach Aaron Thompson have a rejuvenated roster returning with the loss of only two seniors. With six of the top eight scorers returning combined with talented young pieces, this is primed to be a competitive season with a bright future for the Rebels.   KEY RETURNERS:    Not sure I've seen a more impressive player than Ashton Rhoades at these open gym workouts I have attended. The smooth 6'2” wing makes the game look so easy on the offensive end. No wasted movement. Scores it from all three levels. Does a really good job playing off two feet when he gets in the lane and showed he can finish at the basket through contact.   2024-2025 Season Stats: 14.1 points | 3.8 rebounds | 1.9 assists | 1.5 steals | 37% 3FG     Confident guard that really knows how to put the ball in the basket. Crafty finisher when he gets in the lane. Has the ability finish with either hand. Smaller guard but plays with a physicality that can play through contact. Confident shooter that doesn't need much space to get it off. Scrappy defender that plays with energy on both ends of the floor.   2024-2025 Season Stats: 5.7 points | 1.5 rebounds | 1.4 assists |     Braylon is an athletic combo guard that is electric on the offensive end. Quick first step allows him to get in the lane where he can stop and rise over defenders in the midrange or use his athleticism to get to the rim. Capable perimeter jumper that when he shoots it with confidence and gets hot, he's tough to stop. Defensively he's a versatile defender with his speed and athleticism. He plays with a high motor and this season he will have the opportunity to make a big statement with his play.   2024-2025 Season Stats: 6.6 points | 2.2 rebounds | 1.3 assists     Senior sharpshooter that that gets to his spot on balance and shoots an effortless ball with a quick trigger. Top three-point shooter for the Rebels last season. He's a floor spacer that also showed he can put it on the floor and create for himself and others. High motor player that competes on the defensive end. He will be an integral part for the Rebels with his shotmaking and leadership ability.   2024-2025 Season Stats: 2.5 points | 2.3 rebounds | 40% 3FG    NEW ADDITIONS:    Colton is another floor spacer that shoots it with deep range. During the open gym scrimmage he was not afraid to shoot it from five to seven feet behind the three-point line. He's a crafty guard that played in ball screens really well. Did a really good job cutting off the ball to get open. Defensively he did a good job communicating and pushing the pace with the advance pass in transition.     Long, rangy athlete that is only scratching the surface of his potential. Will be the de facto five-man for the Rebels this season, Jett does a good job being in the right spot around the rim to alter or block shots and to rebound. He showed flashes of his ability to rip and run defensive rebounds and lead the break. Offensively he's a guy that his jump shot is a work in progress, but shoots it with a lot of confidence.    FRESHMAN NEWCOMERS:    I was really impressed with Tristan. His attitude and charisma on the court makes you think he's a veteran instead of a player that has suited up for his first high school game. Confident guard that can play on and off the ball and plays with no fear. Good ball handler that initiated the offense and limited mistakes. With the ball in his hands, he was aggressive to score and did a good job of taking what the defense gave him and not forcing anything. Unclear what kind of role he will have this upcoming season. He's a talented playmaker that will be a vital part of the program for the next four years.     Cole has a physical frame with a beautiful left handed stroke that he shoots confidently. Really good cutter off the ball that was able to finish. Most likely looking at a similar role as Tristan, Cole will get plenty of opportunities at the JV level and will be yet another young piece that will be important for the program in the coming years.    UNABLE TO ATTEND OPEN GYM ( FALL SPORTS):    Returning varsity starter that plays soccer so wasn't able to be at open gym. After watching film from last season, Ethan is a physical guard that can take contact when driving in the lane. Thrives on paint touches and does a good job getting his teammates involved.   2024-2025 Season Stats: 8.8 points | 3.1 rebounds | 3.3 assists    • Gavin Harmon - 5'10” 2028 Forward   • Logan Neighbors - 6'1” 2028 Forward

After a 9-15 season last year that was filled with tough losses and plagued by injuries, the South Spencer Rebels behind third year Head Coach Aaron Thompson have a rejuvenated roster returning with the loss of only two seniors. With six of the top eight scorers returning combined with talented young pieces, this is primed to be a competitive season with a bright future for the Rebels.