Prospect Spotlight: Travis Beetch (2020)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the state’s rising players in the 2020 class, Abilene guard Travis Beetch is coming off a strong offseason running with SSA Elite and is poised for a breakout season for the Cowboys.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 6’4, Beetch is a smart, heady player with a long, rangy frame. He uses his length well, whether it’s at the defensive end of the court or finishing around the basket. He describes himself as a streaky shooter who can get hot and run up points in a hurry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Abilene is coming off a strong season in 2018-19 as they were state ranked for much of the season and eventually finished 18-4 overall after falling in the substate championship to eventual second-place finisher Augusta. Beetch led the team averaging 11 points and four assists per game and had several 20 point games and recorded a 15 point 10 assist double-double in our league championship game against fourth place chapman. He was named  4A state honorable mention and was on the all tournament team at the Salina Invitational Tournament.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We are looking young but very talented headed into my senior season,” Beetch said. “I’m looking to make my way onto an all state team and punch a ticket to state, we have a lot of young talent and if we can mold together, we’ll be making a run for a state placing and a sixth straight NCKL championship.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A member of the SSA program since the eighth-grade, Beetch says the experience of working with former Kansas State player Will Spradling’s program has helped his game grow over the years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“New players joining us every year has always been so great and Will Spradling really has a great program for central Kansas kids,: Beetch said. “We played really well this summer and my skills on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball have grown tremendously going up against many future college athletes.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beetch says the biggest influence on his basketball career has been a high school assistant coach, Erik Graefe.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Everything he has taught me and the motivation he gives me everyday to keep working and helping me get to where I want to go in the future,” Beetch says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beetch has drawn interest from several college programs and says Sterling and Nebraska Wesleyan have been at the top of his list for some time. He has a visit planned to Sterling on Oct. 25 and is keeping his options open.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m still looking to expand my interests and am planning on not making a decision until after basketball season as I will have different options to choose from,” he said.</span></p>