Prospect Spotlight: Ty Hyde (2020) Preston High School
Preston High School has been a dominate force in Idaho 4A Basketball since winning their first 4A State Championship in 2016. They again were State Champions in 2017 & 2018. Last year going into the season many considered it to…
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Continue ReadingPreston High School has been a dominate force in Idaho 4A Basketball since winning their first 4A State Championship in 2016. They again were State Champions in 2017 & 2018. Last year going into the season many considered it to be a rebuilding year for Preston since they graduated 6 seniors. But for Preston’s Ty Hyde (2020) it was a year to prove they were not to be overlooked. They proved to be a force to be reckoned with ending the season 24-3. Preston fell short of repeating as state champions for a 4th time losing to Idaho Falls in overtime in the state championship game 66-57. “The year after (2018) was suppose to be a rebuild year. And in our minds we knew we were a better team than we were given credit for at the start of the year. So the “rebuild team of last year” made it to the state championship and just fell short.”
This year looks to be another winning year for Hyde (2020) and his teammates. “We have most of everyone coming back. We lost 2 seniors and 1 starter. We expect to win and compete every year. But we take it game by game.” At 6’7″ and 240 lbs Hyde (2020) anchors a team that has some really good players in Luke Smellie (2020), Scott Dunn (2020), and Cooper Hobson (2020). As a sophomore Hyde (2020) began to contribute on the varsity. “I got my first varsity experience as a sophomore.. being a role player coming off the bench. We went undefeated and became state champs for the 3rd year in a row that year.”
Last year Hyde (2020) was named the Idaho State Journals 2018-19 Boys Basketball player of the year. He was also named Co-Player of the Year for 4A District 4-5. Through the year Hyde (2020) averaged 16.9 ppg, 8.1 reb, and 2.4 assists. He also had a career high 38 points at Pocatello High School. He also scored in double figures in 25 of the 27 games he played in.
Photo Courtesy of Ty HydeBasketball has provided Hyde(2020) with many memories over the years. “My favorite memories have to be the state championship game. Career high of 38 points in the pit at Pocatello. Winning the district championship in our own gym in front of the community of Preston.”
The game of basketball provides so many opportunities for personal growth for so many who play it. “Basketball has helped me become the leader I am today. It’s helped me push through adversity. The thing I like the most about basketball is just being given this opportunity to play the game I love with my childhood friends growing up. I love the atmosphere when we play at home, we have the best fans in the district. Also you have to love the atmosphere on the road with the student sections.”
Hyde (2020) has also played for one of the top AAU programs in Utah. “I’ve played on one AAU team. Cache valley Elite out of Logan, Utah for Coach Ryan Young.” This has provided Hyde (2020) with the opportunity to play against some of the best competition possible. “We have played all over the west coast, Las Vegas, California. My favorite tournament was probably the Fab 48 in Vegas.”
AAU also provides many unique memories for the kids who play it. “My favorite memory’s of AAU is just building a friendship with random kids from Utah and Idaho. Or walking into a gym in California and seeing 38 courts and everyone surrounding 1 watching Lamelo Ball.”
“AAU has helped my game by putting me in different situations. Playing different spots and play different than I do with my high school team. Which helps my game expand.” Hyde (2020) is also doing a much as he can to improve, “Over the summer I’ve been working with Tai Wesley, I watched him growing up so being able to get in the gym and work on moves and foot work with one of my idols has helped me a bunch.”
At 6’7″ 240 Hyde (2020) attracts a lot of attention from the teams Preston plays. “The strengths of my game is just working in the paint. Forcing the other team to double me and make my teammates open. Also working a pick-n-role game with Luke Smellie (2020). I am also able to set pics and run through an offense to get a shot for our shooters. I am also good at crashing the boards and getting put backs.”
“It has always been a dream to play at the next level. I’ve had a little talk from a couple schools but waiting until after the season to make a decision.”