Liberty Benton is having a tremendous season and I’m hoping to catch them in their last game of the regular season against currently unbeaten Patrick Henry. That should give Gerken a good match-up athletically against the wings that Patrick Henry boasts. With Gerken’s ability to play on the perimeter and score over smaller players in the paint, he’ll provide versatility at both ends of the court from day one at the college level. Throw in his efficient scoring at over 50% from the floor and 40% from 3-point range and it’s no surprise Gerken has become a priority recruit for regional small college programs.

Gerken was the best player on the court Saturday night. He is a 6’5 wing with great length and can flat-out score the ball. He does a great job of getting to his spot and cooking the defense. He has a great understanding of using his pivot foot to create enough space for him to get his shot off. His length helps him get his shot off above the defense. He can score on all three levels well.

A standout at the Toledo Top 64, that’s actually the only setting I’ve seen Gerken play in person. A wing who can move fluidly with a solid frame, it’s no surprise regional college programs have become interested in Gerken due to his size, skill and production. We’ll see what type of numbers Gerken can put up as a senior and if he can lead Liberty Benton to a conference and district title this winter.

Gerken is the only rural NWO I will have on my 1st or 2nd team Toledo preview this year and I expect him to be a dominant player this year. He is someone that really showcased some great talent at the Toledo Top 64 where he went on to be one of the better players in the gym that day. His size and athletic ability are something that is going to be difficult for many teams to match up to. He has a nice skillset as well. He finishes at the rim aggressively and through contact well. He knocks down shots from the midrange and will make you pay if you do not step out with a hand up. I expect him to be a much-recruited player in his senior year at Liberty-Benton. 

This was my first chance to watch Gerken and I was immediately intrigued by his size and frame. I thought he moved well for his size and made shots from the outside. When you look at his size, shooting ability and athleticism, it’s easy to see why Gerken has become a priority recruit for a couple small college programs.