Small School, Big Time Talent

 

 

 

 

Some of the best-kept secrets in upstate New York basketball are found in the smaller classes.

A great example of this is Mike Pierre of Hoosic Valley, who, along with his team, is tearing through Class C opponents on their way to possibly winning a state title.

Since returning to Hoosic Valley midway through his junior year, after attending Albany Academy, Pierre has flown under the radar in terms of media coverage and recruiting, despite putting up impressive numbers.

As far as his game goes, the 6’2” guard is at his best when he is able to get out in transition, where he either finishes or dishes it off to a teammate. He also excels in the half court because of his ability to hit a pull-up jump shot out to behind the arc.

Unlike most kids his age, Pierre is just as big a pest on the defensive end. By using his size and athletic ability, he can pressure opposing players and force them to commit turnovers.

Despite all of these attributes and the numbers to support them, he still does not get the recognition he deserves. For most high school basketball players who have aspirations to play in college, senior year is not the ideal time to have a breakout season.

This had a major affect on his recruiting, which was nonexistent before AAU season. Recruiting started to pick up this past spring though, as Pierre played lights out for Larry Seniors’ CD Raptors team. Because of his play, he is being heavily recruited by a number of Division 3 schools, but has heard from just one Division 2 school.

While the lack of offers is understandable due to the timing of his emergence, there is no denying he is a scholarship level player. He scores at will, defends multiple positions, and has the athleticism to compete against anyone. Academically, he is a good student looking to major in Business Administration.

If coaches need further proof, I encourage them to make their way up to Glens Falls this weekend where Pierre and his teammates look to make history as they compete in the Class C Final Four. These will be some of the most important basketball games of Mike Pierre’s life and I expect him to make the most of them.

Pierre’s team won the Class C State Title. Congratulations! from U.S.S.

 

Staff writer- Derek Marchione