News » Hoops News

Bigger is Vedder

By: Jeff Meadows

When your 7’2 and 215lbs you would think that the basketball world would or should be at your feet but that hasn’t been the case that is up until now. Blake Vedder has been somewhat under the recruiting and scouting service radar but what I can say is this THAT TIME IS OVER. Last fall Blake played at West Geauga High School in Chesterland, Ohio where he graduated and decided to attend a Post Grad School/Prep School for two reasons (a) become a better basketball player and (b) get an offer that was a little bit more appealing than what he had at the time, Blake has done both. Last year at West Geauga Blake averaged 5 pts 5 rebounds and 4 blocks this year Blake is averaging 12 pts 10 rebounds and 5 blocks per game, big improvement (not to mention the competition he plays against is much better). “Impact Basketball Academy has been such a positive for Blake” said Kurt Vedder Blake’s Father. “Blake has improved in every facet of his game”. I had the pleasure of watching Blake play this past fall at Chad Groth’s Phoenix Fall Showcase and I was utterly impressed with his game and skill level, here’s my breakdown/evaluation of Blake;

 Blake Vedder 7’2 SR (P) Las Vegas IPA

Blake is a special player from the stand point that you just don’t see a 7’2 player

walking around every day not to mention the fact that he’s coordinated, has

good motor skills, good footwork and has good basketball skills, Blake is an excellent

shot blocker and he also has a nice arsenal of offensive moves, his signature

offensive move seems to be the right or left hand jump hook which is very

effective, this young man is a high major D1 prospect.

Here are some of the schools recruiting Blake:
Univ. Of California – Bakersfield, Oregon State Univ., University of Texas – Arlington, Kent State Univ., Eastern Michigan Univ., Boise State Univ., Ionia College, Dartmouth Univ., Providence College just to name a few. While Blake has improved a great deal has no problem with admitting that there’s plenty of room for improvement “I still have a ways to go” says Blake “But I’m willing and determined to put in the work”. Blake doesn’t want to just sign at some super program sit and be everyone’s all-warm up team for four years, Blake wants to be an intrical part of whatever school he signs at if not his freshman year definitely by his sophomore season. Blake has only 2 1/2 years of varsity experience but most top basketball scouts/analyst and coaches say, you can't teach height and Blake has plenty of that along with fairly descent skills throw in a couple more years experience and you got something. Look for Blake to get better and better and to someday have a impact on the game of basketball at a very high level.