This is in no particular order, and I'll probably forget someone (that's where you will come in)...but here's my list.
1. Kevin Summers - Probably the best one, regardless of where this discussion takes us. Simply not a more pure shooter. There's been guys with prettier shots, but none that could hit the open shot, the contested shot and complete the 4-point play better than Kevin.
2. Chris Royer - He was the king of the "gutsy" 3-pointer, and by that I mean having a clear path to the hoop on a breakout and choosing to pull up from 20' and shoot a 3.
3. Jamie Snyder - In the mold of Royer, was a backup on the '92 title team as a sophomore and then led the team in scoring his senior season.
4. Renauld Ray - One of the best all-around players in Orrville history, didn't make a living behind the arc, but was very accurate and effective with his shot attempts.
5. Kyle Simmons - Who could forget his effort as a freshman at the Canton Fieldhouse the first time he even dressed varsity? The radio guys at WQKT didn't even know who he was. They'd know who he was from then on. His shot mechanics were maybe the most pure of anyone on this list.
6. Jacob Bolyard - A recent entry, but one that certainly deserves to be on the list. He's added an inside game to his deadly shooting. Has "anywhere in the gym" range.
7. Tom Snyder - led his team in scoring in both his junior and senior seasons, one of only 14 Red Rider basketball players to accomplish that.
So there's my list of 7. As far as how I'd rank them, I'd rather not, only to say that Kevin Summers would be my #1 and Royer my #2.. The other 5 could fall anywhere from #3 to #7 depending on what day it was.
There's plenty of "fringe" guys that could make the second half of this list...guys like Rocky Smith, Brandon Short, Mekos Denson, Marcel Denson, Damon Robinson, Tommy Brenner, Dee Simpson and Coop DeHart.
What say you? Who am I selling short? Agree or disagree...let's talk.
I guess one question I have is who holds the record for most 3 pointers made? I'd assume Summers, but would like to know that actual # of 3's made. I'd guess it would have to be upwards of 150.
9 comments:
summers, but go further and ask best outside shooters. Since the three point line did not exist, it eliminates some guys that would have to be considered. Ron Whactle and Tom Bolyard come to mind
Ron Wachtel could hit them.
Anon(s),
I never saw Wachtel or Bolyard play basketball...I can only rely on those around me who did. They'd certainly belong on the list of great shooters from what I'm told.
The 3 point era is one that I'm very familiar with and that's why I chose to discuss that....I would be doing a disservice by trying to discuss that I didn't have the opportunity to watch.
Another pre-3 point line player that I recall watching play was Rod Rehm. He had a very good shot.
My father still marvels at Tom Bolyard's overall talent, but specifically on the basketball court....25 years later.
Played with Kevin, Jamie, Jermaine "Coop" and Renauld and Kevin was a PURE shooter and the hardest to guard, he was a master at getting open, running off of picks, he was a real handful at practice. Jermaine was probably the best all around B ball athlete, I think Renauld had the highest B ball I.Q. He always knew where to go and who would be open, great topic! Jamie was a pure scoring machine! He could do a lot of things well.
Thanks for the insight...always good to hear from those who played with a lot of these guys.
I agree about Jermaine, one of the best pure players we've had. He and Renauld were just so good at everything.
But you're right...all Kevin needed was a half step and he could get a shot off....sometimes it looked rushed, but most times it went in.
Great topic...Summers 1, Royer 2 for sure, I think Andy Hibinger '87needs to be on the list too. He was a pure shooter. Not sure if the 3 point arc came into being his senior year or the year after, but he was a deep threat.
Hib was certainly one of the best FT shooters in the last 30 years.
It's sad that we recently lost Andy to a sudden illness.
I didn't know enough knowledge of Hibinger to put him on the list...but if you say he was good enough, that's all I need.
For me, the late 80's were a blur....of course, I was not in high school yet, but I didn't attend any of our wars in Smithville against St. V....really basketball as a whole was blurry until Chris Royer played.
It was sad to read of Andy's passing. It's always tough when people are taken so suddenly...especially when children are involved.
Thanks for commenting.
Ron Wachtel from the 1980 State final four team was one of the finest pure shooters I have ever seen. I have no stats available but I remember was his supreme confidence to shoot from anywhere on the court.
Don't forget a fellow by the name of Robert Montgomery Knight. Had a deadly line drive jump shot from area's beyond todays 3 point arc.
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