The spring and summer club season is used to develop players, and for Notre Dame Prep's sharp-shooting 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior guard Brennan Peterson, this was definitely the case. Peterson has been a top performing prospect for many years, but this club season, Peterson took his game to another level on the Nike EYBL circuit, while traveling with his loaded AZ Unity 16U Nike-sponsored team - one of the top 16U teams in the country. Peterson helped his team qualify this club season for the Nike Peach Jam, through his exemplary shooting of the basketball, which proved him to be a specialist as a shooter against elite competition.
Peterson has had an excellent high school career for himself thus far at Notre Dame Prep, since entering the high school ranks as a top-rated middle school prospect three years ago. The combination of Peterson, junior guard Bryce Quinet and gifted senior guard Anthony Batson have been an absolute force for the Notre Dame Prep program and Head Coach Luke DallaRiva. Notre Dame Prep has had two strong seasons since this trio came together, and is coming off a 23-6 overall record last season, and a deep state playoff run in the Open Division State Playoffs. In the process, Peterson averaged 17 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per/game last season - his best season to date, although he is currently averaging an impressive 15.6 points, 4.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per/game in his high school career.
While Peterson has been terrific throughout his high school career, this spring and summer Peterson went to another level against elite national competition. A fundamentally sound guard prospect, Peterson handled the ball, distributed and shot the ball at a high clip for his club program, which opened up the floor for his elite teammates, which included top-rated national sophomore prospects Elijah Williams, Cameron Holmes, Jaion Pitt, Maper Maker, Noah George and superstar freshman guard Brandon McCoy, among others. Peterson proved to be an excellent compliment to his elite teammates, as he spread the floor consistently - making big shots and keeping the defense honest. While his group of teammates are each receiving loads of college recruitment, Peterson proved his recruiting value also in the process.
Peterson currently has an offer from the University of Oregon, which he received as a mere freshman. He is now preparing to enter his junior season, and is heading into it with loads of confidence and preparation, as a result of his experience gained from a strong spring and summer of competition.
Peterson is a strong floor general with an excellent feel for the game and a unique shooting prowess. He is a heady floor general that commands presence on the basketball court, is very efficient in his approach to the game and make plays for himself and his teammates consistently. Peterson reminds me of a young John Stockton, as he has an excellent handle of the basketball, sets up his teammates for scoring opportunities and makes shots at a high and consistent level. He is a specialist as a shooter - something all college programs need to be successful. He is very poised as a player, and nothing seems to rattle him on or off the floor. He is also a good defender with quick hands, and understand angles on the floor. He is fundamentally sound and makes up for his lack of size with a high basketball IQ.
Peterson and his trio of Quinet and Batson will be a formidable group again this season, as they look to compete for a 5A State Championship this season, and/or an Open Division State Championship as well. The team finished the season very strong last season, and will be even better again this high school season.
Peterson has been very consistent throughout his high school career thus far, so this season will not be about numbers, but rather the focus will be on winning a state title. The junior season will also be big for Peterson in preparation for a big spring and summer again in 2024, his most important club season for the recruiting process, as he prepares for his senior year in 2025. I will continue to watch him perform and am very interested in seeing if he and his Notre Dame Prep teammates can come together to make a state title a reality this high school season.
