Unsigned Series Tanner Hyland
The New England Recruiting Report’s “Unsigned Series” will profile some of the region’s top available prospects remaining in the class of 2014.
Sometimes in a small market like New England, prospects can become victims of their own success at a young age.
Bridgton Academy post-graduate guard Tanner Hyland is a good example of that.
From the moment he first arrived at South Portland High School, Hyland was already a well known name in local basketball circles. Not only was he following in the footsteps of his older brother, Keegan, who broke numerous local records before committing to Gonzaga, but he was also solidifying himself as one of the best young prospect in the state in his own rite.
That type of early attention isn’t always a good thing though, especially when college coaches can use it as grounds to not give you a thorough evaluation years later as part of an “oh yea I’ve seen him” mentality.
Tanner was a later bloomer than his brother Keegan. In fact, it wasn’t until last spring that people beyond Maine’s borders started to notice major strides in his game. He had matured physically, becoming quick and faster, was more confident, but probably more than anything else, he had become a high level shooter.
He’s continued to improve at a consistent rate in recent months, emerging as one of the pillars of this year’s Bridgton Academy team, and proving himself against the highest levels of competition New England and the world of prep school basketball has to offer.
“I do think he’s proven to be a scholarship player,” Bridgton head coach Whit Lesure said. “In fact, I’m confident he could succeed at the low division one level.”
That’s high praise coming from Lesure, who is not only one of the most respected prep school coaches in the country but also someone who has produced countless scholarship players during his years in the prep ranks.
Historically a point guard by nature, Hyland has been asked to take on more of the scoring responsibility for this year’s Bridgton team and responded according. He’s averaging over 16 points and 5 assists per game, but has also shown an ability to put the team on his back when necessary, going over the 25 point plateau on four different occasions.
“He’s a throwback player, a no position guy, just a damn good guard,” Lesure said.
Beyond his offensive talent, Hyland is also a very solid defensive player with all the intangibles necessary to maximize his physical tools.
“You hear about ‘players’ coaches’ these days,” Lesure said. “Tanner is a ‘coach’s player.’ He will learn the college defense, he possesses tremendous pride, and his competitive basketball I.Q. is off the charts.”
Put it all together and you have a guard with all the markings for the scholarship levels.
Tanner Hyland