The concrete driveway at David and Kim Piercefield’s residence features a basketball goal and a 3-point stripe measured to high school specifications.
It’s here the third of the couple’s four children, Spencer, hones his craft for hours at a time.
“In season it’s not as much as much as offseason, obviously, because you have to keep your legs fresh,” said Piercefield, a 6-foot sophomore who starts at the “2” guard for the regional-bound Center Grove boys team.
“Offseason, honestly, it’s probably three hours. We have practice at the high school that we always do. I’ll take a break, and then later that night I’ll be back out on the driveway or in the gym getting shots in.”
Practice might not make perfect, but Piercefield’s dedication has given Trojans coach Zach Hahn yet another perimeter option when opposing defenses are building a human teepee around 6-8 sophomore center Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Center Grove features Jackson-Davis as the team’s leading scorer (12.2), though Piercefield is a shade back at 12.1. Senior Travis Roehling, junior swingman Joey Klaasen and guards Nate McLain and Ben Nicoson are capable outside shooters when called upon.
Piercefield performed superbly at the Franklin Central Sectional, scoring 12 points in the semifinal victory against Whiteland and chasing it with a 20-point outburst in the 57-54 win against the host Flashes in the championship game.
He made three treys in each of the two games.
Making his varsity debut as a freshman in last season’s 76-48 home loss to North Central, Piercefield has blossomed into an indispensable component in everything Center Grove (17-7), winners of 10 of its past 14 games, does.
“Like most freshmen, he was great at the JV level. He came up and was just really solid for us at the varsity level, and so we knew what we were getting with him this year,” Hahn said.
“Spencer is shooting the ball at a very high percentage right now, and he’s making plays for us. He’s a really good, strong guard. He’s crafty with the ball. He’s not going to overwhelm you with his athleticism, but he makes good, smart decisions for us.”
Spencer is one of two Piercefields on the Trojans roster. Older brother Seth is a senior backup guard who is always there to support and/or offer advice to his sibling.
This, Spencer admits, has played a significant role in what’s been a breakout season.
Big brother has been known to rebound and fire passes back to Spencer as the latter launches jump shot after jump shot on the aforementioned driveway half-court.
Other times, Spencer rebounds for Seth.
“This season has made our relationship grow a lot because I always have someone to talk to who knows the same things that I’m thinking,” Spencer said. “Seth always knows what’s going on and what to say to me to get me motivated.
“He’s always invited me into his friend group, so I’m with him a lot. He’s a great big brother.”
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THE PIERCEFIELD FILE
Name: Spencer Piercefield
Age: 16
Born: Greenwood
Family: Parents David and Kim; sister Sydnee, 20; brothers Seth, 18, and Sutton, 13
Favorite TV show: “Drake & Josh”
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: “Happy Gilmore”
Favorite athlete: Dwyane Wade
Favorite team: Indiana University men’s basketball
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