By Rick Morwick
In light of his long-range shooting skills, it would be easy to assume that Spencer Piercefield’s primary value to the Center Grove High School boys basketball team is 3-point shooting.
But that assumption would be incorrect.
Although he is the most prolific 3-point shooter in school history, Piercefield contributes far more to the Trojans than 3-point baskets. He is, in many ways, a pioneer for a team that has rapidly become a Class 4A power.
“Spencer helped lay the foundation for our program,” said coach Zach Hahn, who’s in his fifth season with the Trojans. “He helped turn a basketball program around by simply showing what hard work and dedication look like on a daily basis.”
A 6-foot shooting guard, Piercefield has been a cornerstone of the Trojans’ success. Their all-time leader in 3-point field goals, he has helped lead them to two straight sectional championships and is part of a senior class that has put Center Grove on the state boys basketball map.
Mainstays in the Class 4A poll in recent years, the Trojans have emerged as contenders inside the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference – widely regarded as the state’s toughest – and are expected to challenge for a state championship.
At least, that’s their objective.
“For the team (the goal) is simple, to win championships,” said Piercefield, who sank a single-game, school-record eight 3-pointers on Jan. 25 against MIC rival Lawrence North. “My goal is to win the MIC, county, sectionals, regionals and state.”
Piercefield, who had 162 career 3-pointers as of Feb. 1 (the previous school record was 146), is confident the Trojans have the firepower to accomplish their championship mission.
“I enjoy playing for this team because I have grown up playing with a lot of the guys, and most of them are some of my best friends,” he said. “I also love how competitive everyone is and how much everyone wants to win.”
An honors student who maintains a 3.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale, Piercefield is an emotional and statistical leader who often sets the tone for how the Trojans play – at both ends of the court.
“Spencer has improved his consistency in all aspects of his game,” Hahn said. “He is also a great ball defender as he rarely gets beat off the dribble. He gives relentless effort. Each night, he brings a calm demeanor but fierce competitive fire to our team. I couldn’t have been more lucky to coach him and more proud of not only the basketball player that he is, but the young man he has become.
“He will achieve success in whatever future endeavor he chooses because of his values, dedication and work ethic. Spencer is the epitome of what I want Center Grove basketball players to be.”
Piercefield plans to continue his basketball career at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he’ll pursue a major in youth ministry.
“I enjoy the competition aspect of the game,” said Piercefield, who took up basketball in preschool and soon after joined a church league. “When I am in the offseason and I’m working out, I feel like I’m competing daily against myself, to make more shots than I did the previous day, as well as (against) my competitors because my practice will translate to the game.
“I love how all five guys on the floor have to work together and be on the same page.”
THE PIERCEFIELD FILE
NAME: Spencer Piercefield
SPORT: Basketball
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Shooting guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot
AGE: 17
HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Being outside and playing recreational sports and games
EXPERIENCE: Four-year varsity
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Friends
FAVORITE MOVIE: Happy Gilmore
COLLEGE PLANS: Will continue a basketball career at Indiana Wesleyan University; plans to study youth ministry
PARENTS: Dave and Kim Piercefield
