Indiana signee Trent Sisley thrives in versatile role with Montverde Academy

Sisley has remained productive against some of the nation’s top talent since his transfer to Montverde Academy.

Indiana men’s basketball signee Trent Sisley made some waves last year when he announced his decision to transfer from Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City, Indiana, to Montverde Academy in Florida.

At the time, Sisley was a hotly pursued in-state prospect by the likes of Indiana, Purdue and Michigan State.

He’d eventually announce his commitment to the Hoosiers following an official visit in Bloomington ahead of his senior season at Montverde, signing his national letter of intent in November.

Sisley was pretty firmly The Guy at Heritage Hills. He was more talented and skilled than just about every player he faced at a game by game basis. The jump to Montverde made him a smaller fish in a bigger pond, which is good for him given that’s what would happen anyway no matter where he signed with at the college level.

Playing for Montverde means Sisley has to learn how to play with and against some of the top talent in the country. He always had the skillset for that sort of thing on paper. Now, months into the season, he has the proof of concept.

There’s no better way to sum up Sisley’s game than stressing that he absolutely thrives as a team player. There isn’t a situation or lineup that he won’t improve with his prescence on the floor. No matter the circumstances he’ll find a way to contribute to winning basketball.

Scoring isn’t an issue for Sisley, he proved that in bunches at Heritage Hills. At Montverde he’s had to be more of a complimentary piece than the go-to option and he’s found ways to maximize that role.

Between timely cuts to the rim and spacing on the perimeter, he knows where he has to be to either score the ball himself or give his teammates and advantage in doing so. He’s not necessarily going to break a guy down off the bounce and he doesn’t have to, he has other ways of dealing damage.

He has the athleticism to play above the rim and run the floor in transition, which would set him up well in Indiana’s offense.

Being surrounded by that much talent has made passing even more of a priority for Sisley and he’s done well there so far. He won’t lead a team in assists but he’ll find the open man and make the right play with the ball more often than not.

He’s not out there hunting or running the offense but if the opportunity is there he’ll swing the rock, typically earning an assist or two per game with the occasional 4-5 assist performance.

Defensively, he’s attentive and plays well. He establishes and maintains solid position and when the Eagles force a turnover, he’s ready.

All of this will translate very well for Sisley in Bloomington. He could play at the wing in a Miller Kopp/Mackenzie Mgbako esque role albeit with greater athleticism or even slide over as a small ball power forward with the way he plays defensively.