Basketball recruiting has become a year-long process for colleges and universities, and that means high school players are in the spotlight all year. In Hartselle, basketball recruiters have been focusing on Tigers’ junior guard Brody Peebles and Lady Tigers’ sophomore guard Masyn Marchbanks.

Peebles, who has been playing on the AAU circuit with Pro One Basketball, has picked up several offers this summer plus numerous accolades as he has improved his level of play. The University of Alabama–Huntsville, University of North Alabama, University of Alabama–Birmingham and Lipscomb University have all offered. Auburn, Belmont, Liberty, Samford and Wofford universities have also expressed interest but haven’t offered at this time.

Trent Markwith, Southeastern Regional scout for PrepHoops, said Peebles should see a jump in his recruiting following his performance in the UAA finals earlier in July.

Special to the Enquirer
Brody Peebles gets a layup over Danville’s Wren Cole during the Morgan County Tournament.

“It’s been really great,” Peebles said about summer play. “My AAU team got to play in some big events against a lot of high-level talent. It’s been a blessing, and it’s great to know a lot of time and effort I’ve put into my craft is paying off.”

Marchbanks, who has played for the Lady Tigers since the eighth grade, plays AAU ball with the Southern Starz. She has picked up offers from Southern Miss and Western Carolina this year.

“This AAU season has been more challenging than the years before because my team has been playing on the Nike Circuit as an Official EYBL Affiliate across the country,” Marchbanks said. “It has brought along better competition and more exposure throughout this summer.”

Her offer from Western Carolina came after the first half of the July recruiting period. Coach Kiley Hill, who was just hired at Western Carolina, offered Marchbanks a scholarship. Hill was an assistant coach at Southern Miss, which has also offered a scholarship. Marchbanks and Hill have known each other and built a relationship over the past couple of years.

Hartselle fans will likely be seeing a lot more college recruiters in the stands at their games over the next few years.