Drew Wagenschutz is one of the best players from the Niceville, FL area in the Class of 2021.
Wagenschutz, who attends Rocky Bayou Christian School, is a dynamic player that works as a point guard and shooting guard.
Wagenschutz has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding youth career, such as making the All-Star team in 2017-18.
Wagenschutz is humbled by the accolade.
“When I had received my All-Star team pick I was very grateful and happy to be chosen as a ninth grader,” Wagenschutz said. “I was even more happy when my team won the state championship because that’s what matters most. We achieved the goal we set at the beginning of the year.”
No matter the opponent, every game Wagenschutz is determined to give it his all.
Wagenschutz is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Wagenschutz steps between the lines.
“My mindset is to play as hard as I can and encourage my teammates to do likewise,” Wagenschutz said. “I want the other team to have to work for everything they get.”
Wagenschutz has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the hardwood. Wagenschutz tells why he enjoys the game of basketball so much.
“I used to play soccer all through elementary until one year in sixth grade my dad signed me up for a basketball rec league,” Wagenschutz said. “I instantly loved basketball even though I was the worst player on my team. I practiced outside my house on my hoop until I got better and finally got to start. I have loved basketball since and it is by far my favorite sport.”
Wagenschutz has learned many valuable lessons from playing basketball that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Basketball has taught me that even when things are tough you should never give up and that sometimes you have to fight for what you love,” Wagenschutz said. “Basketball has taught me to work to earn respect.”
Wagenschutz recalls his favorite basketball memory.
“Probably when my team won the state championship on a buzzer-beater in overtime on an assist by me,” Wagenschutz said. “It was an awesome experience because the school I went to was known for being bad at sports compared to the other teams in our region but we were determined to show them we would compete.”
Rob Hubbs is in his first season coaching Wagenschutz for Rocky Bayou Christian School.
Hubbs explains the best parts of Wagenschutz game.
“He is a very good ball handler that can keep his eyes down the court. We have a four year starter at the point guard position so when he is in,Drew can play the 2 or the 3 where he does a great job of moving without the basketball and taking it to the hole. He is not shy to go after juniors and seniors in the paint and with his strong work ethic in the weight room, Drew has developed physically faster than most juniors and some seniors,” Hubbs said. “He has a natural killer instinct that is aggressive and in your face with playing defense and causing turnovers. His go-go-go attitude will be something special for me to get to coach the next three seasons.”
Wagenschutz takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Wagenschutz makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I want to be known by my team as trustworthy and dependable. I always try to encourage my teammates when they do well or make a mistake,” Wagenschutz said. “One time my friend was new to basketball and wasn’t getting a lot of playing time. He felt like quitting the team. I told him nothing is easy after you just start, it takes practice and time and that he could be a great player if he kept practicing and getting better.”
Hubbs adds that Wagenschutz is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“As a sophomore called up to varsity, there might be some players who use that as a way to brag but not Drew,” Hubbs said. “He at times would rather play on the JV to be with his classmates and I think have a bond that is going to make our program pretty special for the next few years.”
Wagenschutz is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My coaches have always taught me perseverance and that I should never give up on something I want to do,” Wagenschutz said. “My coach once said: ‘The best player you can be is what you allow yourself to be.’”
Hubbs is an advocate of Wagenschutz’s capabilities.
“Our last win before the Christmas break he was our leading scorer and ran the point guard position for much of the game. I was needing to move some guys around and play some younger ones to get more experience and Drew really took over and led them getting many steals on defense and directing an offense that had a bunch of moving pieces,” Hubbs said. “We all know that playing inexperienced guys can end up having those pieces in the wrong spots. Thanks to Drew we stayed sharp the whole game and brought some excitement into the gym.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Wagenschutz also has a high level of basketball IQ as well.
Wagenschutz has excellent basketball awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“Playing pick up with Drew this summer I got real excited because I would guard him and he would make a pass to the post and by the time I would turn around I would lose him. He moves without the ball very well and moves with the ball even better,” Hubbs said. “Drew came from a smaller school where as a freshman had to run his offense and be the quarterback of the team and with his new role he is adjusting to not having to do everything. Which really helps when our point guard is getting pressure and Drew knows not to leave him on an island with no help.”
Wagenschutz is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He is always dressed and ready to go whenever we have practice or weights and is ready to roll with no complaints,” Hubbs said. “He hasn’t worked out before this year and in August has transformed his body by working hard and already looks like an upperclassman.”
Wagenschutz patterns his mentality after this three-time NBA champion and future first ballot Hall of Fame member.
“My favorite professional basketball player is probably Steph Curry,” Wagenschutz said. “I like his story of coming from a small Christian school and working hard to be recognized by a small college and then going to the NBA to become one of the best players of all time.”
Wagenschutz is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“I want to especially honor God in how I play and how I live off the court. I want to do well in school and I want to get a good job and support a future family,” Wagenschutz said. “Right now I want to play as hard as I can and go with my team to a championship.”
Wagenschutz lists chemistry as his favorite subject in school.
“I like to learn about how everything in nature has a purpose and I’m also not bad at equations,” Wagenschutz said.
Hubbs outlines the areas of improvement that will take Wagenschutz to the next level.
“He has a little perfectionist in him and when he isn’t playing perfect has gotten frustrated,” Hubbs said. “We are working with getting him accustomed to not having to do everything and to thriving in his role until its his time to shine. Although each game I’m giving him more and more responsibility.”
Hubbs believes the sky is the limit as long as Wagenschutz continues to stay hungry.
“Drew has a lot of potential. He is a sophomore being asked to play a senior’s role. While he looks like an upperclassman physically, I have to remind myself he is still young and if you give them too much too soon sometimes they will get gun shy. He came to us from a smaller school where he started on the varsity and as a freshman was the one his teammates looked to to take over. He is meshing well although he might not tell you,” Hubbs said. “I believe he loves the game of basketball and has a passion or it and if it really laches on to him the end of this season and the next two years he could really develop into something special.”
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