Prospect Spotlight: Jaidyn Schomp

Joel Webb January 29, 2020 @ 09:44 AM

Feature Photo Cred: Panther's Tale Prep Girls Hoops Prospect Spotlight In this article, we take a look at our #7 ranked player for the class of 2021, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jaidyn-schomp/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jaidyn-schomp/">Jaidyn Schomp</a></a>. A 6'3, forward for Derby High School and a member of Wheat State Elite grassroots program. The long and lean stretch 4 is back for her junior year campaign with new roles yet similar goals of competing for a state championship. Jaidyn helped the Lady Panthers to an overall 23-1 record a year ago as a sophomore, and already increasing her production as we are mid-way through the 2019-20 season. Derby is currently 7-1 with a 4-0 record in the conference. Here is a more in-depth look at Jaidyn as we get into some Q & A. Q: When did you fall in love with basketball? A: I fell in love with this game when I was in 4th grade. I really just remember falling in love with how your team becomes your family and the game becomes a lifestyle. Basketball is truly a beautiful game. Q: Who are some of you biggest influences and why? A: My biggest influence would probably be my grandad. He got me into basketball at a young age and he continues to help me get better and he is at every one of my games supporting me. Q: Who is your favorite basketball player and why? A: My favorite player is Candace Parker, she has always been super fun to watch and people like to compare me to her and I take that as a huge honor. In a game that continues to evolve it's always important that the players stay doing the same. Jaidyn, at 6'3 some would consider great length to play closer to the basket, yet in my years of experience and invaluable knowledge of the game, I believe she has great, skill and IQ to be as versatile as she would want. She displays the ability to shoot from deep with consistency and shows poise when putting it on the floor to get to the basket and finish through contact. Agile defensively when sliding over to get a help-side block or when shooting the passing lane for a steal and breakaway layup. As polished as she would seem Schomp continues to find areas in her game she can improve individually and that will help evolve her game as well as team strength. Q: What are some strengths and weakness or areas you want to improve in as far as your game? A: My strengths would definitely be my shot and my defense. I can hit the 3 or drive to the hole and my wingspan is a huge benefit on defense. A weakness I really am striving to improve is my ball-handling. Q: What are some individual and team goals you have this year? A: This season my high school team is very new and we are having growing pains but are fighting hard to come over those pains. My goal is to lead my team the best I can and show the newbies how to be a great teammate and young lady. As far as where I want basketball to take me, I was extremely blessed with my height and my skills, but I do not want to go pro. I just want to use it as a way to get a quality education and play the game I love for 4 more years. Jaidyn and the Lady Panthers are currently ranked #5 in Kansas Class 6A. Look for her and to continue to be a leader for Derby and her college interest from all divisions to continue to rise.