Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

high school basketball:

Palo Verde playoff standout Dressler headed to Sacramento State

Bishop Gorman Wins State Basketball Championships

L.E. Baskow

Palo Verde’s Grant Dressler gets off a shot despite the defense of Bishop Gorman’s Nick Blair during the NIAA Division 1 State Basketball Championships on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

Grant Dressler went from a player who struggled to find his way on the Palo Verde High basketball team as a junior to one of Southern Nevada’s top performers last season.

When the Panthers went on their deep postseason run, the 6-foot-7 Dressler was seemingly the best player on the court each night to help Palo Verde reach the state championship game.

Along the way, it became clear: Dressler, a shooting guard and small forward, would be a steal of a recruit for a college basketball program.

That program is Sacramento State.

Dressler verbally committed to the Big Sky Conference university, deciding to play for the coaches who had recruited him the longest. Eastern Washington, American and Maine each showed heavy recruiting interest in the past month, but neither had extended a scholarship offer. Sacramento State had recruited him since last summer and offered about two weeks ago.

With the spring signing period beginning April 15, Dressler’s decision was easy.

“Last year is when I started to think (playing in college) would be a possibility. It’s what I always wanted,” Dressler said.

Dressler saw significant playing time last season for the first time in his Palo Verde career. He responded by averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He has the ability to score from the outside with a consistent jump shot, and as he showed during the playoffs, he can also take the ball to the basket for points.

He credits the work during the offseason for his development and newfound aggressive style of play. His work, though, isn’t finished. There’s another season to prepare for — college basketball is a different breed. Among other improvements to his game, Dressler knows he needs to become a better defender.

“I need to work on every aspect of my game and get stronger and faster,” he said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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