Freedom's Triplett commits to Warren Wilson

Credit: Paul Schenkel | The News Herald

Freedom senior Tyler Triplett recently signed to play basketball for Warren Wilson College next year. Flanking Triplett on the front row are his mother Diana Epps (left) and stepfather Colin Epps. Pictured on the back row (from left) are Freedom principal Dr. Ken Prichard, Warren Wilson head coach Kevin Walden, Freedom athletic director Joey Davis and basketball coach Casey Rogers.

Freedom senior Tyler Triplett was not a starter in the Patriot boys basketball teams 26-3 season that included a trip to the 3A West Regionals.

But illustrating the depth Freedom had last year, Triplett recently accepted a scholarship offer to play for Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa next winter.

I think it speaks a lot about Tyler too, said Freedom coach Casey Rogers. He was only here a year, but his willingness to buy into what we did as a team and what we wanted from him, as well as his ability to learn, has helped him continue his basketball career.

Triplett, a 6-4 wing who transferred from Patton, averaged 5.6 points in 2011-12, including a season high of 17 in a home win over rival East Burke in early December. He was one of the Patriots better rebounders and 3-point shooters as well.

Hes a kid obviously we would have loved to have for four years, Rogers added. Hes just scratching the surface of what kind of player he can become. He didnt even play basketball until his 10th-grade year.

Fourth-year Warren Wilson coach Kevin Walden, whose Owls finished 16-9 last season in United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II play, said Triplett would likely stay at the 2 or 3 positions in college.

I first saw Tyler play against Asheville and saw him two or three times after that, Walden said. I liked his athleticism and ability to shoot the ball. What we look for is great people who are great students and great basketball players. He meets all those facets.

And he has things you cant teach. The stuff he needs to improve on is stuff we can easily help him improve. Hes already working on strength.

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Freedom's Triplett commits to Warren Wilson