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Rush Continues to Mature Under Coach Brian Swift

By T.J. Peatross, 02/25/17, 1:00PM EST

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Warrensville sophomore Brandon Rush scored 18 points in a win against Maple Heights on 2/22.

Warrensville Heights picked up another momentum building win this week with their 47-41 victory over Maple Heights on Wednesday night.

2019 combo-guard Brandon Rush led the way for Warrensville with 18 points and allowed us to catch up with him as he nears the end of his second season with the Tigers.

Rush, who spent some time in the starting lineup a year ago as a freshman, has used that experience as a way to blossom as the number one option for a relatively new group under Coach Brian Swift.

Swift was a standout lead guard for Warrensville back in 2000 and has groomed a number of guards during his time at his alma mater, including Jalen Jackson (UT Martin), Montell Goodwin (Eastern Illinois), and last year's leading scorer Yavari Hall.

"I'm not even a point guard but I'm learning to see the game the right way in order to start using my tools," Rush said when asked about his coach's influence on his development.  

At 6'1, Rush has a chance to be next up in the lineage of guards to walk the halls of Warrensville. Really bursting onto the scene this Fall with a pair of big-time showings at the All-Ohio City Series and NEO Youth Elite events, the sophomore guard has emerged as perhaps the area's top scorer in his respective class.

Rush is a rhythm shooter and when he's in the zone, there isn't much you can really do to slow him down. He uses his tight handle to find gaps in the defense and relentlessly attack the rim, giving defenders no time to even take a possession off when he's on the floor. 

On Wednesday, Rush's jumpshot wasn't falling as he expected but Maple Heights had no answer for the sophomore as he found other ways to get himself going, utilizing back cuts and picking his spots.

A year ago, Rush struggled at times with his shot selection but has taken some major strides in that department as he is learning to be more efficient with both his scoring and decision making.

Back in December, Rush took his first visit to Youngstown State and was able to get his first look at how the game is played at the next level. 

"It was a good thing to see how college basketball is played. It's way different. That's how I need to play."

As he continues to add weight to his frame and become a more sound physical athlete, Rush has a shot to garner some Division One interest this summer on the circuit.

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