"Blueprint for Dominance: The Skilled Big with Vision, Grit, and Heart"

Joseph Fenstermacher

@JosephFensterm2

6’5”, 210lbs, Class of 2028

South Harrison HS, WV

Joseph is the kind of player every coach dreams of: a fundamentally sound big with a high IQ, a team-first mindset, and a motor that runs deep with soft hands, strong footwork, and an ultra-high release; he’s a mismatch nightmare in the paint. His ability to finish through contact hit mid-range jumpers, and make the right read under pressure showcases a level of polish well beyond his years. What separates Joseph isn’t just talent but how he was built. Coached by his father from day one and with a brother who also played college ball, his foundation was formed through reps, discipline, and a relentless focus on detail. He plays the right way every time. And when you add in his rebounding instincts, vision, and shot-blocking ability, you get a young big with massive potential.

As a freshman, Joseph made a major impact, averaging 14 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game in 22 games. He poured in 308 total points and pulled down 253 boards, becoming a walking double-double while starting every game for a young varsity squad. South Harrison went from just 3 wins the season before to .500, thanks in part to Joseph’s leadership and production. And the future looks even brighter. He’s hard at work this offseason improving his foot speed, vertical, and explosiveness while also tightening up his handles and attacking from both sides. He aims to be ready for any position, not just the post. He knows size alone won’t carry him, he wants to be skilled, versatile, and prepared for the next level.

Joseph plays AAU with NCWV Elite, competing in elite events like The Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest, Phenom Summer Showcase, Big Shots Richmond Live, and The Summer Finale in Atlantic City. His focus is consistent double-doubles and maybe even some triple-doubles as he leads his team through a stacked summer schedule. His goals are to continue growing as a player, get his name out there, and help his high school team make a run at the state tournament next season. Joseph and his teammates have been locked in since the season ended, hungry to be the first in school history to hang a championship banner. He’s also excited to learn from new Head Coach Bart, who brings fresh energy to a program that’s on the rise.

What fires Joseph up most is trash talk. He feeds off the noise and turns it into fuel, always ready to prove someone wrong. But even with that fire, he plays with calm, never too high, never too low. That’s something his dad has always preached. And his dad’s greatest coaching lesson was, “The little things make the biggest difference.” From fundamentals on the floor to folding clothes at home, Joseph believes greatness is built in the details.

Most importantly, Joseph gives all glory to God. He knows he’s blessed to play the game he loves, to have the support of his family, and to be surrounded by teammates that feel like brothers. Faith is at the center of it all, and he’s grateful for every opportunity that comes his way. Off the court, he’s a laid-back kid who enjoys golf, friends, and family—but once the lights come on, he’s all business.

I assess that Joseph’s blend of size, skill, and intelligence makes him an ideal piece for programs looking to build from the inside out. He does all the little things right: rebounds, passes, defends, and finishes, and he does them with pride. He’s coachable, composed, and capable of anchoring both ends.

With his work ethic, vision, and relentless pursuit of improvement, Joseph’s potential is sky-high. He’s already making noise as a freshman, and as his athleticism catches up to his skill, expect him to emerge as one of the top bigs in the 2028 class, ready to lead, ready to win, and ready to leave a lasting mark. Stay tuned.