"Stretch Strength with Real Impact"

Tait Wetzel

@TaitWetzel

IG: @wetzel.tait

6'6 , 200lbs, Class of 2027

Heritage Hills HS, IN

Tait brings a strong, steady presence to the floor as a true stretch forward who knows how to hurt teams in more than one way. He is efficient in the post, finishes through contact, and understands how to use his size to eat space around the rim. When defenders collapse, he is comfortable stepping out, spacing the floor, and keeping the offense flowing. What stands out most is his team-first approach. He looks to involve teammates, move the ball, and make the extra play that keeps everyone engaged and dangerous.

Last season, Tait averaged 10.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 54 percent from the field on 89-166 attempts. He showed his ability to take over stretches with a season high 19 points and a game high 13 rebounds. Defensively, his timing and length allowed him to protect the rim, with a game-high 4 blocks.

This current season has already had several strong performances. Opening against North Harrison, Tait set the tone with a double-double, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and steady work at the free-throw line. He followed that with another big night, posting 24 points and 8 rebounds while helping power a balanced team effort. Against Evansville Memorial, he delivered one of his most complete performances yet, pouring in 23 points and 7 rebounds in a 61-47 win, showing his ability to score, rebound, and impact winning in multiple ways.

The biggest improvement in his game has been confidence. Tait is playing more aggressive, more free, and trusting himself instead of worrying about mistakes. Getting meaningful minutes late in close games has helped him settle into those moments and feel comfortable when the pressure is on. That confidence shows in how decisively he attacks the rim and how quickly he makes reads when the defense reacts.

Looking ahead, continued shooting development is a priority as he prepares for a role that can slide between the 3 and 4 at the next level. Adding guard skills and expanding his range will only open up more opportunities for him and his teammates. Coaches should know they are getting effort, rebounding, finishing at the rim, protecting the paint, and playing the game the right way as a team.

Rivalry games bring out another edge. County battles with South Spencer always carry weight, and Mount Vernon remains circled after ending Heritage Hills’ season last year. Those moments fuel him. On the floor, nothing flips energy faster than a dunk. It gets the crowd involved, lifts the team, and can turn the momentum in a hurry.

When facing adversity, he takes it head-on, understands the game comes in runs, and focuses on keeping the group together when things tighten up. One piece of advice that stuck with him came from Frank Kendrick, a former Purdue All-American and Warriors player. Together we attack. That message shapes how he plays and how he sees the game as something that has to be done collectively.

Off the court, Tait enjoys hunting, fishing, being outside, and spending time with friends. He currently holds an offer from Brescia and has had contact from other programs, with more attention continuing to build as the season moves forward.

I assess that Tait gives a program a versatile forward who can score inside, rebound, protect the rim, and keep the ball moving. His efficiency around the basket, willingness to make teammates better, and steady defensive presence provide real value on both ends of the floor.

Moving forward, increased shooting range and continued confidence will push his game to another level. With his size, feel, and team-first mindset, expect him to keep growing into a dependable piece who impacts winning through effort, versatility, and consistency.