'It was just a hell of an experience': Trent Sisley finishes high school career and is 'grateful' for the journey along the way

FISHERS, Ind. — The distinguished high school career of Trent Sisley came to an end on Wednesday night and while it was a disappointing finish, it was where Sisley would’ve wanted it; in front of his friends and family and in his home state of Indiana.

After playing at Heritage Hills (Ind.) for three seasons, Sisley took on a challenge for his final year of high school, transferring to Montverde (Fla.) Academy — one of the most decorated programs amongst any sports at any level.

Players such as Cade Cunningham, Joel Embiid, Scottie Barnes, Ben Simmons, D’Angelo Russell and Cooper Flagg have all watched their high school careers go through the Montverde system. Even former IU players such as Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau.

While Trent Sisley didn’t have the final outcome he was hoping for, with a First Round loss to Dynamic Prep (Tx.) in the Chipotle Nationals, it was an experience he’d do ‘over 10 times’ again.

“I’d do it over again 10 times,” Sisley said following the game. “I loved it. I’ve got a bunch of brothers in the locker room right now. Obviously I’ll stay in touch with them. They are all going to play high major basketball, too. I love all the underclassmen, all the coaches. It was a great experience.”

Sisley, who crossed the 2,000-point milestone in the first half of Montverde’s 67-52 loss, said he saw his game grow tremendously since he arrived in Florida nearly eight months ago.

“Consistency,” Sisley said. “Bringing it every day. My shot is obviously gotten better. But, the practices, the attention to detail, all of the college stuff.”

Trent Sisley came to Montverde for that type of coaching to hone in on the details of his game that needed improved in order to be an impact player at the next level at Indiana. Going up against power-four players every day in practice and in games on the extremely competitive Nike EYBL Scholastic Circuit was exactly that. Playing for a highly decorated coach in Kevin Boyle was part of the draw as well.

“It was just a hell of an experience,” Sisley said. “Coach (Kevin) Boyle brought me down here, him and his son (Kevin Boyle Jr.). It’s been balls to the wall since August. Every day, long practices, preseason. It helped us going into the season. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to come down here for a year and get ready for college.”

While Boyle is in the midst of a transition, leaving Montverde for Spire Academy (OH.) — Sisley’s next school is as well.

His attention turns to Indiana — a program in the beginning stages of a new coaching era with Darian DeVries. DeVries made it known that Trent Sisley was a priority, calling him 30 minutes after being announced as the next IU head coach.

And, DeVries and new Indiana assistant coaches Nick Norton and Drew Adams were courtside to watch Sisley on Wednesday night — further showing the excitement to have him in Bloomington.

“I know a little bit of his background, being at Drake and West Virginia,” Sisley said. “His system — I know they get up a lot of 3s and stuff like that, so a little bit but not too much … I’m sure he likes how I can shoot it and my athleticism.”

While Trent Sisley doesn’t know much about the players that will be around him, he now has two teammates. Both the additions of DePaul transfer point guard Conor Enright and Darian’s son, Tucker, were announced in some form on Wednesday afternoon.

Sisley will look to arrive in Bloomington the first week of June to begin his Indiana basketball career.