The Sheldon basketball program has gone through a roller coaster the past few seasons that can match the ride of their point guard, Elishja Duplechan. After four consecutive 24 plus win seasons, the Huskies have had recent disappointments that include an eight-win season two years ago, a one point lost in the section finals this past season, and a first round playoff upset to Berkeley High in NorCals also during this past season.
Similarly, the No. 12 player in the NCP 2017 basketball class was considered one of the rising middle school prospects three years ago but had to sat out his freshman year due to undue influence and had to endure the postseason defeats during his sophomore campaign.
Duplechan is a 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds point guard who averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his sophomore campaign with Sheldon. During the summer, Duplechan is playing for Team Superstar, which is an elite program in the Under Armour Association.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Elishja is an explosive point guard who not only can score the ball but takes joy in getting other players involved. If he is not throwing the alley-oop or hitting a 3, he is taking pride in playing 90 feet of defense on the other teams point guard. With his speed and footwork, he causes a major disruption while the other team is trying to run their offense.
Duplechan started playing AAU in the 5th grade but was on the recreational league scene earlier that garnered an offer from Josh Pastner and the Memphis program. His basketball abilities earned him a spot on the varsity roster at Sheldon but undue influence forced him to sit out his freshman year. He practiced with the team but could only sit idle as the team went 8-18. Playing at full strength with Duplechan, the Huskies went 21-8 but the postseason ended with disappointments.
During the last viewing period in Las Vegas, Duplechan displayed a complete game on both ends. He was able to score from all over the court while facilitating and directing the offense. Defensively, he disrupted the opponent's rhythm.
Pacific, Sacramento State, San Francisco (plans unofficial visit), Stanford, and Weber State have expressed in interest. Per Duplechan, he has not heard much from Memphis after their initial offer and he attributes that to his not playing AAU basketball during his 8th grade year. He currently has a 3.66 GPA, considers Math or Science as his best subject, and wants to major in Business Management.
Look for the Huskies to rebound in the fall with Duplechan in Sacramento, Calif.
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