Nieman: ‘Being elite is something I strive for’

Manteca High junior Peyton Nieman (3) inbounds the ball during a Valley Oak League game against Kimball.

By ROBERTO FACUNDO 
The Tower 

Peyton Nieman, who wears the number 3 jersey, is a shooting guard for the Manteca High boys varsity basketball team. 

Nieman has been an asset to the program, excelling on the offensive end as a sophomore and junior. With his accurate 3-point shooting, Nieman has been clutch for the Buffaloes. His greatest area of improvement, though, has been on the defensive side.  

Nieman has started 24 games averaging nine points and two rebounds, and he’s shooting 69 percent from the free-throw line. His 3-point accuracy (37 percent) is the highest on the team. Nieman has totaled 223 points, 70 rebounds, 37 assists and 27 steals.  

The Tower caught up with the dead-eye shooter to discuss his preparation and improvement, as well as his goals for the rest of the season. 

The Tower: Being one of the consistent scorers on the team, is there a game plan focused around you? 

Peyton Nieman: Not really focused individually on players but more on the team. 

TT: Does being one of the team’s eliter players give you confidence to play hard when you step on the court? 

PN: Being elite is something I strive for, and I feel like it’s not reached but I still work off the court to get there. 

TT: From last season to this season, how have you grown as a player and evolved? 

PN: I’ve grown defensively and gotten mentally and physically stronger as a player. 

TT: What were your goals when you started the season and have you achieved them yet? 

PN: My goals were to average 10 points for every game, but decided to focus on defensive abilities as well. 

TT: How would you describe how you play? 

PN: I play with hard work and hustle. I don’t only focus on offense but also defense so I like to keep a balanced play style. 

TT: What are your expectations for the rest of the season? 

PN: My expectations are to ... make it as far as able to state.