Stories

Colt Delimpo @coltdelimpo 5'10, 150lbs, Class of 2028 Great Crossing HS, KY Colt stepped into the season without a spotlight, coming off the bench, waiting, watching, and staying ready while everything around him was still being figured out. But what separates him is what happened during that waiting period. There was no drop in confidence, no frustration, just a quiet belief in his work and a mindset locked in on being ready when his number was called. And when that moment c

Owen Cook, IG: @owencook_11 6’0, 135lbs, Class of 2030, Avery Trace Middle School, TN Owen is a lethal three-point sniper with unlimited range, a smooth release, a quick trigger, and confidence that never wavers, making him a constant threat the moment he crosses half court. But what makes him even more dangerous is that he’s not just a spot up shooter, he can put it on the floor, attack the seams, and finish with crafty touch around the rim while showing sneaky athleticism,

Photo Credited to Paul Adkins of The Mingo Messenger Zade Rash @Zade33Rash 6'1, Class of 2027 Tug Valley HS, WV Sometimes a move isn’t about chasing something new, it’s about getting back to what you lost, and for Zade that decision to transfer to Tug Valley was all about finding his love and passion for the game again, and that’s exactly what he found because Tug is a true basketball school that stands on academics, character, and doing things the right way, and those mora

Jay Kirk @JayKirk2027 6'6, 195lbs, Class of 2027 Alcoa HS, TN From the very start of the season, it wasn’t smooth sailing, as injuries forced constant adjustments, lineups shifted, and adversity showed up early, but through it all the mindset never wavered because Jay stayed locked in and resilient, embracing that next man up mentality where everyone accepted their role, communication improved, and effort and trust became the foundation that held everything together when key

Chase Harmon, PG @chase_harmon15 IG: @chaseharmon15 5’8, 150lbs, Class of 2028 Clinton County HS, KY Chase is a dynamic guard with sick handles and is electric off the bounce with mad hops, the type that can flip the energy of a game. A small, shifty guard who knows exactly how to create space, he plays with speed that keeps defenders on their heels and a pace that shows he understands the game beyond his years. He gets downhill with intent and purpose, weaving through traffi

Leo Li @lleoli2 IG: @lleo.li2 5’10, 160lbs, Class of 2026 Middleton Granger School, Christchurch, New Zealand Leo is a crafty guard with nasty handles and a high basketball IQ. Everything flows through him. The pace, the reads, the energy of the game all bend to his control. He’s a true floor general with elite court vision, picking defenses apart with patience and purpose while still carrying the ability to go get a bucket whenever the moment calls for it. His handle is tigh

Nick Dressick @NickDressick 6'2, 185lbs, Class of 2026 Bishop McCort HS, PA Committed to Saint Francis University Some decisions don’t arrive all at once; they build over time through real conversations, genuine connections, and a feeling that keeps getting stronger every time you step back into it, and that’s exactly how Saint Francis University became more than just an opportunity and started to feel like home for Nick. What stood out wasn’t anything flashy, it was the auth

Ezekiel Adeell @AdeellEzekiel IG: @ezekiel_.a 6'4 , 155lbs, Class of 2028 Maricopa HS, AZ Ezekiel is smooth but shifty, calm but dangerous. He brings a natural feel to the game that you can’t teach. Ezekiel glides across the floor with a versatile skill set that is versatile enough to shift from the guard spot out to the wing, creating problems for defenders who can’t quite figure out where he’s going next. He’s lethal catching and shooting from all five spots from beyond the

Micah Hogg @Micahhogg5 IG: @micahhogg 6’2, 150lbs, Class of 2028 Maricopa HS, AZ Micah brings a smooth, confident swagger to the game that immediately stands out, combining size at the guard spot with a natural ability to score from anywhere on the floor. A true three-level threat, Micah can get downhill and finish over length with fearless intent, rise up in the middy with a soft, controlled touch, and stretch defenses when his shot is falling. What makes his game even more

Isaiah Robinson @Isaiahhoopx IG: @walkdown._zaiah 6’0, 146lbs, Class of 2028 Forney HS, TX There’s nothing quiet about Isaiah’s game. It’s intense, relentless, and fueled by something deeper than just buckets. A scrappy, fast guard with elite vision, Isaiah controls the game like he’s got the remote in his hand, dictating pace, picking defenses apart, and turning every possession into his tempo. He plays with that edge, that bite, that defensive DAWG mentality that refuses to

Jake hatmaker @jakehat123 5’10, 160lbs, Class of 2027 Campbell County HS, TN Jake is the kind of guard who brings a spark every time he steps on the court. Quick, confident, and fearless with the ball in his hands, Jake thrives in the chaos of the game. Whether it is rising up for a shot off the dribble, catching and firing with confidence, or slicing downhill into the paint, his game carries a fearless edge that makes him tough to contain. This past season, Jake proved to b

Nikolas Casas @nikolascasas07 IG: @nick_.6051 6’5 , 210lbs , college freshman , Lone Star College-CyFair , TX Nikolas brings a bruising paint presence that immediately demands attention as a high-energy space eater with a powerful frame. Nikolas thrives in the trenches where toughness, positioning, and relentless effort decide possessions. His size and physical post aggression create constant problems for opposing frontcourts, forcing defenses to collapse just to slow him dow

Kyle Rozell @KyleRozell1 IG: @KyleRozell1 6’2, 160lbs, Class of 2027 Emmanuel Christian Academy, OH Kyle is a fierce downhill attacker who plays the game with controlled aggression and purpose every time he steps on the floor. As a versatile two-way guard, he combines physical drives to the rim with efficient outside shooting while bringing relentless defensive intensity on the other end. His ability to pressure defenses off the bounce forces defenders to collapse, opening sc

Prestyn Wheatley @Prestynwheatley IG: @Prestynwheatleyy12 6’5”, 190 lbs, Class of 2028 Seneca HS, (KY) Kentucky Ambition Prestyn is a physical and crafty wing who thrives when attacking the rim with intent and purpose, putting constant pressure on a defense the moment he catches the ball. Built with size and strength, he plays the game with a fearless downhill mentality, using his body to create space and finish through contact while forcing defenders into uncomfortable posit

Braxton Keathley @BraxKeathley IG: @braxtonkeathley 6”5, 190lbs, Class of 2027 Martin County HS, KY When the lights come on and the ball tips, one thing becomes clear very quickly. Braxton plays the game in attack mode. Every possession feels like it could end with the ball splashing through the net because scoring is simply what he does. Crafty with the ball in his hands and fearless when the moment demands it, he has become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in Ken

This is a dedication to a special group of young men from the Maryville basketball team. Over the course of this season, I had the privilege of covering them closely and building relationships with several of the players and their families. What first drew my attention to Maryville was something deeper than basketball. Faith sits at the center of every one of their stories. That alone had my full attention. But as the season unfolded, it became clear there was something even

Braylon Garr @braylongarr IG- @braylon2garr 6’4, 190lbs, Class of 2028 Saint Xavier HS, KY Braylon is a versatile wing that instantly changes the energy of a game the moment he steps on the floor, with a powerful mix of size, toughness, and skill that creates constant problems for opposing defenses. He does not shy away from contact. Instead, he welcomes it, attacking the rim like a punishing force that refuses to be slowed down. When Braylon drives downhill, he brings physic

Brycen Orcutt IG: @Brycenishim 6’2, 155lbs, Class of 2029 South Charleston HiS, WV Brycen didn’t step onto the varsity floor as a freshman, hoping to simply find his place. He stepped on it, ready to make his presence felt. This rising young star has already shown he belongs, bringing a crafty combo guard skill set that jumps off the page with fierce handles, a lethal shooting touch, and a natural feel for the game that most players his age are still trying to develop. Brycen

Gus Mills @gusmills2028 IG: @gusmills2028 6’3, 185lbs. Class of 2028 Waco Midway HS, TX Gus is a dynamic combo guard with sick handles and real bounce. Gus attacks the game with fearless confidence and a relentless motor that refuses to slow down. He brings the size, strength, and versatility coaches love in a modern guard, combining explosive scoring ability with a gritty defensive edge that turns him into a true two-way problem for opponents. Gus is a three-level scoring th

Braxton Sloan @BraxtonSloan09 IG: @Braxton.2real 6’0 , 150lbs, Class of 2028 Girard HS, OH Braxton is an electrifying presence as an explosive combo guard with fierce handles and a silky smooth touch from deep. Braxton attacks the game with a fearless confidence that allows him to create offense from anywhere on the floor. Whether it is rising up with a defender in his jersey, pulling up on a dime with almost no space, or slicing through traffic to finish at the rim through