"Ball Hungry and Built Different: A Three-Game Tear That Sent a Warning"

Brayden Helmick

@HelmickBrayden

6'7, 233lbs, Class of 2026

Notre Dame HS, WV

There are good weeks, and then there are weeks where a player plants his flag and dares everyone to question him again. This was the latter for Brayden.

In three straight games, Brayden’s production was relentless. In the opener, he exploded for 28 points and gobbled up a jaw-dropping 26 rebounds, setting a tone that never cooled off. He followed that with 23 points and 16 rebounds in the second matchup, then closed the stretch with 15 points and 14 rebounds to complete a dominant three-game run. That is not random. That is intention mixed with will.

What Brayden was seeing on the floor during that stretch was simple. Competition. It did not matter how good the opponent was or what the atmosphere felt like. The goal stayed the same. Compete with everyone, prove yourself every possession, and be a dawg in every aspect of the game. Rebounding became the foundation of Brayden’s impact. Offensive boards were not just hustle plays; they were momentum shifters. Being ball hungry meant staying in prime position and turning second chances into easy points.

Preparation fueled everything. Exactly two hours before tip, Brayden locks into his routine. Drake in the headphones, a bag of Skittles for the sugar rush, stretch, jersey, socks, and shoes in the same order every game. That consistency builds rhythm. The sugar mixed with adrenaline creates an energy spike that carries into the opening whistle. It is confidence backed by routine.

The toughest moment came in the second game when the team was down in a rough environment. It could have unraveled. Instead, Brayden’s composure took over. No one got in his head. He stayed steady, kept competing, and let the work speak for itself. That calm presence helped swing momentum and reinforced leadership without saying a word.

Balancing scoring with defense and rebounding came from hours of unseen work. Summer nights refining post moves. Reps that built positioning and touch. On defense and on the boards, Brayden plays with pride. When someone scores or grabs a board, it becomes a signal to elevate. Step up. Go again. Take control.

With postseason here, Brayden’s expectation is to continue the run, build momentum, and attack every matchup with a chip on the shoulder. The region is competitive, and every opponent is capable, which means mental sharpness must match physical effort. Brayden’s approach will not change. Compete, control the boards, and impose presence.

After a week like that, the message echoes loudly. No matter the record, keep an eye on Brayden and this group.

I assess that this stretch highlighted Brayden’s relentless competitiveness, physical toughness, and genuine hunger for the ball. The rebounding instinct is rooted in effort and positioning rather than chance, and the ability to stay composed in difficult environments shows maturity beyond the stat sheet. His identity is built on grit, pride in doing the dirty work, and a refusal to be outworked.

Moving forward, expect Brayden to continue dominating around the rim while expanding his influence as postseason intensity rises. His preparation habits and emotional steadiness suggest room for growth in leadership and consistency against elite competition. The potential is tied to maintaining that edge every possession. If the same motor and mindset remain locked in, Brayden has the tools to anchor deep tournament success and elevate his ceiling even further. Stay tuned!