"Big Body, Old-School Work, Real Force Inside"

Matthew Horner

@Matt_Horner2027

IG: @Matthew_Horner2027

6’6, 210lbs, Class of 2027

Independence HS, TN

Matthew brings a throwback feel to the floor. A strong, big-framed gem who welcomes contact, he does his best work around the rim by eating up space, cleaning the boards, and making life uncomfortable in the paint. He plays with purpose inside, finishing through traffic, securing offensive put-backs, and staying active around the basket. His value is not built on flash, but built on effort, positioning, and doing the hard work that keeps possessions alive. Add in his willingness to move the ball and make the simple read, and you get a big who understands how to help a team function.

His foundation was built on defense, rebounding, and reading the game. That mindset still shows every night. This season, the focus has shifted toward converting more opportunities into points, especially dunking and finishing strong when chances open up. The physicality has always been there. Now the confidence to turn those moments into baskets is catching up. He enjoys matching up with players others shy away from, fueled by stepping into tough situations instead of avoiding them.

Matthew’s development is rooted in constant work. Strength and speed are priorities, and playing multiple sports helps improve his footwork, speed, and ability to process the game quickly. Basketball helps him read spacing and timing. Football and lifting help him stay strong and prepared for physical battles. Everything connects to how he plays.

Leadership shows up in his actions. He leads by example, brings consistent effort, and has started speaking up more on the floor. He is not loud or showy, but teammates know he has their back. Defensively, he plays straight up in the paint and challenges every shot that comes his way. Offensively, he enjoys swinging the ball, trusting teammates, and letting others make plays. Seeing a teammate knock down a three or throwing one down himself sparks his energy.

Adversity brings out more effort, not hesitation. He plays harder when things get tough and stays grounded in fundamentals. One piece of advice that stuck with him is knowing that refs will not always give calls to a bigger body, which means everything has to be simple, solid, and done the right way. That lesson shows in how he plays through contact without complaining.

Off the court, Matthew enjoys football, lifting to stay in shape, and spending time around animals. While basketball interest has not arrived yet, football attention has, and he continues to stay ready for whatever path opens.

I assess that Matthew gives a program size, strength, and a dependable interior presence. He impacts games by rebounding, protecting the paint, finishing second chances, and making smart passes out of traffic. His physical approach and team-first mindset help set the stage for continued growth as a finisher and defender, which will keep raising his impact. As his confidence around the rim expands and his voice continues to grow, his influence on both ends will follow.

Expect a tough, physical big who plays with effort, accepts challenges, and brings value every night without needing the game built around him. This blue-collar gem is the ultimate glue guy with an edge. Stay tuned as he is just getting started.