"Buckets and Backbone: A Competitor Who Won’t Quit"

Easton Garner

@garner_easton5

6’0, 162lbs, Class of 2029

Clay County HS, TN

Easton is a skilled combo guard with a confident touch as a shooter and the ability to get to the rim when the defense gives him an opening. He thrives spotting up from deep, but he also has the creativity to make his own shot when needed and a good court vision that allows him to keep his teammates involved. His work ethic and energy shine through every play; coaches can count on him to give maximum effort and hustle every possession.

As an eighth grader, Easton averaged close to 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5–7 assists per game, earning All-Conference First Team honors in middle school. Entering high school, he’s taken on a role-player spot on a strong roster with state tournament goals, but he’s still found ways to impact games. This past summer, he averaged around 6 points and 4 rebounds while improving his finishing and footwork, showing progress toward becoming a more complete guard. His main focus now is building strength, speed, and defensive consistency, areas he knows will help elevate his game.

Easton’s mindset is one of resilience. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in second grade, he’s faced obstacles that might have slowed others, but he’s embraced adversity as fuel. A defensive stop that turns into offense is what gets him most fired up, and he prides himself on being the kind of player who never gives up on a drill, even when it’s tough. The best advice he has received is, "You can do anything for just two more minutes, no matter how tired you are."

Off the court, Easton enjoys time with his family and relaxing at the lake, a balance that keeps him grounded and ready for the grind of competition. With his shooting ability, vision, and determination, he is determined to grow his role and help his team chase a state championship push.

I assess that Easton’s shooting touch and offensive awareness give him the tools to thrive in a structured system. His ability to both spot up and create shots ensures he can fit alongside different types of guards, while his hustle and play-hard mentality provide a coach with a reliable option who values winning plays over personal stats.

As he continues to develop strength, speed, and defensive versatility, Easton is poised to evolve into a two-way threat. His resilience and drive to push through adversity suggest steady growth ahead. Expect him to keep expanding his game year by year, moving from role player to a bigger impact presence as his body and skill set mature. Stay tuned as he seeks to send a message that he can thrive and help his team right now. Buckle up as Easton’s best basketball is still ahead.