"Built for the Grind: The Two-Way Enforcer Coaches Crave"

Carter Estelle

@CarterEstelle_

6’5”, 165lbs, Class of 2028

Hopkins HS, MI

Carter is a long, crafty combo guard with a bag that most players his age are still trying to find. His wiry 6’5 frame with excellent ball-handling makes him a walking mismatch. He can run the floor, facilitate like a point, and score like a wing, while also locking down on defense and protecting the rim. He sees the floor with good vision, drops dazzling dimes with either hand, and has a beautiful touch from three. His shifty drives create havoc in the paint, and when defenders sag, he makes them pay from deep. But what really sets him apart is the effort in the trenches; he boxes out, defends multiple spots, and plays every possession like it matters. Carter doesn’t just do the flashy things. He does everything.

As a freshman, Carter averaged nearly 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, and over two blocks per game in just 12 high school contests, adding 15 assists, 17 steals, and 13 deflections. His biggest improvement came in shooting, where improved form helped raise his field goal percentage and overall confidence. That growth was on full display with a 20-point game over Comstock Park, a moment that lit a fire in his game and opened his mindset to becoming a go-to scorer. This offseason, Carter is focused on getting stronger, continuing to improve his three-point shot, and expanding his physicality. Whether it’s putting up 19 points against Kenowa Hills at GVSU camp, 18 against Gull Lake, or showing off his all-around presence against Portage Central, Carter keeps making noise.

Playing with WM Premier on the NY2LA circuit, he’s facing elite competition and learning how to defend at a higher level. Big tourneys in Detroit and Milwaukee have already shown him what’s needed to elevate. And that’s exactly what he’s doing. His favorite part of the game is when his team locks in, strings together great plays, and explodes on a run, because that’s when he feels most alive. He handles adversity by shutting his mouth and getting to work, always reminding himself of the best advice he’s ever received, “One More.” One more rep. One more play. One more step forward. That belief drives him to keep pushing, even when the tank feels empty, and has become a foundation for how he approaches the game and life.

Off the court, Carter’s passion for building things and problem-solving is just as strong as his presence on it. Whether it’s tinkering on his first car, fixing equipment around the farm, or tearing down engines to rebuild them stronger, he lives to make things better. That hands-on mentality mirrors the way he approaches basketball: nothing’s ever finished, everything can be improved.

I assess that Carter’s versatility, size, and feel for the game make him an impact player at multiple positions. His ability to guard all over the floor, score at all three levels, and distribute with vision gives him immediate value in any system. Coaches looking for a high-IQ, high-effort glue guy with upside should have their eyes on this rising star.

With a relentless work ethic and continued physical development, Carter is poised to become one of the most dynamic two-way players in his class. As he fills out his frame and sharpens his confidence, expect him to rise, quietly building toward dominance with each rep, each game, and each “One More.” Stay tuned.