"Calculated Chaos: Defensive Dog, Offensive Surgeon, and Built for the Moment"

Connor Balwanz

@BalwanzConnor

IG: @ConnorBalwanz

6’1, 175lbs | Class of 2027

North Marion High School (WV)

AAU: Big Shots West Virginia Reign Elite 2027 (Coach Ronnie Nuzum)

Connor is a high-IQ, fiercely competitive guard who sees the game like a seasoned coach and attacks it with relentless intensity. Built around instinct, discipline, and poise, he dissects defenses like a master surgeon and punishes mistakes at all three levels. He’s explosive in transition, crafty in the half-court, and thrives in open-floor chaos where his ability to read defenders and create scoring opportunities comes alive. What separates Connor from the rest is how he studies the game with film sessions, scouting, pattern recognition, and

preparing like a pro and playing like one. Whether it’s knocking down long-range bombs, attacking with confidence off the bounce, or locking up the opposing team’s best player, Connor delivers on both ends of the floor. Coaches don’t have to guess what they’re getting; he’s going to bring focus, leadership, and an unshakable will to win.

This past season, Connor averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, earning 1st Team All-Conference honors and an All-State Honorable Mention. But stats only scratch the surface. His biggest improvement was mastering the point guard role, especially working off the ball screen and setting the tone as a true floor general. His growth in reading spacing, finding passing angles, and creating shots off the catch or dribble has made him a dangerous and complete offensive threat. Off the court, his development has been centered around strength, speed, and shot quickness with the goal of building the physical tools to match his mental sharpness. His motivation went through the roof after going toe-to-toe with the eventual state champions during the regular season. That moment proved what he already believed: they can compete with anyone, anywhere.

This spring and summer, Connor is playing for West Virginia Reign and chasing dominance on the Big Shots Circuit. With tournaments like Carolina Live in Rock Hill and Charlotte Live circled on his calendar, he’s excited to test himself against top-tier talent. His goals are to win as a team, improve his one-on-one defense, and elevate his offensive skill set to apply everything he's been grinding on in real time. Next season, he’s coming back with vengeance, focused on winning the conference and taking North Marion to Charleston to chase a state title.

Big games and loud crowds light his fire. Adversity doesn’t shake him, it sharpens him. He handles the noise with a calm resolve, choosing not to show negative emotion and responding with next-play energy. Off the court, he leans on his faith, family, and mentor for strength and clarity. His favorite coaching advice says it all: “Toughness isn’t just a word, it’s a mindset.” And Connor lives that out on every possession.

I assess that Connor is the kind of player who elevates a program with more than just talent but brings strategy, fire, and leadership. His ability to guard elite scorers, create off the dribble, and play with poise in pressure-packed moments gives him the tools to shine at the next level. He can anchor both ends of the floor and lead by example.

Connor’s ceiling is sky-high. As he continues building his body and improving his offensive footwork, expect him to become a complete two-way weapon. With his combination of basketball IQ, defensive intensity, and offensive swagger, he’s ready to lead his team to deep postseason runs and turn the heads of college coaches watching closely. Stay tuned.