"Crafty and Charged: Sparking Offense, Shifting Momentum, and Rising Fast"

Michael Carrick

@MikeCarrick20

IG: @mikey.c1_

6’0, 150lbs | Class of 2026

Lawrence HS, NJ

Michael is a crafty, electric guard with a fierce competitive edge and a high-octane skill set that’s built to explode. What separates him from other guards is his versatility. He can score it, see it, and set it up. With fierce handles, excellent court vision, and the ability to create his own space, he thrives as a floor general who makes teammates better and keeps defenses guessing. His three-point shot is silky, smooth, and confident, and he finishes through contact with creativity and control. Michael’s motor is always running, and his confidence is contagious. Whether he's raining a deep jumper or breaking down a defender with a nasty crossover, he brings dynamic energy and poise to every possession.

Though his high school season didn’t showcase his full arsenal, averaging 5 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, as Michael still made every minute count, delivering 100% effort each time he stepped on the floor. Limited minutes didn’t limit his mindset. That fire carried over into his AAU season with YSU Elite, where he averaged 9.5 points over his second tournament, knocking down threes, finishing tough at the rim, and playing with boosted confidence. His growth is real as he’s improved his court awareness, athleticism, shooting volume, and ability to finish stronger. Now he's focused on strengthening his body, improving his stamina, and expanding every part of his game, knowing that added strength will let him command more attention next season as a smaller guard with a big-time presence.

One of the most impactful moments of his year came when he went from a starter to a limited role, which initially crushed his confidence, but a conversation with his coach reminded him of his value and helped reignite his drive. Since then, he’s been on a mission to show just how much he can impact a team, even when the spotlight isn’t squarely on him. This AAU season, he’s looking to raise his profile, improve his defense, boost his scoring and assists, and make a lasting impression at every tournament. What fuels him most is competition. He thrives in high-stakes matchups and gets ignited when he knocks down that first shot. And when facing adversity, he doesn’t fold but adapts, finding other ways to shift the game and help his team win.

I assess that Michael is a smooth, tough-minded guard who can control the pace, score from all angles, and generate offense for his team with intelligence and grit. His growth mindset, coachability, and fiery play style make him a great investment for programs looking for a fearless floor leader with a real upside.

Expect Michael to keep climbing. As he adds strength and consistency to his already crafty game, his impact will expand. He has the potential to evolve into a reliable offensive weapon and team leader who brings energy, control, and toughness, exactly what winning programs need. In AAU, he is already beginning to make some noise, and his determination and passion to take his game higher are positioning him for a breakout summer and upcoming season. Stay tuned.