"Deep-Range Fire and Fearless Finishes"

Eli Patton

@EliPatton2027

6'2, Class of 2027

Summit Christian Academy, WV

Eli can make a defender pay from well beyond the three-point line, then attack off the bounce and finish through contact when that defender rushes out to meet him. He's a point guard with a dangerous shot, sick handles, and the vision to set up his teammates. Whether he's working off the catch or creating off the dribble, he reads what the defense gives him and makes a play. He brings that same competitive fire to defense, where he takes pride in guarding his man and staying active when the ball moves away from him.

Last season, Eli averaged 21 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. Those numbers show how much he did for his team beyond scoring, but his biggest scoring nights were hard to miss. He exploded for a career-high 41 points against Tazewell High School, delivered multiple 30-point games, and joined the 1,000-point club as a junior. He earned first-team all-state honors while helping his team win the WVCEA tournament. They finished second in the WVCAT tournament, a result that has given him another reason to chase a stronger finish this season.

The biggest improvement in Eli’s game is visible on both ends of the court. He has pushed his shooting range farther out and feels more comfortable letting it fly from deep, whether he catches ready to shoot or creates the look himself. His on-ball defense has grown stronger, too, and he credits his time in the weight room for helping him make progress in both areas. That work gives him more strength when he drives into contact and more determination when he squares up to stop a scorer.

Eli had a strong summer, and the confidence he takes from it comes from knowing how much work he put in. He spent the offseason building his body and getting himself into the best shape he could for basketball. He also put up roughly 3,000 to 4,000 shots each week, keeping that routine going even during soccer season. Those hours have given him a reason to trust his shot and his preparation when the games begin to matter most.

For all the attention his scoring gets, Eli believes his basketball IQ deserves more recognition. He studies the game as he plays it, makes smart decisions, and works to limit mistakes for himself and his teammates. He can recognize when to attack, when to move the ball, and when a teammate has the better opportunity. That steady thinking gives his team a floor general who can make an impact even when his shot isn't the play.

Eli wants to lead his team to a state championship, earn first-team all-state honors again, and win as many games as possible. Those goals carry weight because he knows what it feels like to finish just short in a tournament. He's put in the work to give himself and his teammates another chance, and he wants that preparation to show in the moments when they need him most.

Adversity fuels Eli, and he doesn't back away when he sees a challenge. Individual and team rankings have left him feeling overlooked, which has added fuel to a fire that was already burning. He wants to show that he belongs among the best through the way he plays and the way his team performs. Each game gives him another chance to bring that hunger to the court and make people take notice.

I assess that Eli’s deep shooting range and ability to score off the bounce give him several ways to attack a defender. He can also finish through contact, find teammates for good looks, and contribute on the boards. His stronger defense adds another valuable part to a game that already gives his team a lot from the point guard spot.

Eli has the skill and feel to be a dynamic leader for his team. His quick decisions help the offense flow, while his willingness to compete on defense sets a fierce tone. As his strength and shooting continue to grow, he has the potential to make an even greater impact in the biggest games on his schedule. Stay tuned.