"Deep Range, Three-Level Scoring and Pressure-Proof Handles"

Garrett VanNatta

@garretthoops27

@garrett.vannattahoops (IG)

5'9, Class of 2027

Fort Campbell HS, KY

Garrett brings lethal three-point shooting, three-level scoring, sick handles, and the ability to run the point without getting rattled by pressure. He can stretch a defense from deep, create his own shot, attack the rim, and make the right play when defenders close in on him. His confidence with the ball continues to grow, and he is preparing to take everything he has developed into a senior season where his role will become much bigger.

Garrett averaged 12 points per game last season while serving as a secondary scorer and ball handler, but his production rose when the postseason arrived, and his team needed more from him. He averaged 18 points per game during postseason play while becoming the primary ball handler and scorer, taking on more responsibility and helping lead his team through those games. That jump gave him valuable experience playing with the ball in his hands when possessions mattered more, while also showing him what he could accomplish when given a larger role. Now heading into his senior year, Garrett wants to take another step by becoming a leader his teammates can depend on throughout the season.

Much of that improvement has been built during an offseason where Garrett believes his ball-handling and overall confidence have improved tremendously. His jumper has continued to improve, while his finishing around the basket has become another major focus, especially when challenging taller defenders at the rim. Instead of allowing size to limit what he attacks, he has worked on finding ways to score through and around length while becoming more comfortable creating opportunities for himself. He has poured time into every part of his game because he doesn't want one strength to carry him when he can continue building a more complete offensive attack.

Being the shortest player in the gym has often given Garrett another reason to compete, and he's turned that challenge into a chip on his shoulder. He knows opponents may look at his size and underestimate what he can do, but he sees that as an advantage because it gives him another reason to prove himself once the ball goes up. That mentality has helped build the confidence to handle pressure, attack bigger defenders, and trust the work he has put into his game. Instead of worrying about what he can't control, Garrett has focused on making his skill, preparation, and decision-making speak for him.

The work behind the scenes has been constant, with Garrett spending as much time in the gym as possible and refusing to treat improvement like something that ends when the offseason does. Basketball has become a lifestyle for him, and his obsession with the game keeps pushing him back into the gym to work on shooting, handling, finishing, and everything else he believes will help him grow. That commitment is also tied to the responsibility he wants as a point guard because he understands leadership requires more than scoring. A coach can expect Garrett to communicate, take responsibility, create offense when his team needs a bucket, and still recognize when making the right pass is more important than taking the shot himself.

The upcoming G-League gives Garrett another opportunity to put that work against competition and continue developing before his senior season. His goal is to become a top contributor for his team, help produce wins, and build chemistry with the players around him. That opportunity fits his approach because he wants to show that he can impact a team as both a scorer and a lead guard instead of measuring his performance only by how many points he puts on the board. Every game gives him another chance to strengthen his command of the floor while preparing himself for the larger responsibility waiting during the school season.

Garrett has clear goals for his senior year as he wants to help his school reach double-digit wins, push his scoring average above 20 points per game, and earn an opportunity to play college basketball at any level. Those goals will require him to turn his postseason scoring jump into consistent production while continuing to lead with the ball in his hands. He enters the year with improved confidence, a tighter handle, deeper scoring options, and a hunger created by years of being underestimated because of his size. Garrett VanNatta is ready to make his senior season about winning, leading, producing, and showing how far relentless work can take his game.

Garrett's offensive strengths begin with his perimeter shooting and go through his ability to score from multiple spots on the floor. His control with the basketball allows him to operate against defensive heat, change direction, create separation, and get into areas where he can either finish or find an open teammate. His postseason increase from 12 points during the season to 18 points in playoff action also showed that he can handle increased responsibility when his team asks him to become more aggressive. His growing touch around the basket gives him another answer against length, making him harder to defend when opponents try to run him away from the three-point line.

The next stage for Garrett will be turning his expanded offensive arsenal into steady senior-year production while becoming the floor leader his team needs. His competitiveness and willingness to attack bigger opponents give him an edge, while his understanding of when to look for his own offense and when to create for others will be important as defenses focus more attention on stopping him. Continued development as a distributor, decision-maker, and finisher can strengthen his ability to control games beyond scoring alone. With a larger role ahead and college opportunities among his goals, this season gives Garrett the chance to show that his preparation can translate into wins, increased production, and another major jump in his development. Don't let the size fool you; doubt fuels his fire and makes that chip on his shoulder even bigger, and he'll use that fire to punish anyone between him and his passion for winning as the leader he has become. Buckle up cause Garrett is a man on a mission. Stay tuned.