"Dog Mentality: The Relentless Shotmaker with Ice in His Veins"

Brenden Hardman

@Brenden3013

IG: @Brenden3_b

6’0”, 155lbs, Class of 2026

Holy Cross HS, KY

Brenden plays the game with heart, hunger, and a shooter's soul. He’s a tough, high-motor guard who doesn’t take plays off and brings a relentless edge every time he steps on the floor. Brenden is one of the purest shooters in Kentucky’s 6th Region, lighting it up from deep with confidence and consistency. Whether he’s catching fire off the catch or pulling up in rhythm, he makes defenses pay. He brings more than just a scoring punch, but he is smart, unselfish, and dependable with the ball. A true gym rat with a high basketball IQ, Brenden knows where to be, when to attack, and how to put himself and others in the right position. Coaches should know they’re getting maximum effort, mental toughness, and a competitor who brings a “dog” mindset from the opening tip to the final horn.

Brenden averaged 11 points per game this season while shooting a blistering 43% from three (80-for-186), 45% from the field overall, and 89% from the free-throw line. He biggest improvements were his ball-handling and confidence, becoming more aggressive with the ball in his hands and more efficient from deep. His shot feels better than ever, and now he’s focused on adding more driving ability and tightening up his handles. He’s been recognized for his nonstop motor and team-first energy, earning All-Tournament honors at the Scott County Winter Classic and drawing praise as one of the best shooters in the region. Offseason goals are to keep building, keep growing, and come back for his senior season ready to lead Holy Cross on a deep postseason run.

What fuels Brenden most is walking into the gym knowing his team is ready to win and hearing his teammates bring energy. That passion fires him up, and once he’s locked in, he’s hard to stop. He’s looking forward to getting back on the floor with his squad, making the reads he’s worked on, and knocking down shots he’s repped all offseason. When facing adversity, he stays optimistic, resets his mind, and finds a way forward. The best coach’s advice he’s head: is, “Have a dog mindset. Go hard.” And that’s exactly how Brenden shows up, gritty, focused, and ready for whatever the game throws at him.

Off the court, Brenden enjoys working out, spending time with family, and living in the gym. He’s built for the grind and loves every part of the process. As he steps into his final high school season, he’s poised for a big-time year, one where toughness, shot-making, and leadership will all be on full display.

I assess that Brenden is a fearless shooter with a strong work ethic, high IQ, and undeniable toughness. He stretches defenses, embraces contact, and competes like it’s his last game every night. His combination of shot-making and grit gives any team a fighter they can trust when it matters most.

Expect Brenden to be one of the breakout seniors in Kentucky. His numbers are already impressive, but his leadership, mindset, and dedication to growth will elevate him even more this year. As his game continues to evolve, he becomes not just a weapon, but a difference maker. Stay tuned.