"Full Throttle Stops & Fast Break Buckets"

Malachi Towns

@MaliTowns2027

5’10”, 160lbs, Class of 2027

Ballard High School, KY

Malachi is a two-sport athlete and rising junior who brings toughness, speed, and an all-business approach to the floor. He’s a hard-nosed guard who thrives on getting into the paint, creating for others, and locking in on the defensive end. His speed in transition makes him tough to stay in front of, and his ability to stay under control while keeping pressure on the rim gives him consistent scoring opportunities. While he didn’t see much varsity time this past season, he’s made the most of every chance to grow. The confidence is growing, and the foundation is solid.

Over the summer, Malachi made big strides on the AAU circuit with Kentucky Ambition 16U, helping his team capture the Bleacher Republic Nationals Gold Championship while contributing double-digit scoring in multiple games, including 19 points in the title win and 13 in the semifinal. He also added 12 points in a win at the HoopSeen Grassroots Showcase. These performances were the result of consistent work behind the scenes, developing his left hand, learning how to handle pressure, and building strength in the weight room. That added strength has allowed him to finish through contact more effectively and absorb more physicality on both ends.

Malachi describes himself as a crafty, energetic guard who can run an offense and anchor a defense. He takes pride in rebounding, pushing pace, and finding teammates in rhythm. While his shooting and finishing are still developing, he’s focused on gaining confidence off the dribble and becoming more efficient in the half-court. The most underrated part of his game might be how much his defense fuels his offense; he lives for getting stops, and that energy often turns into fast-break opportunities where he’s toughest to contain.

As he heads into a new season, Malachi is focused on earning a bigger role at Ballard and becoming a name to watch. He’s grounded, coachable, and calm in adversity. His favorite advice is, “Don’t let bad offense turn into bad defense”, which shows in how he plays. Even when things aren’t going his way, he never stops defending, rebounding, or communicating.

Off the court, Malachi keeps things balanced with football, time with friends, and a focused mentality toward getting better. He’s still developing, still building, but he’s doing it the right way, step by step, game by game.

I assess that Malachi’s defense-first mindset, quickness with the ball, and ability to create off penetration make him a valuable asset for any backcourt. As his scoring consistency grows, so will his impact at the varsity level.

Expect steady growth from Malachi as he embraces a bigger role this season. His grit, energy, and playmaking tools are real, and as his confidence and shot continue to come along, his value will only rise. Expect a breakout season ahead. Stay tuned.