"Heart of a Lion: Small Frame, Big Fight, and Even Bigger Dreams"

Kiyan Hall

IG: @hall_with_handles

4’7, 73lbs, Class of 2035

Mt. Carmel Elementary School, GA

Kiyan might be the smallest player on the court, but his heart, hustle, and hunger tower over the competition. Don’t let the 4’7 frame fool you, this young guard plays with fierce defensive intensity, attacks the rim, and lives at the free throw line where he consistently knocks them down. Built on grit and guided by effort, Kiyan is a relentless competitor with fast-growing ball-handling skills and the determination to get better every time he steps on the court. He’s already got a budding reputation for his lockdown defense and fearless drives, and he takes pride in making smart plays, getting teammates involved, and battling on every possession. His shot is steadily improving, and his mission is to become a more complete player who can impact every corner of the game.

This past season, Kiyan's biggest improvements were his ball-handling got tighter, his left-hand finishes became more confident, and he found his rhythm at the free throw line. The biggest test came when he had to switch teams and quickly adjust to new systems and teammates. That challenge made him better and built a deeper understanding of how to adapt and lead. Now playing with Trap and Train Legends, his goals are to grab 10 rebounds in a game, dish out 5 assists, and keep pushing the limits of what he can do. His favorite stop so far is The Teammate Basketball Hardwood Classic in Gatlinburg, TN. Looking ahead, Kiyan is most excited to run it back with the same group of teammates he’s played with since kindergarten, brothers on and off the floor.

What fires Kiyan up most isn’t just the action but the roar of the crowd, the hype from fans, and knowing that people believe in him and his team. When facing adversity, he practices harder, locks in on what’s challenging him, and shows up better the next day. The best coaching advice he’s ever received came from his grandpa and coach: “Be a lion, not a sheep.” That simple line drives everything Kiyan does: attack, lead, and never back down.

Off the court, Kiyan loves being a kid, playing video games, shooting on his mini hoop, and hanging out with his friends. But once the ball is in his hands, it’s all business. He’s got the fire, the focus, and the fight, and he’s only just getting started.

I assess that Kiyan’s energy, defensive effort, and early understanding of how to control the pace and draw contact are already setting him apart. As his game matures, that same fire will make him a key contributor and tone-setter for any team lucky enough to have him.

Kiyan is laying the foundation early, with a commitment to defense, leadership, and self-improvement. As he grows physically, expect his game to keep evolving. With his mindset and passion, this Class of 2034 guard has a bright, blazing future ahead. Stay tuned.