"High-Rise Heat: The Bouncy Board-Crashing Playmaker with Fire in His Game"

Charlie Taubenheim

@crtaubenheim

IG: @crtaubenheim

6’6, 190lbs, Class of 2026

Oak Ridge HS, TN

Charlie is the kind of player who demands attention the second he steps on the floor. Towering stud with sneaky athleticism and a long frame, bringing a rare mix of versatility, feel, and firepower. He can rain down threes with a quick-trigger stroke, punish defenders off the bounce with smooth floaters or aggressive rim finishes, or slice through the lane and stop on a dime for a punishing middy. What separates Charlie from others at his position is his complete offensive bag mixed with a high IQ and fierce motor. He sees the floor like a point guard and delivers sweet dimes. Defensively, he’s a relentless rebounder, the Windex man, wiping the glass clean and a dependable rim protector with good timing and instincts. Coaches can count on him to bring energy, effort, and elite versatility every time he checks in.

During the school season, Charlie averaged 7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. His biggest improvement this year came as a slasher, growing more explosive and confident in attacking defenders off the dribble. His offseason focus is on elevating his quickness, refining his handles, and becoming more athletic to complement his scoring and playmaking. That development is already paying off. Playing with TN Impact on the AAU circuit, Charlie has elevated his production, putting up 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Most recently, in a June 1st matchup vs HUB Wolf Pack, he stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 21 assists (approximate), 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, putting on a show as a true floor general and inside-out force.

Charlie’s rise was fueled by being the only junior starter on a state tournament Oak Ridge team, an experience that forged belief in his game and elevated his confidence under pressure. Now, he’s embracing the role of lead scorer and vocal leader. His motivation comes from moments when his teammates thrive, the crowd erupts, and momentum swings on hustle plays. He's learned to live in the moment, embracing a next-play mindset and pushing forward with unshakable poise. When others rest, Charlie works. He’s a gym rat with an all-in mentality, always striving for more, not just for himself, but to lift everyone around him. With Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, and Augusta events ahead, expect fireworks.

Off the court, Charlie finds peace with family and joy in putting in unseen work. His mindset is, “You will never be great if you don’t put in the work to get there.”

I assess that Charlie’s combination of size, feel, and scoring touch makes him a matchup nightmare at the wing. He can stretch the floor, playmake in traffic, and protect the rim, all while rebounding like a forward and passing like a guard. His growth this year is just the beginning of what he’s capable of bringing to a top-tier high school program.

Expect Charlie to continue leveling up as he improves his quickness and adds more tools to his bag. With his length, court awareness, and expanding scoring arsenal, he can dominate both ends and lead his team deep into postseason play. The fire is real, the potential is big, and he’s only getting hotter. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.