"Ice in His Veins: The Fierce Scorer with Swagger and Grit"

Luke Paddock

@LukePaddock5

IG: @lukepaddock

6’3, 180lbs, Class of 2026

Elkhorn Area High School, WI

Luke is as fierce and electric as a confident three-level scorer with a game that’s built for high-pressure moments. He thrives in chaos, stays calm when defenders drape him and delivers daggers with ice in his veins. Crafty off the bounce, aggressive at the rim, and lethal from deep, Luke plays every possession like it matters. He doesn't just score; he makes tough, contested shots with defenders in his jersey, and he doesn’t blink when the game’s on the line. What makes him special is his balance of toughness and poise. He crashes the boards with grit, locks in on defense with length and intensity, and leads with presence. Coaches should know they’re getting: a complete player who shows up in big games and never backs down from a challenge with Luke.

This past season, Luke averaged 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.8% from the field on a senior-heavy team. But the numbers only tell part of the story. His biggest improvment was his mentally, strengthening his mindset and expanding his all-around game. With daily work in the weight room and a focus on college-range shooting, ball-handling, and off-hand finishing, he’s elevating every part of his skill set. His offseason goals remain focused on physical growth and skill refinement, with the ultimate goal of becoming a player ready to compete at the D2 level.

Luke plays for 17U Wisconsin Swing-Bredesen and has been putting up serious numbers throughout AAU. At RecruitLook Hoops Kansas City Live, he dropped 17 points in a win over Oklahoma Chaos, 24 in a battle with Southern Assault, and 19 against SSA, capping off a huge May. He followed that performance up with a 19-point outing to lead his squad in a dominant 71–49 win over Hoops4Health at the NY2LA Midwest D2 College Showcase. He’s looking forward to finishing strong in July with trips to Atlanta and Chicago, where he’s hoping to catch the eye of college programs.

What fires Luke up most is watching his team jump out to a dominant start, especially when it’s sparked by tough defense and unselfish offense. His leadership is growing as Elkhorn looks to him to guide a talented, young roster into the upcoming season. He’s ready to embrace that role, knowing it will only sharpen his voice and presence for the next level. When facing adversity, Luke leans on his teammates, keeps his head down, and attacks the next opportunity. He believes in learning through failure and using setbacks as fuel for future success.

The best advice he’s ever received came from his dad, who said, “If you don’t change, it won’t change.” That message drives his hunger to stretch, grow, and push his limits, both mentally and physically. Off the court, Luke enjoys spending time with friends, playing guitar, and watching movies. His personality is laid-back, but his game is anything but.

I assess that Luke is a tough, composed guard who plays with confidence, physicality, and poise. He brings a scorer’s mindset and a competitor’s motor to every game. With the ability to defend, rebound, and lead, he fits into multiple systems and thrives in clutch situations.

As he continues to grow into his leadership role and elevate his ball-handling and finishing, Luke’s value will rise across the board. His scoring touch, composure, and ability to deliver when the pressure mounts make him a name to watch. Expect him to make noise in July and lead a strong push for Elkhorn this coming season. Stay tuned for this upcoming season, where he takes on the lead man role for this squad, playing with fire and purpose. The mission is to make a statement and set himself apart from the pack.