"Let It Fly: A Pure Shooter With No Doubt and No Ceiling"

Thomas Hulefeld

@ThomasHulfeld

6'1.5, 160lbs, Class of 2027

Jesuit HS of New Orleans, LA

From the very first tip at Jesuit, Thomas had no hesitation, no second-guessing, just a clear belief that he belonged and a mission to prove it every single night. In his mind, Thomas is the best shooter in Louisiana, and everything about his approach backed that up. The work was already done long before the lights came on, and once the season started, it became about showing it, shot after shot, moment after moment. That confidence wasn’t forced; it was built through hours in the gym, and it showed up every time the ball left Thomas Hulefeld’s hands.

Early on, the speed and physicality of high-level high school basketball hit different, but instead of backing up, Thomas leaned into it with purpose. He pushed himself to adjust, building workouts around sprinting full court into shots, simulating game speed until it became second nature. Once those shots started falling, everything changed. The confidence grew, the rhythm settled in, and Thomas became a real piece for a top 10 D1 Louisiana team, not just fitting in, but making his presence felt.

Adversity showed up early, too. Limited minutes in key games could’ve shaken that belief, but instead, it fueled something deeper for Thomas. He stayed locked in, kept working after practice, and trusted that his moment would come. And when it did, Thomas didn’t waste it. Increased minutes turned into production, leading the team in scoring in the final regular season game and stepping into the postseason with no fear, knocking down clutch threes when it mattered most.

As the season unfolded, Thomas's biggest improvement came in his confidence, speed, and ability to handle physical play. By the end of it, defenders weren’t dictating anything. His shot stayed pure, his mindset stayed strong, and Thomas played the game on his terms. He knew who he was, what he could do, and he carried that belief into every possession. No backing down, no hesitation, just production and presence.

Thomas’ strengths separate him in ways that impact winning immediately. Shooting is the headline, and for good reason. He opened AAU play by shooting a blistering 50% from three, including an 8-12 performance from deep in game one and following that up with 5 more threes in the next. But it’s more than just shooting. Thomas’ IQ allows him to move without the ball, find space, and create opportunities not just for himself but for others. That same awareness shows up on defense, where he rotates, takes charges, and contests shots with perfect timing.

At Jesuit, Thomas embraced his role fully. Surrounded by seniors who carried leadership responsibilities, he found his impact as a floor spacer and a shot maker. When defenses collapsed inside, Thomas made them pay. When the team needed a big moment, he delivered. Even beyond the court, he helped keep the group together, bringing energy and unity through every stretch of the season.

The postseason only amplified everything for Thomas. With the pressure rising and every possession carrying more weight, he stepped right into it. A big three to push the lead, a buzzer-beater from deep to hold momentum, and plays that kept his team in control against a tough Huntington squad. Even in an overtime loss, Thomas's performance stood tall, showing he could rise when everything was on the line.

The foundation behind it all for Thomas comes from the people around him. Coaches and family stayed in his ear, reminding him to keep working, to stay patient, and to trust the process. That message stuck, and when his opportunity came, Thomas was ready for it.

Now stepping into AAU with Southside Hoops on the Puma circuit, Thomas Hulefeld is already turning heads. In Biloxi, Mississippi, he averaged 17.33 points per game and 5.33 threes per game, hitting 100% from the free-throw line. Thomas dropped 26 points in game one with 8 threes, added 15 in game two, and followed it with 11 in game three, including a game-tying buzzer beater from deep to force overtime. That kind of shooting, that kind of confidence, it travels anywhere. Recognition followed quickly, earning standout honors and showing that Thomas’s game translates at every level.

What fuels Thomas now is simple. This is his last AAU season, and it’s time to show exactly who he is and what he brings. College coaches are already watching, and he’s ready to give them a reason to keep coming back. Expect a scorer who does it efficiently, a player who embraces big moments, and someone who never backs down.

Hard work is undefeated. That message has stayed with Thomas Hulefeld, and now everything he’s built is starting to show. The world is starting to see it, and Thomas Hulefeld is just getting started.

I assess that Thomas is a high-level perimeter scorer with elite shooting ability; he stretches defenses the moment he crosses half-court. His off-ball movement, quick release, and confidence make him a constant threat, while his awareness allows him to impact the game beyond scoring. He brings value through spacing, timely shot-making, and smart rotations defensively, giving his team a reliable presence in crucial moments.

Thomas is poised to be a guard who can immediately impact a college system with floor spacing and scoring efficiency. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with strong instincts and consistent effort, makes him a valuable piece in structured offenses. Continued growth in strength and versatility will raise his ceiling, but his shooting and confidence already provide a foundation that translates to the next level. Stay tuned.