"Lights-Out Shooter, Fierce Competitor, Relentless Defender: A Two-Way Nightmare"

Daulton Combs

6'3, 185lbs, Class of 2026

Hazard HS, KY

Twitter: @daulton_combs | IG: @daultoncombs

Daulton is a dynamic playmaker with length, speed, and an explosive motor. His game is built on grit, intensity, and a relentless drive to compete. A tenacious two-way force, he takes pride in locking down opponents on defense while lighting up the scoreboard with his elite shooting. His high basketball IQ allows him to see the floor with precision, making him a willing and effective playmaker. Daulton plays with an edge. He is fearless, physical, and always ready to battle. His combination of skill, toughness, and unshakable work ethic makes him a nightmare for defenders and a leader on the court.

This past season, Daulton delivered across the board, averaging 12 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 50% from three-point range and a rock-solid 86% from the free-throw line. His biggest improvement was on the defensive end, where his physicality and anticipation turned him into a disruptive force. But his hunger goes beyond stats. After falling short in the regional tournament despite being the heavy favorite fueled an even greater fire in him. That sting pushed his offseason workouts into overdrive, sharpening his edge and raising his expectations for the next chapter. Daulton's primary focus is elevating his athleticism, tightening his finishing ability at the rim, and ensuring that when the season is on the line again, he’s the one delivering in the biggest moments.

This summer, Daulton will be playing for Moss Elite and East KY Basketball Club, determined to prove himself against the toughest competition on the AAU circuit. His goal is to show that he can go toe-to-toe with the best and emerge victorious. The Atlantic City Jamfest and KBC State Tournament are circled on his calendar as must-win battles, huge opportunities to showcase his skills in front of scouts and coaches. Every matchup is personal, and he’s stepping onto the court with something to prove.

Off the court, Daulton enjoys finding balance away from the game. Whether it's spending time with family and friends or just taking a moment to reset, he understands that downtime fuels the fire for the next challenge. But at his core, he’s a competitor through and through, and nothing excites him more than stepping onto the court against top talent, ready to go to war.

What drives Daulton is competing at the highest level against the best of the best. He doesn’t shy away from adversity; he embraces it, knowing that the work he puts in will always be his greatest weapon. His mindset is built on trusting the grind, believing in the process, and staying locked in no matter what obstacles come his way. The best advice Daulton has ever received is, “If you leave it all on the floor, there’s nothing to hang your head about.” That philosophy drives s his approach to play with everything you’ve got, and the results will take care of themselves.

Daulton’s lethal shooting ability is his calling card, with deep range and efficiency that make him a constant threat. He’s not just a volume shooter, but his 50% clip from beyond the arc proves that he shoots the lights out at the right times. On defense, he brings fierce intensity, using his length and physicality to lock up assignments and make life miserable for opposing guards. His court vision and passing instincts allow him to create for others, showing he’s more than just a scorer.

Adding more explosiveness will allow him to attack the rim with greater force and expand his offensive arsenal. Given his work ethic, there’s no doubt he’ll attack that challenge head-on.

I assess that Daulton’s game translates easily to the next level. As a knockdown shooter who thrives under pressure, a gritty defender who takes pride in shutting down opponents, and a high-IQ playmaker who makes winning plays, he fits the mold of a modern two-way guard. Coaches will love his toughness, his relentless motor, and his willingness to put in the work.

Daulton is just scratching the surface of what he can become. His drive to compete, his hunger to improve, and his ability to rise to the occasion all point to a player whose best basketball is still ahead of him. Expect him to take his game to another level next season as he chases that regional title with everything he’s got. On the AAU circuit, he’s looking to turn heads, make a statement, and show that he belongs among the elite. With his work ethic, toughness, and passion, there’s no doubt that he’s a name to watch. Stay tuned!