"Locked-In and Lethal: The Poised Playmaker"

Ben Elam

@benelam24

IG-@ben_elam24

6’1, 170lbs, Class of 2026

Shattuck HS, OK

Ben is a controlled force on the floor, a player who dictates the pace and gets to his spots with confidence and command. His ability to stay poised under pressure while making the right reads sets him apart as a true floor general. He thrives on change of pace speed, using his vision and ball-handling to carve up defenses and create for both himself and teammates. When defenders try to deny him touches, he adapts, finding ways to slip free, stay productive, and keep the offense flowing. His game is built on poise, composure, and the ability to deliver in big moments, making him the type of guard coaches trust to carry the load.

Last season, he averaged 23 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal per game, validating his all-around impact. His biggest improvement has come from a new confidence in scoring and decision-making, learning to live with the results, and trusting in his work. This offseason, his focus has been on developing pace control, tightening his handle, and building strength in the weight room while putting up countless reps. The toughest test he faced was adjusting to constant face-guarding defenses, forcing him to evolve his game and still find ways to dominate. What fuels him most is the effort plays, charges taken, dives for loose balls, that change the energy of a game.

Though injuries kept him from summer team play, Ben never slowed down. Instead, he grinded on his own with friends, kept his workouts relentless, and poured into both strength and skill work. Now, with one more year with his teammates since seventh grade, he has his eyes set on a deep playoff run and possibly finishing his career as the all-time leading scorer at his school. Coaches can expect nothing less than maximum effort, a steady hand in high-pressure moments, and an athlete who embraces the responsibility of running an offense.

Off the court, Ben shows his drive in other ways. He owns a landscaping business, competes in golf, where he’s helped his school qualify for state two straight years, and commits himself to church every Sunday. His work ethic, leadership, and faith extend far beyond basketball, making him a complete and grounded young man.

I assess that Ben’s game translates well to the next level because of his pace control, decision-making, and ability to create offense against tough defensive schemes. His blend of confidence and composure gives a college program a guard who can settle the team, ignite the offense, and execute under pressure. He is not only a scorer but a leader who elevates those around him.

Ben is poised to leave his mark with his school’s scoring record while leading his team into a playoff push. His continued strength development, improved handles, and confidence in high-pressure roles point toward a bright future. Coaches should expect a versatile guard who thrives on responsibility, adapts to adversity, and continues to grow into a reliable leader with long-term potential.