"Midrange Menace with Swagger and Grit"

Malachi Patton

@malachipatton777

IG: @iamanklebully

6’0, 155lbs, Class of 2027

Prairie HS, WA

Malachi is a straight-up midrange menace, a dynamic, electric point guard with serious swagger in his game. His jumper is money from the elbows, and once he gets to his spots, there’s not much the defense can do. He controls the pace like a master facilitator, slicing through gaps and dropping dazzling dimes with elite vision. He’s shifty, creative, and fierce with the ball in his hands, but just as dangerous without it, always finding space, angles, and opportunities to strike. What separates Malachi is his motor. He may not be the biggest, but he’s a relentless rebounder, gritty on-ball defender, and pure competitor who refuses to be outworked. His game is smooth but fiery, and he brings that same fire every single time he touches the court. He’s not just a point guard but a tone-setter and spark plug who makes everyone around him better.

This past season, Malachi stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game, and when the lights got brighter, so did he. In the postseason, he elevatedhisgameeven more, averaging 17.3 points, 5.25 assists, 4.25 boards, and 1.5 steals in six playoff games, shooting 82% from the line and guiding Prairie to the 3A Sweet 16. He plays with poise beyond his years and sees the floor like a veteran. His IQ was his biggest improvement this year, and he's locked in on building strength and range this offseason with the goal to stretch defenses with the three-ball while still punishing them in the midrange. His biggest motivation is locking somebody up. That clamps-on-defense mindset fuels his fire and sets the tone for his team. When facing adversity, Malachi doesn’t rattle under pressure but embraces it, stays cool, and always plays his game.

He plays with NW Legends NXT Pro 16U but will be moving up to the 17U squad in July, where he’ll take center stage in one of the most anticipated events of the summer, NXT Pro Finals in Orlando from July 24–27. The spotlight doesn’t scare him, but drives him. Already this summer, he’s cooked defenders and dropped buckets in bunches with 30 against 4A Mariner, 26 on North Medford, 25 vs BTI United, and 23 more on Rainier Select. He’s showing out, making waves, and letting everybody know his name. His goals are to win, lead, and earn everything. And with his kind of edge and output, he’s doing just that.

Off the court, Malachi enjoys writing and creating stories, showing the same creativity he brings to the floor. He walks with gratitude and a deep appreciation for the game and every opportunity that comes with it. That attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed. After a strong conversation with Coach Swanson, he picked up his first college offer from Evergreen State College. It’s a blessing, but Malachi knows he’s just getting started. He’s not playing for attention; he’s playing for impact.

I assess that Malachi brings a rare mix of playmaking, poise, and fire. His middy is a lethal weapon, and his defensive mindset makes him a nightmare for opposing guards. He’s a floor general with flash, grit, and a winning mentality, ready to bring value to any college program that wants a true gamer with heart.

The ceiling is rising fast for Malachi. With his continued growth in strength and range, paired with his fearless motor and leadership, he’s a name to remember and a guard to reckon with for years to come. Expect more big games, more big moments, and more offers on the table. Stay tuned.