"Paint Pressure, Pace Control, and a Guard Who Sets the Tone"

Drace Gomez

@andres_gomez8_

IG: @andres_22gomez

6'2, 170lbs, Class of 2026

The Kinkaid School, TX

Drace plays the game with control, force, and purpose. A strong downhill guard who lives in the paint, he consistently puts pressure on defenses by getting two feet inside and making them collapse. When that happens, he finds teammates, creates open looks, and keeps the offense humming. He rebounds like a bigger guard, shoots it with confidence, and impacts the game in multiple ways without needing to dominate the ball every possession.

What separates Drace is how he manages pace. He does not let defenses speed him up. He dictates tempo, picks his spots, and knows when to attack and when to settle things down. That growth has been a major step forward, allowing his natural scoring and playmaking abilities to show up more consistently. He plays fast when it is time to go and calm when the moment calls for it.

Last season's production backed up his all-around impact. Drace averaged 19.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 steals per game while shooting 58 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. Those numbers reflect a guard who checks every box and stays active on both ends. He scores, he rebounds, he creates, and he defends with intent.

The last two games were another clear reminder of how much he can control a game. During his two games, the first came against The Village HS, where he delivered 22 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, controlling pace and keeping the offense steady from start to finish. The following game against St. John XXIII only reinforced it, as he followed with 26 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, staying aggressive, creating for others, and continuing to dictate how the game was played on both ends. Two different games, same story. He impacted winning with scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defensive activity.

One of the defining moments of last season came when he had 43 points against St John's, matching up with Sebastian Williams Adams, now a starter at Auburn. That performance showed his ability to rise in big environments and deliver when the lights are bright. Those same environments are what he looks forward to most, especially games against St John's and Episcopal, where the energy is high, and every possession matters.

Effort is non-negotiable with Drace. Coaches can expect 100 percent every time he steps on the floor, no matter what type of game he is having. He handles adversity head-on, trusting the work he puts in and staying confident in his ability to respond. Knowing this is his final season of high school basketball fuels him even more. Every game matters. Every moment counts.

Off the court, Drace enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as watching shows on Netflix. He also carries a mindset of staying present and appreciating the moment, keeping himself level-headed while still pursuing big goals. His focus is locked on helping his team make noise in the playoffs and compete for an SPC Championship.

Drace currently holds several offers and interests from D3 and D2 schools, including University of Chicago, Occidental College, University of Texas at Dallas, and Seton Hill University. He plans to evaluate options after his senior season, with the door still open for high academic D1 opportunities.

I assess that Drace brings paint pressure, rebounding from the guard spot, and a strong feel that can steady and lift a college program. His ability to control tempo, make teammates better, and impact both ends gives him real value beyond scoring.

Moving forward, continuing to improve off the dribble shooting and getting stronger will only raise what he can do. With his pace control, competitive edge, and ability to show up in big games, Drace is built for bigger roles and meaningful minutes at the next level. Stay tuned.