"Rim-Rocker with a Relentless Motor: Lockdown Defender, High-Energy Hustler, and a 6’8 Game-Changer"

Austin Stewart

@Austin22Stewart

IG: @showtimeant22

6’8, 198lbs, Class of 2027

Beaumont West Brook HS, TX

Austin is the kind of player every coach wants, long, physical, aggressive, and all heart. He plays with a fire that never shuts off and a nonstop motor that shows up every possession. His game is built on effort, toughness, and the ability to change the game without needing the ball. He’s a slasher by nature, finishing with power at the rim through rim-rocking dunks and strong takes, while also taking pride in swatting shots, battling on the boards, and guarding multiple positions on the perimeter. He’s a true energy giver who brings life to a team with the little things that win games.

Austin held his own on a loaded West Brook team filled with DI and JUCO-bound talent, including a D1 and D2 player alongside him in the starting five. Despite the deep roster, he played a role and made his presence felt, averaging 6.5 points and 4.4 rebounds while starting on a team that went all the way and won the Texas 6A state championship. That experience, combined with his recovery from injury, turned him into a whole new version of himself, stronger, faster, and hungrier.

His biggest improvement this year has been in his overall game. Now fully healthy, Austin is becoming much more than a finisher and defender. He’s focused this offseason on developing his middy and three-point shot, while continuing to improve his ball-handling so he can attack off the dribble more consistently. Joining the 3SSB circuit gave him even more fuel, matching up against elite competition and showing he can hold his own at the highest level. One of his two AAU goals was to earn D1 interest, which he’s now accomplished. The second was to become more effective off the bounce, which is a focus he’s still locked in on.

Coaches can count on Austin to bring consistent defense, rebound with intensity, and do the dirty work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. He defends the rim, closes out on shooters, and doesn’t shy away from physical matchups. But what separates him most is how he competes, he’s aggressive, loud, and full of pride. When he steps on the court, he's out to prove that all the hard work he puts in behind the scenes is real. He’s a dog. And he plays like it.

As he heads into this next season, Austin’s ready to be a two-way force, anchoring the defense, attacking the paint, and continuing to grow as an offensive weapon. He wants to help his team win big again and be one of the players opponents have to account for every time down the floor. When facing adversity, Austin either takes it to the gym or meets it head-on by grinding harder. The best advice he’s ever received is, "Don’t let anyone outwork you, and never accept defeat."

Off the court, he enjoys spending time with family and friends when he’s not in the gym or on the grind. Basketball is his world, and everything he does is built around it.

I assess that Austin’s size, energy, and defensive impact make him a valuable asset on any roster. He plays with an edge, finishes strong around the rim, and dominates his matchups on defense. His ability to run the floor, defend multiple positions, and hustle with purpose gives him a role at the next level as a versatile, high-motor forward.

As his ball-handling and shooting continue to develop, Austin’s potential is taking shape fast. He’s already producing against high-level talent and doing the little things that win games. Expect him to grow into a key two-way piece and one of the more intriguing forwards in Texas as his offensive package continues to evolve. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.