"Sharp Shooter with a Servant’s Heart and a Team-First Fire:

Cayden Cox

Photo credit @fisher5video

@CaydenJDCox10

IG: @caydencox10

5’11”, 145lbs, Class of 2027

Genoa Christian Academy, OH

Cayden is a skilled shooter and high-effort competitor who plays with heart, hustle, and a strong sense of purpose every time he steps on the floor. He’s a smooth knockdown threat from deep, shooting 39% from three and 83% from the line, but it’s his IQ and selfless play that set him apart. Cayden makes the right pass, hustles for every loose ball, and puts his team first in every situation. Whether he’s raining open threes or moving the ball to the hot hand, his unshakable mindset and love for the game shine through. He listens, leads, and lifts everyone around him.

Last season, Cayden averaged 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and shot 42% from the field. His biggest improvement this year wasn’t just in numbers, it was in confidence. After struggling early in his career with hesitancy, he began trusting his decisions, shooting more freely, and embracing his role as a shooter. One breakthrough moment came during an away game where he hit his career high in three-pointers. From that point on, he played with a renewed belief, and it carried through into the AAU season.

With the Midwest Pumas, Cayden started the season with limited minutes but fought his way into a starting role and eventually became a core piece, playing nearly full games by the end of the circuit. He set a personal goal of averaging at least 3 assists per game and hit that mark in most contests. He had a standout performance at Bleacher Republic Nationals, dropping 14 points with 4 threes in a close battle against Kentucky Select. It was the kind of performance that reflected his growth, poise, and progress.

Cayden is motivated by unity and gets fired up when his team is clicking and moving as one. His game is built on spacing, movement, and shot selection, but he’s working hard to grow physically and defensively, tightening his handle and improving his ability to stop dribble penetration. Coaches can count on him for effort, attitude, and execution. He brings positivity, encouragement, and a willingness to do whatever is needed, whether starting or supporting from the sideline.

His fuel runs deeper than basketball. During adversity, Cayden turns to his faith and prayer, relying on God and his community of family, friends, coaches, and teammates. The best advice he’s ever received came from a coach who told him, “Beat the man ahead of you.” That phrase drives his work ethic in basketball, in school, and in life, and it’s helped shape his consistent approach to daily improvement.

Off the court, Cayden is a leader at school, serving as Chaplain and a member of Link Crew. He attends Bible studies, helps coach and referee at youth camps, and gives back to his community however he can. His dream is to play college basketball while earning a strong education, and he’s building the foundation every day through work, discipline, and faith.

I assess that Cayden’s strengths lie in his shooting, decision-making, and leadership by example. He makes teams better through effort, communication, and a steady hand under pressure. His development into a confident, reliable guard gives him long-term value to programs that prioritize toughness, coachability, and selfless play.

As he continues to grow stronger, quicker, and more defensively versatile, Cayden will become an even more complete guard. With his high IQ, strong work ethic, and team-first mentality, he has the tools to make a real impact at the next level and the heart to lead wherever he plays. With his growing confidence and his lethal three-point shooting, expect a breakout season ahead. Stay tuned.