"Shifty Playmaker on the Rise: Locked In from All Three Levels"

Brenden Goins

@bgoins2027

IG: brendengoins

5’10, 165lbs, Class of 2027

Parke Heritage, IN

Brenden is electric off the bounce and straight-up deadly from deep. He’s a quick, shifty guard with crafty handles and the kind of confidence that makes defenders nervous the second he crosses half court. He can stop on a dime and let it fly, or use his speed to collapse the defense and make the right read. What separates Brenden is his smooth shooting stroke, fast-twitch playmaking, and the way he creates space in tight situations. He’s a rhythm killer for opponents and a sparkplug for his team, always ready to heat up with a couple of dribbles and a flick of the wrist. Whether he's coming off a screen or breaking down a defender 1-on-1, Brenden brings buckets with purpose and plays with a fearless edge that can't be taught.

As a sophomore, his role was limited behind upperclassmen, but when his number was called, he answered loud and clear. He shot a blistering 46% from beyond the arc on 62 attempts and tied the school record in the sectional with a red-hot 9-for-11 performance from three. In that game, he showed everyone exactly what happens when he gets a real shot. He finished the year averaging 3.9 points and 2 assists per game, but it was the growth in confidence and willingness to take chances that marked his biggest improvement. That momentum carried into AAU, where he joined Craig Porter Elite and immediately lit up the scoreboard, dropping 22 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game in his first tournament with them. Now, with a bigger role in front of him, he’s putting in the work to become a complete scorer from all three levels and elevate everyone around him.

This offseason, Brenden is focused on staying aggressive, improving his midrange arsenal, and continuing to create for teammates. He’s excited for matchups at the Charlie Hughes tournament, including battles with New Albany and Crown Point. His goal is to play in front of college coaches and prove that his game speaks louder than the doubt about his size. The chip on his shoulder fuels everything. He’s been underestimated his whole life, and every time he steps on the court, he plays like he’s got something to prove, and something to take.

When facing adversity, Brenden stays calm, adjusts, and keeps it moving. One of his most impactful moments this past season came off the court, when a senior teammate helped lift him up after a tough game and reminded him who he was. That moment reignited his fire, and he hasn't looked back since. He believes that in basketball, there’s no such thing as losing, only learning. That mindset, along with his toughness and drive, is why he's ready to take the keys this season and run the show.

Off the court, Brenden is laid back; he enjoys golfing, gaming, and hanging with his circle. But once the lights come on, it’s all business. He’s ready for a breakout junior year, and if his past performances are any indication, he’s about to make some serious noise.

I assess that Brenden brings elite-level shooting and quickness to the floor. His ability to hit tough shots, stretch defenses, and control tempo makes him a serious threat in any offensive system. Coaches can expect a floor general who plays with intensity, sees the court well, and doesn’t back down from big moments.

With a larger role and growing confidence, Brenden is poised for a huge year. He’s already shown he can score in bunches, and now he’s rounding into a complete guard who can impact games on both ends. Expect his stock to rise quickly because when his shot starts falling, it’s game over. Stay tuned, y'all.