"Smooth, Relentless, and Rising: Lighting Up the Court With Swagger and Skill"

Grayson Burton

@greysonburt24

IG: graysonburton3

6’5, 180lbs, Class of 2028

Madison Central HS, KY

Grayson is a lethal three-level scorer with size, swagger, and toughness that make him stand out every time he hits the floor. He can bring the rain from deep with a smooth, confident touch, attack off the bounce to finish strong at the rim, and create opportunities with fierce handles and vision. His nonstop motor impacts every possession, defending with grit, battling on the boards, and leading with energy that fuels his team. Grayson proved it in live action at the @NextUpRecruits showcase, where his rebounding and all-around impact matched his scoring, showing he can do much more than just light up the scoreboard.

This past season, he averaged 21.1 points per game and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 80 percent at the line. His biggest improvements were his dribbling and leadership, that show in the way he controls games with poise and confidence. The lesson he carries came from a tough night going 1-for-14, reminding him that not everything falls your way, but resilience defines a player. That mindset fuels his goals now, developing a punishing middy and post game, leading Madison Central to a state championship, and earning the attention of college coaches.

At the @NextUpRecruits showcase, Grayson left no doubt he belonged among the best in the gym. In a venue loaded with talent, he rose to the challenge with confidence and consistency. His shooting touch was unstoppable, his energy on the boards kept possessions alive, and his defense gave his team a spark. What truly stood out was how he carried himself in big moments, never shying away from pressure and always finding ways to impact the game. Earning a Top 20 spot was the natural result of everything he brought to the floor, a performance that showed just how complete his game already is and why he is quickly becoming a name coaches cannot ignore.

What fires him up the most isn’t just his own buckets, but the momentum of his teammates. Big runs, shots falling, and defensive stops fuel his energy and turn him into an even bigger spark. He’s not just a scorer, he’s a competitor who pushes himself to keep his head up, battle through adversity, and make the right plays in every situation. Off the floor, he keeps it simple with movies and food, but on the court, Grayson is proving himself as one of Kentucky’s fiercest rising stars in the 2028 class.

I assess that Grayson’s ability to score at all three levels while rebounding and defending with toughness makes him a high-value prospect for college programs. His confidence, IQ, and willingness to lead transform him from a stat-filler into a culture-builder who can elevate everyone around him. He is the type of player who can plug in early and produce, while setting the tone for winning basketball.

As Burton evolves his middy and post game, his already lethal scoring arsenal will only grow more complete. Expect him to continue leading by example, making clutch plays in high-pressure moments, and standing out as both a scorer and a defensive anchor. With his combination of skill, toughness, and relentless motor, Grayson is well on his way to becoming one of the premier players in Kentucky’s 2028 class, with a future that shines even brighter at the next level. His potential is sky-high. With fire, determination, and hunger to be elite, his name is one to remember, and we can expect to hear it a lot for years to come. Stay tuned.