"The Confident Shot-Maker With a Team-First Game"

Cole Reagan

@Cole_reagan23

6'2, Class of 2028

Saranac HS, MI

Confidence has become one of the biggest differences in Cole's game, and it shows every time he steps on the floor. A gifted shooter with a smooth touch, he also handles the ball well and enjoys creating opportunities for his teammates just as much as scoring himself. Whether he is raining in shots from beyond the arc, attacking with the ball in his hands, or making the extra pass, Cole plays with a team-first approach that allows everyone around him to be better. His growing confidence, improved ball-handling, and willingness to lead are turning him into a player capable of making an impact in several different ways.

Last season brought its share of ups and downs, but every difficult game became another opportunity to improve. Instead of letting those moments shake his confidence, Cole used them as motivation to keep working. He spent countless hours in the gym during the offseason, training nearly every day and continuing to elevate his game. That work carried over into AAU with Michigan United, where he had a pair of strong performances by scoring 22 points in one game and adding 16 points in another while hitting 4-5 three-point attempts. Those games were another reminder that his hard work is beginning to translate into production when the competition gets tougher.

The biggest improvement in Cole's game has been his confidence with the basketball. As a freshman, he admits he was hesitant and often avoided having the ball in his hands. That has completely changed. Now he wants the ball, welcomes the responsibility, and trusts himself to make the right play every possession. His ball-handling has improved, allowing him to create more scoring opportunities for himself while also putting teammates in good positions to succeed.

One of the biggest challenges Cole faced was adjusting to the speed and physicality of varsity basketball. The game moved much faster than what he had experienced before, forcing him to grow quickly both mentally and physically. Looking back, that experience became one of the most valuable lessons of his season because it showed him he belongs at that level. Instead of wondering if he was ready, he now knows he is capable of competing and contributing against varsity players.

This offseason has been about building a stronger version of himself. Cole has worked on every part of his game, but increasing his strength has become the biggest priority. Weightlifting, along with plyometric and isometric training, has helped him become stronger, quicker, and more explosive while also developing greater mental toughness. When those workouts are finished, he is still outside playing basketball or attending open gyms because he understands improvement comes from putting in the extra time when nobody is watching.

The biggest fuel behind Cole's work ethic comes from the doubters. Every person who has overlooked him or questioned what he can become adds another reason to keep pushing forward. He wants to build a name for himself through hard work, steady improvement, and consistent performances that speak louder than words. That motivation continues driving him through every workout and every practice.

Cole believes his team has all the pieces to enjoy a successful season. With size inside, skilled guards on the perimeter, and growing chemistry throughout the roster, he feels the team has the talent to accomplish something special. Fans can expect an exciting team that competes together, shares the basketball, and continues getting better as the season unfolds.

Every coach can expect leadership, positive energy, and a player who genuinely wants to help his teammates improve. Cole enjoys bringing people together, setting the tone with his attitude, and doing whatever he can to help his team win. As his confidence and overall game continue to grow, he is putting himself in position to make a much bigger impact this season.

I assess that Cole's combination of shooting, improving ball-handling, and unselfish play gives him a solid foundation to continue building on. His confidence has taken a big step forward, and as he gets stronger physically, his ability to create offense and contribute on both ends of the floor should continue to grow.

Cole is developing into a dependable guard who embraces leadership, values teamwork, and continues to improve through consistent work. His willingness to attack weaknesses instead of avoiding them, along with his desire to prove himself, makes him an intriguing player to follow as he continues gaining varsity experience and expanding his overall game. Stay tuned.