"The Crafty Shot Maker Who Sets the Tone"

William Jay Pounds

@Jaypounds2026

6’1, 165lbs, Class of 2026

City View HS, TX

3.7 GPA

William is a crafty three-level scorer who plays with a swagger that forces defenders to stay honest from the opening tip. He can pull up on a dime with a quick release that barely needs daylight, and when defenders lean even a half step too far, his nasty first step that freezes defenders as he gets downhill in a hurry. The touch from deep is silky smooth and confident, the middy is flat out punishing, and when he attacks the rim, he finishes with strength and purpose. His handles are fierce, his footwork in the paint is fast and furious, and his ability to create his own look keeps pressure on a defense every single possession. On the other end, he brings real swagger as a strong on-ball defender who jumps passing lanes, turns defense into instant offense, and still finds a way to mix it up on the boards.

After averaging 5.2 points and 1.5 rebounds as a junior, William has taken control as a senior, averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game while becoming one of the most disruptive guards on the floor. His best game this season came in a takeover performance of 23 points and 7 steals, a game where he completely dictated the tempo on both ends and made his presence impossible to ignore. That growth has not just shown up on the court either, as his work in the classroom earned him Academic All-District honors in District 7 3A, a clear reflection of the discipline and focus he brings to everything he does.

The biggest improvement in his game has been his floor IQ and confidence. William looks more comfortable every time out, reading the floor, making the correct decisions, and taking the shots that are there without hesitation. His number one weapon remains the three-point shot, but it is now combined with aggressive defense, a team-first mindset, and a growing command of the game. Physically, his focus is on getting stronger, with a clear plan to add 15 or more pounds in the offseason so he can continue absorbing contact while keeping the speed and burst that make him dangerous.

Winning is the ultimate fuel. His goal this season is to win a state title and bring home the first championship trophy in school history, while also chasing first-team all-district and offensive MVP honors. What really fires him up is the moment opposing fans start to get frustrated, when the noise changes, and you can feel the momentum shifting. Seeing that reaction, combined with his teammates exploding off the bench after a big make, sends his adrenaline through the roof and pushes his effort to another gear.

Faith plays a major role in how William handles adversity. Before every game, prayer helps settle his nerves and lock in his focus. He puts his trust in God and the work done behind closed doors, allowing him to play free and fearless. That foundation gives him confidence under pressure and the calm to stay steady when the moment gets heavy, knowing he is prepared and supported every step of the way.

Recruitment is continuing to build, with current offers from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas, and the University of Fort Lauderdale. With his production climbing and his confidence growing, William is positioning himself for the next level and the opportunity to keep proving what his game brings to the table.

I assess that William is a guard who can change the flow of a game with scoring, effort, and defensive pressure. His shooting forces coverage to stretch, his ability to attack gaps keeps defenses on their heels, and his competitiveness shows up on both ends. He brings energy, toughness, and a winning mindset that can impact a college program looking for a guard who competes every possession.

Moving forward, expect continued growth as his strength catches up with his skill set. William is becoming a reliable scoring guard who also applies constant pressure defensively and leads with confidence. With his mindset, faith, and steady rise in production, his future points toward bigger roles and continued success as he steps into higher-level competition. Stay tuned.