"The Fierce Floor Ruler Built for Total Takeover"

Grace Means

@gracemeans24

6’0, 135lbs, Class of 2027

Troy Buchanan HS, MO

Grace returns to the floor as a force forged through fire, a long, explosive competitor who dominates the game with a three-level arsenal and the ability to slide easily into positions 1 through 4. She runs the floor with a thunderous pace, attacking gaps before defenses can even set their feet, and using her length, footwork, and control to finish through traffic or rise into a smooth jumper. Her game is built on versatility and instinct, able to stretch defenses to the arc, punish mismatches off the bounce, and bully her way into scoring pockets that many players never find. On the defensive end, she is a disruptive menace with active hands, anticipation sharpened from time away, and the poise to guard nearly every position on the court. Coaches can expect a relentless competitor who sets the tone with effort, intensity, and a fierce playmaker spirit that demands excellence from herself and those around her.

Her freshman season announced her as one of Missouri’s brightest young stars, averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game while earning First Team All State honors in 6A and becoming the 6A Freshman of the Year. A knee setback forced her to sit out the next year, but instead of fading, Grace used every second as fuel. She studied the game from a coach’s chair, absorbing schemes, reading tendencies, and turning defensive anticipation into one of her secret weapons. Her return carries the power of that knowledge and the fire of lost time, making her even more dangerous as she rebuilds her speed and expands her offensive bag.

This offseason has been all about adding weapons to her scoring bag and sharpening the edges of her game. She is dialing in more counters, more footwork, and tighter handles that unlock shiftiness against elite defenders. Vertical improvement remains a major focus, giving her even more explosiveness on finishes and rebounds. Grace’s attention to detail, mixed with her natural length and power, creates a two-way threat who can anchor a lineup anywhere on the floor. She brings unwavering effort, vocal support, and a work ethic that screams accountability. She is the kind of teammate who runs through walls when the moment calls and expects the same energy from those beside her.

Grace’s competitive fire burns hottest against teams built like Incarnate Word, a nationally ranked powerhouse she has faced four straight years in the Elite 8. The battles sharpened her hunger and elevated her standard, proving she belongs among the best. Toughness is ingrained in her DNA. When players talk big, she lets her game do all the talking. When facing adversity, she drops her head and goes to work. She lives by the standard her father embedded in her: the game rewards those who respect it and exposes those who don’t.

Now fully healthy and free from limitations, Grace is ready to make noise again. She wants programs to understand that she is far from done. Her ceiling stretches as high as she’s willing to push, and she knows she can compete with anyone in the country. Recruiting interest ranges from juco to D1, but she values fit above all, aiming to join a program where she can thrive for four years without hopping portals.

Off the court, she brings the same creativity and sharp mind she shows on the floor. She draws, reads, plays chess, and grounds herself in the family foundation that drives her. Grace is built for impact, built for leadership, and built to shake the scene now that she’s back where she belongs.

I assess that Grace’s mix of scoring versatility, defensive range, anticipation, and high motor makes her a major asset for any college program seeking a dynamic forward guard hybrid. Her ability to handle, attack, and defend multiple positions gives coaches lineup flexibility and matchup advantages every game. With her length, instincts, and relentless approach, she projects as a player who raises the standard of any roster she joins.

As she continues to elevate her handles, explosiveness, and offensive creativity, Grace is poised to become one of Missouri’s most dominant two-way players in her class. Expect her production to surge as she regains rhythm, her defensive impact to grow as anticipation sharpens, and her leadership to expand as she steps fully into her comeback season. She is poised to reclaim her statewide spotlight and elevate her game to a national stage. Stay tuned.