"The Heat Wave Rising: The Cold Blooded Playmaker"

Cris Fudger

@CrisFudger2028

IG: @cris2cold4

6’1, 170lbs, Class of 2028

Pigeon Forge HS, TN

Cris explodes onto the court with the kind of fire that instantly shifts momentum. He is a fierce, dynamic competitor who attacks defenders with a violent first step, slices through contact, and finishes plays that most players his age would shy away from. His swagger comes from the energy he carries, the confidence he plays with, and the hunger he brings to every possession. A true facilitator with a scoring punch, Cris reads the floor with fierce instincts, punishes closeouts, and heats up faster than a microwave. He is a threat at all three levels, a rim attacker who absorbs contact, a shooter who can rain perimeter jumpers, and a defender who turns passing lanes into fast break fuel.

What separates Cris is the versatility packed into his game. He can run the offense, collapse a defense, create openings for others, and step into the role of a bucket getter when the team needs someone to take over. His quickness allows him to hound ball handlers, jump lanes, and flip games with defensive pressure. When the game is tight, he is the guard who brings grit, fights for loose balls, elevates for rebounds, and sets the tone on both ends with relentless effort.

Cris averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last season, but the numbers only tell part of the story. His biggest improvement came in his shooting ability after hours of critiquing mechanics and putting up countless reps to make his jumper consistent and dependable. His handles sharpened through pressure drills, helping him stay poised and composed even when defenses try to disrupt him. He has elevated his ability to read the game, letting it come to him naturally instead of rushing. He now sees the floor with greater clarity, creates better opportunities for teammates, and plays with a smoother, more polished rhythm. Crashing the boards became a major part of his impact as well, as he soared for rebounds on both ends to spark new possessions.

This offseason, Cris focused on transforming into a more complete three-level scorer. He focused on expanding his mid-range arsenal, increasing his vertical, tightening his pace control, and becoming even more dangerous off the catch and off the bounce. Improving his free-throw consistency is a major priority, especially knowing those points matter most when the game slows down. Defensively, his focus was to sharpen his reads, pick off more passes, and push his quick first step to another level.

The most impactful moment of last year came when Cris realized how precious each game truly is. Nothing is guaranteed. Opportunities are earned. And if he wants to reach the collegiate level, he has to outwork everyone every single day. That moment of clarity sparked a deeper level of effort. He understood that the game demands everything and rewards those who stay hungry.

His fiercest rival is GP, a program that has dominated Pigeon Forge in the past. Cris is determined to flip the script and change that story. The competitive fire burns brightest in rivalry games, and he wants to be part of the group that swings momentum back to Pigeon Forge.

Coaches can expect maximum effort from him at all times. He will dive on the floor, chase rebounds, communicate, defend the other team’s best player, and score when his team needs him the most. As a leader, Cris is driven by growth. He is excited to see his teammates develop their individual roles and elevate this team to new heights. His ultimate vision is to help his team get to the Glasshouse, competing for a State Championship.

Cris gets fired up when the team is flowing. Ball movement, high energy, defensive stops, transition buckets, and forcing timeouts. That surge of momentum fuels him like nothing else. When facing adversity, he does not panic. He takes a moment, resets, and locks back in. If the ball is not falling, he creates for those who are hot, impacts the game in other areas, and finds ways to help his team win.

The best coaching advice he ever received came from a mentor who taught him to think less about how he is playing and more about how he can impact the game in ways no one else is willing to do. That mindset changed everything. It taught him that effort creates momentum. Momentum builds confidence. And confidence elevates performance.

Cris is one of the most gifted multisport athletes in his class. He competed in the State Track and Field Decathlon and finished 9th as only a freshman. He also made regular state with his 4x4 team, finishing 4th, and was part of a mixed relay that won a State Championship. Off the court, he carries a 4.0 GPA filled with honors and AP classes. This is a young man who holds himself to a high standard in everything he touches.

Family means everything to Cris. When he is not training, he is with them, cherishing moments, building memories, and staying grounded in what matters most. When he has free time, he surrounds himself with friends and enjoys life away from the court.

He currently has no interests or offers yet, but his goals are clear. He wants to play college basketball. His top choices would be MTSU, UT, and the University of Miami. With the fire he plays with and the growth he is committed to, his future path is bright.

Cris also proved himself to be one of the best young guards anywhere, earning Rocky Top D League All-League honors and making the First Team All-League. He averaged 21.7 points per game and showed he is fearless, aggressive, and built for high-level competition.

I assess that Cris brings a blend of energy, toughness, and offensive versatility that elevates a program the moment he steps on the floor. His ability to create scoring chances, collapse defenses, and fuel possessions with relentless hustle gives his team a competitive edge every night. His improvement mindset, willingness to take on difficult assignments, and commitment to playing with pace and purpose make him dependable in moments where the game tightens. He impacts winning through intensity, focus, and a desire to attack every possession with intent.

Cris is a rising star with the tools to grow into a dynamic guard at the next level. His combination of athleticism, vision, and scoring potential gives him a foundation that can translate with continued development. As he continues to elevate his shot and game flow, he will be able to dictate tempo, control matchups, and influence both ends of the floor. With his work ethic and internal drive, he is poised to evolve into a playmaker who can carry momentum, lead a team emotionally, and deliver in big stage environments. His best basketball is still ahead of him. Stay tuned.