"The Lefty Lightning Bolt With Range That Changes The Entire Floor"

Blake Weems

@blake_weems2028

5'11, Class of 2028

Pell City HS, AL

Blake's shooting range stretches defenses far beyond where they want to guard, and once opponents start selling out to stop the jumper, he has the skill and vision to make them pay somewhere else. Whether it is a deep three, a breakdown drive, or a timely pass to an open teammate, Blake has developed into a dangerous combo guard capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.

What makes Blake special is that everything starts with confidence. He understands exactly who he is as a player and embraces it. His shooting ability is his calling card, and it is a weapon that constantly changes the way opponents have to defend. Defenders cannot afford to give him space because he can heat up in a hurry. Coaches cannot afford to lose track of him because one mistake can quickly become three points. That ability creates opportunities not only for himself but for everyone around him. Once defenders start chasing him around screens or face guarding him, driving lanes open, passing angles appear, and the offense begins to flow.

That exact scenario played out during NXTPRO Session 7, where Blake put together one of his strongest stretches of the year. Across four games, he poured in 65 points while averaging more than 16 points per game. Game after game, he found ways to get to his spots and make difficult shots. Even with guarding him and trying to take away his perimeter game, Blake stayed patient and trusted his skill set. Instead of forcing shots, he used the attention against defenses by attacking the rim and creating opportunities for teammates. His ability to adapt while still producing at a high level showed the maturity in his offensive game.

While the shooting often grabs headlines, Blake takes just as much pride in what he brings defensively. He understands that for his game to continue growing, he must be a complete player on both ends of the floor. He embraces being active, energetic, and disruptive defensively because he knows that level of effort translates at every level of basketball. His improvement on defense has been one of the biggest developments in his game over the last year.

His sophomore season was not always smooth sailing. Blake averaged 11 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal, but the year came with its share of adversity. He battled through a shooting slump and dealt with struggles surrounding chemistry and trust. There were moments where things did not come easily, but instead of allowing frustration to take over, he used those experiences as motivation. Once the postseason arrived, he immediately got back to work, attacking training sessions and investing even more time into his development.

That work began paying off once AAU season rolled around. Playing for ENDURE out of Hoover, Alabama, Blake found himself in a situation where his biggest strength filled a major need. His shooting ability immediately became an important piece of the team's identity. As the competition level increased, so did his confidence. The work he put in during the offseason started showing up in games, and his impact could be felt throughout the circuit.

Being ranked #32 overall in Alabama and #14 at his position brings attention, but Blake refuses to become comfortable with where he stands. Instead of viewing rankings as validation, he uses them as motivation. He understands that rankings can change and that continued improvement is the only way forward. His mindset remains focused on growth rather than recognition.

The adversity Blake has faced extends beyond basketball. He has dealt with doubt from others and moments where coaches did not fully believe in him or trust him. Rather than letting those situations break his confidence, he turned them into fuel. Every question mark became motivation. Every criticism became another reason to get back in the gym. That mentality has helped strengthen him mentally and continues shaping the competitor he is becoming.

One area where that growth is clearly visible is in his rebounding and defense. While many know him for his shooting, Blake believes those parts of his game have taken the biggest leap. On a smaller team, his ability to impact possessions through rebounding has become increasingly important. His willingness to contribute in areas outside of scoring has allowed him to become a more complete player.

Among his favorite accomplishments so far was raining in 7 three-pointers during an intense game on the Puma circuit. It was one of those performances that showcased exactly what makes him dangerous. Yet even with moments like that, Blake believes his biggest moments are still ahead of him. That belief continues driving his work ethic and daily commitment.

Looking forward, Blake's focus is centered on becoming more comfortable as a lead guard. Improving his ball-handling and expanding his role as a point guard are major priorities, as he understands how valuable those skills will be at the next level. His goals are ambitious. He wants to average at least 4 made threes and 4 steals per game. He wants to compete on the EYBL or 3SSB circuit at the 17U level. He wants to earn his first college offer during his junior year.

The future looks bright because Blake's game continues expanding. Coaches can expect a fearless competitor with deep range, strong playmaking instincts, growing defensive impact, and a relentless desire to improve. Every time he steps on the floor, he brings confidence, toughness, and the ability to change a game with a single hot streak.

I assess that Blake is a highly skilled combo guard whose shooting range immediately alters defensive game plans. His ability to score from well beyond the arc creates spacing, while his vision allows him to capitalize on defensive pressure. The growth he has shown as a rebounder and defender makes him much more than a perimeter scorer. He understands how to impact in different ways and continues adding layers to his game.

Blake possesses qualities that translate well to higher levels because of his shot-making, basketball IQ, and willingness to develop weaker areas of his game. His expanding ball-handling ability and desire to take on more lead guard responsibilities increase his long-term value. Programs looking for a player capable of stretching defenses, creating offense, and bringing competitive energy would find plenty to like in his skill set. As he continues building strength, tightening his handles, and growing as a floor leader, his ceiling continues to rise, and his recruitment should continue gaining momentum. Stay tuned.