"The Relentless Engine That Drives the Game"

Zander Cessna

@CessnaZander

IG: zander.c

5’11, 160lbs, Class of 2026

Lawrenceville HS, IL

Zander plays the point with a fierce, fearless edge that instantly energizes a gym. He is a true floor general who pushes the pace, hounds ball handlers, and constantly fuels the transition game. His tight handles, elite court vision, and dazzling passing feel make him the spark that keeps an offense flowing. He shoots it from deep, slices into gaps for that punishing middy, and has no hesitation finishing at the rim. Defensively, he brings a gritty, pesky presence that flips possessions and frustrates opponents. Everything he does is built around intensity, IQ, and a competitive fire that never seems to fade.

Last season, Zander averaged 12.1 points, 2.5 steals, 2.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the field, 34 percent from three, and 54 percent on twos. He totaled 388 points, 80 steals, 88 assists, and 101 rebounds. He became a scoring leader last year, evolving from a strictly defense-first guard into a threat that demanded attention on every possession. That attention opened up the floor for his teammates, allowing him to use his passing gift to create easy looks. This jump in production earned him first-team all-conference honors and the second-most votes in the entire league.

Zander poured real work into his offseason. He elevated his shooting, tightened his handles, and focused heavily on making smart reads, whether full-court passes, lobs, or bounce feeds. AAU was a major developmental period, showing him he could score at a high level but also contribute in multiple ways when the shots were not falling. His growth was recognized this year, something he values deeply after being one of the underrated reasons for their elite defense the season before.

One of his favorite moments came in their twenty-point win over Teutopolis, a consistent postseason program. It was a complete team performance, and a statement victory for a group that has been building toward something special. His coaches can always expect maximum effort, especially on the defensive end, where he believes great offense starts. With this being his final ride with the group he grew up with, Zander is looking forward to making an impact that Lawrenceville has not seen in forty years. Their chemistry, trust, and balance make them dangerous every night.

Defense is what fuels him the most. Getting steals, forcing stops, and frustrating opponents brings him alive. He keeps a level head through adversity and responds by listening, learning, and adjusting. He prides himself on being coachable, absorbing instruction and applying it immediately. The best advice he has received is to stop forcing the game and instead react to what the opponent gives, a message he has fully embraced.

Off the court, Zander keeps a full plate. He carries a 3.9 GPA and has consistently been a high honors student while working two jobs last summer and one job this year, from 6 am to 3 pm every weekday, before heading to the court to train. He balances work, school, basketball, and involvement in the National Honor Society, Beta, Interact Club, and FCA. He is also part of a co-op program that allows him to attend school half a day and work the other half, a testament to his discipline and commitment. When he does get downtime, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing pool, ping pong, and watching TV.

Zander has not received any college interest yet, but hopes to find a program close to home that values development and helps him grow into the best version of himself. With his work ethic, defensive motor, and evolving offensive game, he is building the kind of foundation that coaches love.

I assess that Zander’s skill set translates to a steady, high-energy guard who can elevate a college program through his playmaking, defensive tenacity, and ability to dictate the flow. His ball handling, midrange control, toughness, and commitment to effort would give any team a reliable presence that impacts both ends while enhancing the players around him.

Expect Zander to continue rising as his outside shooting improves and his confidence as a scorer grows. His leadership, competitive drive, and relentless work habits position him to be one of the most dependable guards in his class. With continued development, he has the potential to become a complete two-way threat who leaves his mark every time he steps on the floor. This isn't just a run, but a statement and an unbreakable bond of brothers on a mission. Stay tuned.