"The Relentless Engine That Powers the Floor"

Kaden Gasbarro

@GasbarroKa33434

IG: @kadengasbarro

6’0, 155lbs, Class of 2026

Pigeon Forge HS, TN

Kaden brings a fierce, dynamic spark every time he steps on the court. As a point guard, he runs an offense with command, poise, and purpose while playing with the kind of hunger that instantly elevates the players around him. His defensive edge sets the tone, locking into matchups, disrupting the perimeter, and fighting for loose balls with pure grit. Offensively, he blends sharp vision with smooth shot-making, pushing the tempo when needed and slowing the game down when it demands control. Kaden is the definition of a competitor who hates losing and will fight for every possession until the final horn. What separates him is his combined intensity, leadership, and ability to deliver in big atmospheres where noise, pressure, and chaos only fuel him more.

Kaden’s game has taken a major leap this season. His aggressiveness, confidence, and natural scoring ability have surged, and it showed immediately in the first game of the season, where he had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals in a thrilling 61-60 win over Morristown West. That performance followed a standout fall league run where he averaged 15.8 per game and earned Rocky Top Fall League All-League Honorable Mention. Championship Day only stamped his rise deeper when he poured in 19 and led Team Mackie alongside Bryson Morrisette and Aiden O’Leary. Last season, even with adversity and ineligibility, he kept grinding and exploded in the rivalry matchup against Gatlinburg Pittman with 12 points and an important And 1 to seal the game. This year, he is focused on building strength, becoming a great three-point shooter, and pushing Pigeon Forge toward school history.

Kaden is motivated by the roar of a loud gym, the electricity of big games, and the momentum of hitting a big shot when everything is on the line. The team prays before each game, which centers him and gives him the focus he needs to go out and perform. His coaches can expect someone who executes, competes, and leads with full heart. He embraces adversity with maturity, leaning on his faith in God and trusting that every obstacle is meant to shape him into something stronger. Off the court, Kaden enjoys golfing, playing 2k, spending time with family, going to church with his girlfriend and grandparents, enjoying meals with his dad, and relaxing at home watching shows with his mom and stepdad. His academics stand out just as much as his game, with a 3.96 GPA, salutatorian status, a 29 ACT score, and a bright future ahead. He hopes to play college basketball, with Tennessee Wesleyan, Johnson University, Bryan College, and Lincoln Memorial University among the schools he’d love to play for.

Kaden’s faith is the anchor of his journey. When facing adversity, he turns to God for strength, clarity, and peace. He trusts that every challenge has a purpose and every setback is shaping something greater in him. His reliance on prayer before games, his belief that God’s plan is always working for good, and his desire to honor the Lord on and off the court fuel everything he does. His testimony is woven into his game and into his character.

I assess that Kaden’s leadership at point guard, defensive toughness, increased scoring confidence, and clutch shot-making give him the tools to impact a program immediately. His ability to elevate teammates, handle pressure, and play with consistent intensity makes him a valuable asset for any college staff looking for a dependable, gritty guard who brings both skill and heart.

As Kaden continues to grow stronger, elevate his perimeter scoring, and gain experience in high-pressure moments, he is poised to become one of the area’s most trusted guards. His confidence is rising, his production is climbing, and his foundation of faith and work ethic sets him up for long-term success. Expect his momentum to carry deep into this season and far beyond as he chases his goal of playing at the next level.