"The Rising Flame Growing Brighter Every Game"

TJ Newton

@tjdasniper

IG: @tjdasniper

6’4, 182lbs, Class of 2028

Edmond Santa Fe HS, OK

TJ is a young star who already knows he belongs. He is a smooth two-way combo guard with shooting touch that stretches defenses and a downhill attack that keeps them guessing. His deep ball is a weapon that changes the energy in the gym the second it leaves his hands. When defenders close out too hard, he slices into the paint and either finishes through contact or creates an open look for a teammate. On the other end, he takes pride in locking up on the perimeter and anchoring possessions with vocal fire. Every now and then, he reminds everyone he has more in his bag with a fast break dunk that ignites the crowd.

Through four games this season he has exploded into one of the most dangerous young scorers in Oklahoma. Edmond Santa Fe is 3-1 and TJ is averaging 19.7 points per game while stuffing the stat sheet. He has already scored 27 against Crossings Christian, 22 against PC North, 16 against Mount Saint Mary’s, and 11 against OKC Storm. He is averaging 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals while making statement plays on both ends. His achievements already include being named an Edmond Open Super 5 Player and breaking the school record for threes in a game with 8. This rising phenomenon is making noise early and carrying momentum with purpose.

TJ’s confidence and work ethic are his biggest improvements from last year. He grinded all summer and came back ready to prove it. His focus now is growing stronger, expanding his dunking ability, and building more athletic explosions above the rim. He recently got up for one in a game and knows that if he adds that consistently, it will turn even more heads. Leadership is another area he is embracing as he continues becoming the voice his team leans on.

The arrival of new coach Terry Evans has helped spark even more belief inside the locker room. Putnam City North is the matchup circled in red, and TJ is already mentally locked in. Coaches can expect someone who never hides from the moment. If the shots are not falling, he will turn up on defense, stay loud, and impact the game in any way he can. His motivation fires when a teammate dunks or when they stack multiple elite defensive possessions together. He handles adversity by talking to coaches, communicating with teammates, and resetting quickly.

The message he carries into every game comes from Coach Tre Evans: "Be aggressive. Kill or be killed." Off the court, he chills with teammates, builds chemistry, or finds places to eat and hang out. He is not thinking too far ahead but his dream schools right now are Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.

I assess that TJ brings a combination of scoring, shooting range, downhill pressure, defensive pride, and vocal leadership that instantly elevates a program. His ability to fill multiple roles, create momentum plays, and stay locked in even when shots are not falling makes him a valuable piece for coaches who want toughness and versatility in the backcourt.

As he continues to grow stronger, adding more vertical pop and stepping into full leadership mode, TJ’s rise is only just beginning. His work ethic, confidence, and ability to impact both ends have him poised to be one of the most exciting young guards in the state. Stay tuned because his ceiling goes far beyond this season.