"The Shot-Maker Who Keeps Earning His Place"

Chaae LeBaron

@cLeBaron2028

6'2, 165lbs, Class of 2028

Niceville HS, FL

Chase has built his game around doing what every team needs, but not every player can do consistently. When an open shot is there, he believes it is his responsibility to make it. That mindset, combined with his ability to score from all three levels, has helped him become a lethal offensive weapon who can impact games in a variety of ways. What stands out even more is his ability to adapt. Different coaches, systems, teammates, and expectations have all become part of his basketball journey, and each experience has helped shape him into the player he is today.

His sophomore season was the result of months of work long before the first game tipped off. From the end of his freshman year, his program rolled straight into spring ball, summer ball, fall workouts, and preseason preparation. That constant work helped improve his fundamentals and gave him countless opportunities to elevate the areas of his game that mattered most. The results showed up on the court as he averaged 11.6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game while hitting 64 triples. More importantly, the season helped build confidence and reinforced the value of putting in work when nobody is watching.

That confidence has continued growing throughout the summer. Chase elevated his game with strong performances at both Bishop State Team Camp and Troy Team Camp, averaging 18.5 points and 20.8 points per game. While his shooting has always been one of his strengths, he believes the biggest difference this summer has been his defense. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has added another dimension to his game and helped him become a more complete player.

This summer also brought a major life change. After attending Moanalua High School on Oahu, Chase and his family made the move to Florida. For many athletes, adjusting to a new school, new teammates, and a new environment can be difficult. Chase embraced the challenge. June basketball with Niceville High School has helped him build relationships, gain trust, and become part of a new basketball family. The experience has reinforced how important chemistry and trust are to winning games.

One of the biggest improvements in his game has been his ball-handling and off-ball speed. Those areas have allowed him to become more effective as a scorer and helped create more opportunities when defenders try to take away his shooting. Being able to earn the trust of a completely new coaching staff and group of teammates after another move stands out as one of the accomplishments he is most proud of because respect is something that must be earned.

Adversity has been a constant teacher throughout his journey. As a military child, Chase has moved 11 different times. Every move meant new schools, new teammates, new coaches, and another opportunity to prove himself all over again. While that process can be exhausting, it has also helped build resilience and mental toughness. He has learned that nothing will be handed to him and that earning respect through hard work is simply part of the journey.

That same mentality shows up whenever he faces highly regarded players. Chase welcomes the challenge. Rather than being intimidated by reputations or rankings, he enjoys the opportunity to compete and prove himself. Those matchups bring out the best in him because he loves testing his game against strong competition.

The behind-the-scenes work reflects how seriously he takes continuing to improve. If he is not in the gym with his high school team or preparing for AAU basketball, he is usually training with his parents. Weight training, endurance work, shooting, and ball handling all play a major role in his routine. The goal is to become quicker, lighter on his feet, and more complete as a player. Every workout is another step toward reaching those goals.

As he looks ahead, Chase plans to continue working, continue growing, and continue earning everything that comes his way. The foundation is already there. A confident scorer, a willing defender, and a player who understands the value of teamwork and preparation. The next chapter will be about building on that momentum and continuing to prove himself at every opportunity.

Coaches can expect a player who listens, works hard, and wants to improve every day. They can expect a dependable teammate who is willing to put in the extra work, knock down shots, compete on both ends, and do whatever is needed to help his team succeed.

I assess that Chase is a versatile three-level scorer who can stretch defenses with his shooting while also contributing as a rebounder, defender, and playmaker. His ability to adapt to new situations, combined with his confidence and work ethic, makes him a valuable piece for any team. The improvements in his ball handling, movement, and defense have helped round out his game and made him more effective on both ends of the floor.

Chase's game continues to rise because he combines skill, confidence, and a strong willingness to work. He has already proven he can produce at a high level while handling the challenges that come with constantly adapting to new environments. His shooting remains a major strength, but the growth in other areas of his game has made him a more complete player. As he continues developing physically and building confidence within his new program, expect his impact to continue growing.