"The Sky-Bound Spark of a Rising Star"

Carter Cox

@cartercox09

IG: @therealcartercox

6’5, 185lbs, Class of 2028

Jo Byrns HS, TN

Carter is an explosive, athletic, versatile two-way stud with breakout written all over him. He plays the game with fire in his step and fearlessness in his spirit, soaring above crowds with high-flying finishes and raining down silky rainmakers from deep. His scoring comes in many ways, whether he pulls up with a smooth touch beyond the arc, attacks off the bounce with electric pace, or hammering home rim-rocking dunks that ignite the crowd. He reads the floor like a savvy veteran, dropping dazzling dimes in transition, finding gaps with confidence, and using quick hands and sharp instincts to jump passing lanes for steals. His scrappy, relentless motor fuels every possession and makes him a headache for any defender trying to slow him down.

Carter’s strengths center on his shooting, and he is steadily building his ball-handling and shot-creation into real weapons. His freshman season already showed the full spark of what he brings. He averaged 11.5 points on 45 percent shooting, 39 percent from three, and 72 percent at the line, while adding 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He helped lead Jo Byrns to a 20-7 record and a perfect 8-0 run through district play, earning All District and All Region honors as a young gun who made his presence felt every night. His biggest improvement has been the growth of his shot creation, and his offseason focus is centered on ball handling to elevate the full scope of his guard game. Losing in the region semifinals lit a fire in him, pushing him to approach the upcoming season with even more purpose.

His first five games this year already hint at a different animal. He opened the season with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in a win over McEwen. He followed with 12 points and 5 rebounds with 3 steals at Montgomery Central to move to 2-0. Against WH Heritage he dropped 11 points, still making his presence known across the floor. Then came the back-to-back heaters with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals on 7-15 shooting in a blowout at Greenbrier. He had 17 more in a gritty 44-42 win over Kenwood, where he added 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists while shooting 7-11. Five games in, Carter is averaging 14.2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, already showing his game is climbing fast with force. His season highs of 17 showcase how dangerous he becomes when he gets rolling.

His AAU résumé stays intact and only elevates his story. Against Tre Mann Elite at HoopSeen Live in Atlanta, he exploded for 26 points on 9-13 shooting and 6-9 from deep, showing his flashes of being a perimeter flamethrower with confidence that rarely wavers. That performance alone proved he can stand out against top national talent.

Carter’s hunger is built on confidence and a passion to win. Springfield is the matchup he circles every year, and the one that fuels the edge in his preparation. A dunk sends a surge through him that ignites the entire gym. He handles adversity by staying composed under pressure and trusting in the work he puts in, holding tight to the message that the moment you quit is the moment you hand someone else the victory. This season, he plays on the most talented high school team he has ever been part of, and he genuinely believes they have a shot at a deep state run if they execute all the way through tournament time. Off the court, he enjoys working out, playing video games, and going to church on Sundays. College ball is firmly in his sights with early interest already coming his way, and his personal dream list includes Samford, ETSU, and Austin Peay.

I assess that Carter’s combination of size, elevation, shooting touch, defensive instincts, and nonstop energy gives him a punch that instantly translates to winning basketball. He impacts possessions on both ends and can slide into multiple roles for a college program. His ability to heat up quickly from deep while also finishing above the rim forces defenses into tough choices that he takes full advantage of. With his competitiveness and natural scoring feel, he brings an edge that elevates team tempo and intensity the moment he steps on the court.

Carter’s future is bright with steady upward movement. As his ball handling continues to grow and his shot creation matures, he will become even harder to guard. Expect his scoring to rise, his leadership to expand, and his confidence to turn him into one of the most dangerous young weapons in Tennessee. His potential is still unfolding, and the ceiling is sky-high for a player who plays with his fire, his fearlessness, and his hunger to rise. Stay tuned.