"Three-Level Fire With A Floor General's Vision"

Bryce MacKenzie

IG: @brycemackenzie

6ft, Class of 2028

Canada Top Flight Academy, Ottawa, Ontario

Bryce brings a smart, creative style and can create for others while still lighting it up from all three levels. His basketball IQ drives much of what he does because he understands how to read what's in front of him, find teammates when the defense shifts, and recognize when it isn't time to look for his own shot. That balance between scoring and playmaking gives him several ways to impact a possession, while his confidence with the ball allows him to play with control instead of rushing what is there.

This season is still young, but Bryce sees plenty of potential as Canada Topflight Academy continues learning how everyone plays together and finding what works best as a team. His summer gave him a chance to test his game in different settings, including playing with Genesis in the EYBL Champions League and representing his province at Nationals. That national run became one of his biggest achievements when he led the country in scoring, showing that he could produce against talented players while taking on a different role than he normally plays.

Nationals brought a change for Bryce because his team didn't have much size, which pushed him from point guard to shooting guard and challenged him to adjust. He answered by averaging 22.8 points per game while finding his rhythm as the event continued, scoring from deep, using his pull-up game, and getting to the rim without forcing bad shots. His teammates did a good job finding him when he was open, while Bryce stayed patient enough to let the game come to him and still used his passing ability to create looks for others. That combination allowed him to remain a creator even while carrying a larger scoring load.

One of Bryce's biggest improvements since last season has come through his leadership because he's become more vocal and willing to guide teammates from the point guard spot. He's also put serious work into creating his own shot, especially learning how to make room for tough pull-ups and drives to the basket. Those additions have given him more answers with the ball in his hands because he can change direction, find his spots, or turn a drive into a scoring chance when the defense tries to take away his first option.

The underrated side of Bryce's game starts with how he creates room for his jumper and what happens once he gets a paint touch. He can get downhill, read the defense after getting inside, and decide whether the better choice is finishing the play or finding a teammate. Defensively, he trusts himself against taller guards and doesn't allow a size difference to change the way he competes. Bryce has learned through his basketball journey that IQ can help erase physical disadvantages, and he's found ways to outthink bigger defenders instead of allowing their size to dictate the matchup.

His offseason work has focused heavily on building his body and becoming a stronger athlete, with gaining weight, improving his quickness, and jumping higher at the top of his list. Bryce spends plenty of time in the gym adding new things to his game while also lifting weights every day, creating a routine that touches both skill development and strength. Over the last few months, he's also become more consistent in finding different ways to contribute, which gives him another area to build from heading into the upcoming season.

There's also something personal driving Bryce every time he puts in another workout because he comes from a small province where he hasn't seen many athletes reach high-level university basketball. Instead of letting that limit his vision, it has made him want the chance even more, because he wants to create his own university experience while showing younger athletes from places like his that their starting point doesn't decide where they finish. His fire comes from wanting to prove that hard work can open doors no matter where someone comes from, and that hunger continues feeding every hour he spends sharpening his game.

Bryce has a natural feel for changing gears with the basketball, which helps him avoid playing at one speed and makes his attack harder to predict. He can recognize when patience is needed before making his move, and that timing gives him another weapon when defenders try to crowd him. His ability to stay composed while processing what develops gives his offensive game a smooth flow that fits well with teammates who move without the ball.

Bryce brings competitive toughness that shows up in the way he embraces challenges instead of backing away from them. There's confidence in his approach, but it's matched by a willingness to put hours into areas that still need development. That mindset gives him a chance to continue expanding his impact because he's chasing growth with purpose while carrying a hunger that comes from wanting to open doors for himself and others back home.