"Versatile Force With Feel, Strength, and Edge"

Noah Stephens

@noahstephens23_

6’7, 230lbs, Class of 2026

Seneca HS, KY

Noah brings a versatile presence that changes matchups the moment he steps on the floor. He can score from anywhere, operate from any spot, and guard multiple positions. He plays with touch around the rim, confidence facing up, and the strength to finish through contact. He rebounds with intent, defends with pride, and gives his team a steady two-way stud that shows up possession after possession. There is freedom in how he plays, but also control. He knows when to attack, when to make the simple play, and when to assert himself physically.

Last season laid the foundation. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting a blistering 73.5 percent from the field and 56.2 percent from the line, showing efficiency and interior presence. This season, the impact has come fast and loud. In two early games, he had 27 points and 14 rebounds against Butler, followed by 21 points and 14 rebounds versus CAL. Those performances tell the story. He scores at all levels, controls the boards, and consistently flirts with double-doubles while impacting both ends of the floor.

The biggest improvement since last year has come in rebounding, shot selection, and overall feel. He is taking smarter shots, making better reads, and involving teammates more. Defense has become a point of pride, along with getting in better shape and raising his conditioning. That work shows in his activity, effort, and willingness to guard multiple spots, including continuing to improve on the perimeter against quicker players.

There is still more he is improvement he wants. Tightening ball handling under pressure, getting stronger, staying positive with body language when things do not go as planned, and becoming more consistent with his jumper remain areas of focus. Those are daily points of emphasis as he keeps pushing his game forward.

Adversity has played a role in shaping his mindset. Only getting to play 8 games last season while watching others compete against beatable teams was tough, but it sharpened his hunger. Now every opportunity matters. Atherton stands as the rival game circled, but Noah is just as motivated by rebounding, lifting his team when momentum dips, bringing players together, and demanding focus on running sets and defensive intensity.

Looking ahead, the excitement comes from competition. He wants to test himself against ranked teams across the city and state and prove he belongs in those battles. The crowd fuels him. So does team connection. He feeds off moments when opponents think they have the upper hand and responds by raising his level.

When facing adversity, he stays calm and keeps the main thing the main thing. The advice that sticks with him is, "Be yourself. Do what you do. Do not add pressure. Keep it simple and have fun. Basketball is his therapy and the place where everything makes sense. Off the floor, he keeps life balanced with rest, video games, solo gym work, and weight lifting, always focused on what needs to improve.

At the next level, he already holds an offer from Union Commonwealth. The goal is to compete, grow, and be productive in college, while continuing to stack strong performances this season.

I assess that Noah gives a program a versatile forward who can score in different ways, rebound consistently, and defend multiple positions. His size, touch, and improved feel allow him to impact games without needing offense forced through him.

Moving forward, expect continued growth as his conditioning, ball handling, and shot consistency rise. With his mindset, physical tools, and expanding skill set, Noah is poised to be a college-ready piece who can contribute early and keep developing into a reliable two-way presence. Stay tuned.