By: Kevin Moses
Player: Trevor Short
Twitter: @trevorshort24
Height: 6’3, 205
Class of 2024
School: Brandeis High School, TX
Short is an electric combo guard who is somewhat of a punisher with a physical attacking game that is hard to stop. Trevor is very athletic can handle the ball extremely well and can fuel the transition game very well. Trevor gets to the rim for fierce finishes even through contact, which he seems to welcome. He also has a smooth touch from downtown. He is a scorer who can get his own shot or facilitate for others. Trevor brings a ton of energy and plays at a high level nonstop. Trevor also takes a lot of pride in his defense. It’s a personal challenge to him to lock up the best player on the other team. Trevor played a solid role last year as his team made it to the playoffs where he scored 79 points while adding 39 rebounds, 11 assists, and 12 steals. Trevor’s favorite accomplishment was going to Dallas and winning the Circuit Tournament which included several show teams and big-name players. Trevor’s biggest improvement must be his athleticism. He can now create more ways to score the ball this year while focusing on being a more complete player on both ends of the court. Trevor’s goal is to help his team make a deep playoff run this season while averaging 18-20 points a game. Establishing himself along the way and securing a spot on the All-Area and All-District teams. His biggest drive is to win the district MVP. Trevor is a firm believer that success is where opportunity and preparedness meet.
Player: Robbie Keys
Twitter: @RobbieKeys8
Height: 6’0 ft, 190
Class of 2024
School: Milton High School, FL
Keys is a fierce competitor and team-first pure point guard. High offensive IQ with great court vision always looking to make the right pass at the right time. Don’t be confused, Robbie can score effectively but picks the right moment to take shots. Never forced and was always within the flow of the offense, but he used his size to his advantage on the boards and defense, both of which he will always be an impact player. Last season, Robbie averaged 7 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds. During the AAU session Robbie began to come on strong, elevating his game to another level. Robbie improved across the board averaging 15.3 points, 4 assists and 5 rebounds. The biggest improvements were his passing and most obviously his scoring. Robbie’s goal for the upcoming season is focused on elevating his game even more and making a huge statement and getting coaches to see he is worth a serious look as he leads his team well. The drive and passion to win in any situation will serve him well in his quest. To be the best, you have to beat the best. The stage is set for a breakout season as this summer was an indication Robbie is coming into his own at just the right time. What coaches should know is that Robbie is driven by the fire to win, even in practice. He takes losing personally and builds on any loss building on anything he can take away from that to win the next one. His work ethic is tireless with the determination that he is hungry to reach his dream of playing at the next level.
Player: Bryson Childers
Twitter: @BrysonChilders1
Height: 6’5
Class of 2025
School: Winfield High School
This talented young star is fun to watch as he flexes his athletic abilities and crafty moves in that paint. Bryson is a high-percentage shooter who makes his living soft shots and putbacks. He is an overpowering force whether he works with his back to the basket or off the bounce. Bryson is a beast on the boards and a nasty rim protector. He is tough and gritty. High motor on both ends. Bryson can drop a sweet dime too. Bryson averaged 10pts, 7rebs, 4asst, 2blks, and 1 stl. Through the AAU session on a loaded WV Hustle team, Bryson had several MVP games. The biggest improvement over the summer was physical play and hustle on the defensive end. He describes himself as a warrior doing battle to get that win for the team. No one will outwork Bryson. Last season Bryson averaged 18pts, 8rebs, 3asts, 3blks, and 2stls. Bryson’s goal for the upcoming season is simple and really a reflection of his character, to be the best player he can be by providing the leadership to get his team to the championship. That tough warrior, never quit leadership to match his talent and the drive and passion that has him in the gym early and staying late. Hungry to be that impact player every time. His desire to elevate his skills to live his D1 level dream but the willingness to play on a different division level as long as he gets an opportunity to play college basketball. I feel Bryson has the potential and chance to make that dream a reality if he keeps elevating those nice skills and physical toughness.
Player: Josiah Kimble
Twitter: @Josiakimble14
Height: 5’10
Class of 2025
School: Pendleton County High School
Kimble is one of the scrappiest gems I saw this summer. On both ends, his energy and hustle was incredible to watch. He scored efficiently when he chose inside and out. Explosive off the bounce with blow-by speed. Beautiful touch from deep. Crafty and creative. Josiah thrives in running the offense efficiently and can this kid drop a sweet dime. Josiah was too unselfish at times. Tremendous court vision with a high IQ. Josiah’s defense is special. Playing like he is 6’8, he doesn’t back down from anyone. Don’t let his size fool you as he is quite strong and wiry, which catches opponents off guard. Quick hands and footwork get him a ton of steals and deflections. I get hyped watching him be a defensive stud at his size against bigger players. And Josiah manages to have an impact on the boards as well. Seems to always be around the ball on the defensive end. Last season Josiah averaged 12pts, 3rebs, 3asts, and 2stls. This upcoming season Josiah has a goal to average 18-20pts, 5rebs, and 5asts. I watched his defense get better all summer, so I expect him to be even more aggressive on that end this season. Understanding he must outwork bigger players, improving his skills all along the way will be natural. This star has a ton of heart and grit you just can’t teach. As a leader and facilitator, a deep run in the postseason is in full view. The push for that State championship will be the fuel that drives Josiah. Coaches should know Josiah is going to bring leadership and high energy every time. That does whatever it takes, a winning mentality that’s coachable with purpose. Josiah is the ultimate teammate, always looking to make those around him better yet fierce enough to rise to the challenge to be that go to guy at any moment required.