Brayden Francis | 2027 | 6-1 | Guard | St. Louis Catholic High School (LA)
Twitter/X: @_BraydenFrancis
Brayden has a smooth, natural scoring game with the ability to score both on and off the ball. He has a reliable mid-range jumper and can finish at the rim with either hand, displaying good body control in the paint. His shooting ability extends beyond the arc. Although still developing consistency from deep, he has shown flashes of being a capable three-point shooter, especially off the catch. Brayden possesses solid court awareness and is capable of creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His vision allows him to make effective passes in transition and in half-court sets. Brayden has the tools to be a strong defender with his length and lateral quickness. He’s able to contest shots and defend multiple positions on the perimeter, which makes him a valuable asset on the defensive end. He understands the flow of the game and has good decision-making ability. He makes the right play more often than not, whether it’s pulling up for a jumper, attacking the basket, or facilitating for teammates.
Brayden Francis is an intriguing guard prospect in the Class of 2027. With his natural scoring ability, shooting range, and defensive potential, he has the makings of a player who can contribute immediately at the high school level and develop into a major prospect as he matures. Continued work on ball handling and consistency in shooting will determine how high his ceiling is.
Cooper Nelson | 2026 | 6-0 | Guard | Sterlington High School
Twitter/X: @CooperNel1
Cooper is a well-rounded scorer who can impact the game in a variety of ways. He is capable of attacking the basket with authority, finishing in traffic, and drawing fouls. His ability to drive and create scoring opportunities is a major asset. Nelson has developed knock down jump shot, particularly from the mid-range and behind the arc. His three-point shooting is consistent, and he can stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting, making him a threat on the wing. Cooper exhibits a strong understanding of the game. His decision-making on the court is solid, knowing when to push the tempo or when to slow things down. He’s a smart player who doesn’t force many shots and works within the flow of the offense. Cooper is tough and disciplined on the defensive side of the ball. He has good lateral quickness, which allows him to stay in front of his man and contest shots. His defensive awareness is strong, helping him anticipate passes and disrupt offensive sets. Cooper plays with a calm demeanor on the court and is unafraid of big moments. His leadership is evident as he directs teammates on both ends and makes clutch plays when needed. He has the mental fortitude to be a consistent contributor.
Cooper Nelson has the potential to be a standout player at the next level. With his scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and high basketball IQ, he has the tools to impact both ends of the floor. If he continues to refine his playmaking ability and improve his finishing in traffic, he could become a complete guard capable of playing multiple roles. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and create opportunities for himself and others should make him a strong candidate for a higher level of college recruitment as he progresses through this season.
Matthew Cook | 2027 | 6-1 | Guard | St. Thomas More (LA)
Twitter/X: @CookMatthewg
Cook is an excellent scorer, showing a strong ability to create his own shot off the dribble. His handle allows him to navigate through defenders, and he has a quick first step to get to the rim. Additionally, his outside shooting is consistent, with the ability to stretch the defense from beyond the arc. He has a high basketball IQ, understanding when to pass, when to score, and how to orchestrate the offense. His vision and court awareness allow him to make plays for teammates, making him an effective point guard when necessary. Cook can run an offense smoothly and find teammates in transition or half-court settings. On the defensive end, Cook is competitive and uses his agility and anticipation to stay in front of his man. He’s adept at pressuring the ball and causing turnovers. Though not the longest defender, his quickness allows him to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions. Cook plays with a mature understanding of the game. He shows leadership on the floor, particularly when the team needs a bucket or during crunch time. His calm demeanor under pressure is something that stands out, and he takes pride in being a floor leader.
Matthew Cook has the potential to be a dynamic guard with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability, ball-handling, and leadership make him a strong prospect for the future. With continued physical development and improvement in his defensive consistency and decision-making, he has a high ceiling as a versatile backcourt player.
Robert Wright Jr. | 2027 | 6-3 | Guard | Calvary Baptist Academy
Twitter/X: @RobertwrightJ13
Wright is a highly skilled scorer with the ability to score from all three levels. He can hit outside shots with consistency, particularly from mid-range and behind the arc. His pull-up jumper off the dribble is a key part of his game, and he has the confidence to take shots in clutch situations. At 6-3, Wright has good size for a guard, and he uses his athleticism to attack the rim effectively. He’s capable of finishing through contact and is a threat in transition. His leaping ability and body control allow him to finish strong at the basket, often finishing with explosiveness. Wright is not just a scorer; he is also a capable playmaker. His vision and passing ability allow him to run the offense, distribute to teammates, and make the right reads. He has the ability to break down defenses and create opportunities for others, making him a multi-dimensional guard. Wright is an active defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. He uses his length and quickness to pressure the ball and stay in front of his man. His ability to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes gives him defensive upside, and he has the potential to be a lock-down defender with further development. Wright plays with a high basketball IQ, making smart decisions on both ends of the floor. He knows when to be aggressive and when to facilitate for others. His awareness of positioning, especially on defense, allows him to make plays and contribute in a variety of ways.
Robert Wright Jr. has the potential to be a highly impactful guard at the next level. His scoring ability, athleticism, and playmaking skills make him a versatile offensive weapon, while his defensive potential adds another layer to his game. With continued development in his consistency as a shooter, ball handling, and physicality, Wright has the tools to be a standout player at the next level.
CJ Charlot | 2026 | 6-1 | Guard | Beau Chene High School
Twitter/X: @CJCharlot2
Charlot is a smooth scorer with the ability to score both on and off the ball. He has a reliable mid-range jumper and is capable of hitting three-pointers when given space. His ability to create his own shot with solid dribble moves, especially in isolation situations, makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the floor. One of Charlot’s best assets is his ability to drive to the rim. He has good speed and a quick first step that allows him to blow by defenders. Once at the rim, Charlot has the finishing ability to score through contact and a crafty array of layups to avoid shot-blockers. His ability to get to the rim is a major strength in his game. Charlot is a smart player who makes solid decisions with the ball. While he is a capable scorer, he also has the vision and awareness to create for others. His passing ability is solid, especially when driving and kicking to open teammates, and he understands spacing on offense. He’s able to run an offense and set up plays effectively when needed. On the defensive end, Charlot shows solid fundamentals. He has good lateral quickness to stay in front of his man and the agility to contest shots without fouling. His awareness in help defense and ability to anticipate passing lanes make him an effective defender in team situations. With his strong basketball IQ, he has the potential to be a pest on defense. Charlot is a fluid player in transition. He excels in fast-break situations, where his speed and court awareness help him get out ahead of the defense. Whether he is finishing at the rim or passing to teammates, Charlot’s ability to push the tempo gives his team a valuable asset in transition.
CJ Charlot is a well-rounded guard. His scoring ability, combined with his vision and ability to create for others, make him a valuable offensive player. He also has solid defensive tools and the athleticism that makes him a strong two-way contributor. As he continues to develop his outside shooting, ball-handling under pressure, and overall physicality, Charlot could be a dynamic player at the next level.