Prospect Spotlight – Brayden Barron (2025 Barlow)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As games were being played at the PrepHoops Top 250 Expo last month, whispers started going around the gym about one player's performance. Pretty soon the buzz was loud and it was clear - [player_tooltip player_id='1387877' first='Brayden' last='Barron'] was putting on a show. The electric play of the 6-foot-6 swingman was just indicative of how far the Barlow junior has come this off-season, as he's put in the work and is now looking like he could be one of the breakout stars in 6A for the 2023-24 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I developed like a bunch since last season," Barron said. "Even though I didn't get to play much on varsity (last year), this year it'll be different. A lot of people are, like, waiting for me to play, so I'm ready to play."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the Expo, Barron wowed the audience - which included several college coaches - first with his raw athleticism. He threw down dunks in transition, skied for rebounds, and was blocking shots near the top of the square on the backcourt. But it wasn't all plays highlighting his vertical alone as Barron also showed some touch on his jumper - something he focused on after last season ended. "I can shoot from anywhere, but I just need the confidence for it," he said. "So I worked on my confidence and my left hand."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier in the spring and summer playing with Oregon Prospects and then with Dynasty, Barron was able to showcase some of his abilities. He's still largely flying underneath the proverbial radar but is hopeful things will pick up. "A couple (of coaches) have followed me on social media, but none of them have really called me yet, like I don't have any offers," Barron said. "I just want a college with a good community and good coaching (where) they'll develop me even more than where my skill set is right now."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no question that recruitment will come for the junior. For now, his focus is on the upcoming season where teamed up with fellow juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1276625' first='Jalen' last='Atkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1368245' first='Mason' last='Bierbrauer'], the three could be the highest-scoring trio in the state. But if the Bruins are to bring back the first-ever state championship for long-time head coach Tom Johnson, Barron states it will be one thing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Defense," Barron said. "That's our main thing - defense."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barron currently ranks as the #22 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2025 rankings, a number that should change with the next rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->