Grind Region Kickoff: Saturday Playmakers

Jackson Coehlo, Cole, Carter Smith, and [player_tooltip player_id='2385408' first='Ben' last='Watkins'] are the kind of players every coach loves—tough, unselfish, and willing to do all the dirty work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. Whether it's diving for loose balls, setting hard screens, crashing the boards, or making the extra pass, these guys embrace the grind and play with heart. Each brings a unique skill set—Jackson's disruptive defense, Cole's inside-out scoring, Carter's sharpshooting and quick decisions, and Ben's ability to create as a big—but what ties them together is their commitment to making winning plays. They're playmakers in every sense, not just by scoring, but by doing whatever it takes to elevate their team.    Jackson Coehlo is a high-motor player known for his long wingspan and relentless defensive energy. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots effectively, and switch across multiple positions with ease. As an active defender, he consistently pressures the ball and rotates well within team schemes. On the offensive end, Coehlo thrives in transition, finishing strong at the rim with body control and touch. He brings a gritty edge to the game, diving on loose balls and embracing the dirty work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet.     Cole is a strong, physical big man who anchors the paint for Midtown with toughness and presence. A lefty with a soft touch, he brings a unique offensive skill set, combining traditional post play with the ability to stretch the floor. Comfortable stepping out beyond the arc, Cole isn't afraid to shoot the three, forcing defenders to respect his range.     Carter Smith is a skilled lefty guard known for his smooth shooting stroke and quick release. He's a confident scorer from deep, capable of knocking down shots off the catch or the dribble, making him a constant threat on the perimeter. Beyond his shooting, Carter has a knack for making plays—whether it's creating off the bounce, finding open teammates, or coming up with timely buckets.     [player_tooltip player_id='2385408' first='Ben' last='Watkins'] is a versatile big man who defies the typical expectations of his position with his impressive ball-handling and playmaking ability. Not only is he a force in the paint, but he also has the skill to put the ball on the floor, drive to the rim, and either finish with authority or create for his teammates. Whether he's facilitating from the top of the key or scoring in isolation, Ben offers a unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ that makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders.     [player_tooltip player_id='2831484' first='Leland' last='Wilson'] is a strong-bodied guard who plays with power and purpose. He thrives when attacking the rim, using his physicality to finish through contact and convert tough buckets in the paint. At his best in transition, Leland pushes the pace and puts pressure on defenses, often creating easy scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Beyond his on-court abilities, he's a coachable and humble player who leads by example and consistently puts the team first.

Jackson Coehlo, Cole, Carter Smith, and Ben Watkins Ben Watkins 6'5" | SF Hillsdale Christian School | 2027 State OK are the kind of players every coach loves—tough, unselfish, and willing to do all the dirty work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. Whether it's diving for loose balls, setting hard screens, crashing the boards, or making the extra pass, these guys embrace the grind and play with heart. Each brings a unique skill set—Jackson's disruptive defense, Cole's inside-out scoring, Carter's sharpshooting and quick decisions, and Ben's ability to create as a big—but what ties them together is their commitment to making winning plays. They're playmakers in every sense, not just by scoring, but by doing whatever it takes to elevate their team.