Freshman Phenom: Braylen Alexander Leads Glenwood Into A New Era

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Glenwood Gators</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 3A Area 6&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Dusty Perdue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 20-8&nbsp;(According to maxpreps.com)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: glenwoodgatorbasketball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @gwbkball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Key Players:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2889558' first='Braylen' last='Alexander']</strong> (6'4/Wing/'29/Glenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Braylenalexander_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Brayalexander_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Braylen enters his freshman season already recognized as one of the premier players in the state, regardless of class. At 6'4, he is a versatile wing who can score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and lead by example. Despite his youth, he has embraced a leadership role, thriving in the underdog mentality while setting the tone with his competitiveness. His defensive ability and ability to take over games offensively make him the centerpiece of the Gators' program moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Trey Claridy</strong> (6'0/PG/Glenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Trey is the engine of the backcourt and one of the team's toughest defenders. He never takes a possession off, as he plays with relentless energy until the final buzzer. Offensively, he brings confidence and composure, replacing a strong point guard from last year. As a lefty who can knock down shots and step into big moments, Trey's fearlessness and competitive drive make him a key piece to Glenwood's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Aaron Carter</strong> (6'3/F/Glenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Aaron provides the Gators with toughness and physicality in the frontcourt. He is a Division I football prospect, and his big frame, great feet, and natural strength make him a force inside. He is a space-eater who controls the glass, sets solid screens, and provides an interior presence that complements the team's perimeter talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Key Role Players to Watch:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Trey Claridy</strong> (6'0/PG/Glenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Trey is replacing a very good point guard that Genwood had in the past. As he steps into a larger role as the lead guard, his ability to shoot, handle, and make winning plays under pressure will be vital.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Returning Starters:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2889558' first='Braylen' last='Alexander'] (SG / 9th Grade)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>New Additions:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ryder Christiansen (F / 11th Grade)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Gray Garner (F / 11th Grade)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Noah Hudler (Wing / 11th Grade)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Caleb Phillips (G / 10th Grade)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Cayden Henderson (Wing / 10th Grade)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>What To Expect From The Gators This Season:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Glenwood will play with pace and purpose, pushing the tempo to create scoring opportunities in transition. Defensively, they will rely on fundamentals and effort, looking to disrupt opponents with pressure and toughness. Despite being a smaller school, the Gators have built a challenging schedule against high-level competition, designed to prepare them for postseason play and sharpen them against the best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>What Will It Take for The Gators To Win State?</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The formula for Glenwood's state championship run is simple: stay healthy, continue to build chemistry, and trust one another. If the younger core develops quickly alongside their veteran pieces, and with a bit of good fortune, the Gators have the talent and mentality to compete for it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->