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Recruiting Boost Part 1: High Character College Prospects

Recruiting Boost Part 1: High Character College Prospects
Photo: Mountain View Basketball
Hector Marquez
Hector Marquez February 2, 2026 @ 08:43 AM
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In this article:

Grady Overson
Grady Overson 6'2" | CG | 2028
UT
Dax Valgardson
Dax Valgardson 6'8" | PF/C | 2028
UT
Howard Hansen
Howard Hansen 2027
UT
Maddux Duncan
Maddux Duncan 6'0" | PG | 2027
UT
Drew Faddis
Drew Faddis 6'7" | SG/SF | 2028
UT
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We delve into the talent pool to identify and spotlight high-character college prospects, aiming to connect them with the right opportunities. These players possess the skills and attributes to make an immediate impact on any team. Here are some standouts to watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vincent Castro, Mountain View</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Castro is looking to play at the next level, and as a 6'0 SG that has been shooting the long ball at about 40%, he could be a player who spreads the floor and even comes in as a specialist to help get things going from beyond the arc. NWAC or a D3 school looking to add more shooting to the roster could be a good spot for Castro or even a California JUCO might be a great fit for both. Castro has had a few games where he has come up clutch and not just beyond the arc. Castro is a Class of 2026 prospect with a 3.9 GPA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2636187' first='Howard' last='Hansen'], Northridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hansen is a player who may be flying under the radar but possesses the potential to be a standout in the Class of 2027. He's not just a 4.0 student; he's a 6'5 wing with a knack for shooting the ball. Although he's only a junior, it's worthwhile to identify these potential gems who may not be household names but have significant upside. Hansen has the physique of a next-level shooter who is capable of contributing in various ways. While he will continue to develop physically and possibly add some height, he's already making an impact, averaging over 6 points per game and his role will only expand next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2428958' first='Maddux' last='Duncan'], Maple Mountain</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2" Class of 2027 guard has been a key contributor to his team's surprising success this season. Duncan demonstrates versatility, excelling beyond just scoring. He possesses excellent court vision and ball-handling skills, showcasing high basketball IQ. As he enters his senior year, Duncan is poised to make an even greater impact. This season, he has consistently performed well, scoring in double figures and maintaining a positive presence on the court. Duncan's skillset suggests potential at the next level, and his development as a junior indicates a promising future. Duncan is smooth on attacks, and he knows how to get crafty and get downhill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2951725' first='Dax' last='Valgardson'], Pleasant Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valgardson is a rising player currently playing primarily at the JV level, but he has the potential for a significant rise this spring/summer. He will be playing with [program_tooltip program_id='2214029' first='Utah' last='Valley Prime'] and will participate in the Adidas Gold Circuit. The 6'8" stretch four could reach 6'10" by the start of next season. His length makes Valgardson a promising prospect who can protect the rim and be a shot-blocker. He moves well and will become quicker and stronger. Valgardson can also step out and shoot from the perimeter, making him an even more versatile prospect in the Class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grady Overson, Emery</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overson is a player who will steadily climb the rankings. He possesses a fluid motor, playing at a steady pace and using constant movement to find openings in the defense, creating space to work. In attack mode, he excels at powering through contact to get to the rim. He brings creativity to the court, demonstrating excellent ball-handling skills. As a Class of 2028 prospect, a strong performance this spring and summer could showcase his potential at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344083' first='Drew' last='Faddis'], West Field</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faddis has steadily emerged as a noteworthy player, and his performance is poised to intensify during his club season with [program_tooltip program_id='2271483' first='Team' last='Utah'] in the Puma Circuit. He is projected to be among the top prospects in the Class of 2028 and is expected to excel in this competitive setting. Standing around 6'6", Faddis's length and versatility enable him to effectively defend multiple positions. His potential for significant impact is evident, with opportunities to shine both during the regular season and in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

We delve into the talent pool to identify and spotlight high-character college prospects, aiming to connect them with the right opportunities. These players possess the skills and attributes to make an immediate impact on any team. Here are some standouts to watch:

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