Roster Rundown: M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2076950' first='M.A.T.T.S.' last='Mustangs'] 2027 squad features a strong group of players primarily from eastern Kentucky, along with a couple from nearby West Virginia. Many of these players are familiar with one another, having faced off during the high school season and, in some cases, even played alongside each other, with three coming from the same high school program. Regardless of past matchups or roles, they now come together on the same side, bringing a unique level of chemistry and familiarity. Here's a closer look at the roster and some of the team's contributors:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1745584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dc336dae303"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1745584' first='Austin' last='Slone'] generates scoring chances with his quick burst and athletic ability, showing the skill to turn the corner on drives and get himself into comfortable midrange spots. He moves with purpose both on and off the ball, staying active and finding ways to stay involved in the offense. He finishes well at the rim, uses a steady pull-up game from midrange, and competes on the boards even as a guard. In transition he is especially dangerous, using his athleticism to attack quickly and put pressure on defenses, and he can catch fire in a hurry as a scorer who is comfortable producing from multiple levels of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2891789"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dc336dae376"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2891789' first='Zade' last='Rash'] is a tough, attacking guard who plays with strength and a natural feel for the flow of the game. He's able to generate offense for himself, scoring from all three levels, while also fitting well alongside teammates with his awareness and ability to keep the floor spaced. He's confident shooting from the perimeter, comfortable pulling up in the midrange, and effective finishing at the basket. He also makes good reads as a passer, finding open teammates when defenses shift his way. On the defensive end, he competes with effort and physicality, disrupting passing lanes, battling for rebounds, and staying active throughout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3553277"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dc336dae3c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3553277' first='Tyler' last='Weddington'] has a natural feel for where the ball is coming off, establishing position early and competing hard to control space. His activity and timing allow him to create extra possessions, making him a strong presence on the boards and inside the paint. He brings a physical, high-energy approach on both ends, embracing the work that doesn't always show up in the box score. Offensively, he understands spacing, can step out and hit shots from the perimeter, and finishes efficiently around the rim. His footwork and awareness in the paint stand out, and can operate with his back to the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3250737"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dc336dae40f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3250737' first='Cooper' last='Elza'] is a knockdown shooter who is highly effective in catch-and-shoot situations. He moves well without the ball to create open looks for himself and shows a strong understanding of spacing and timing. He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and rise up for perimeter pull-ups, adding another layer to his scoring while also being capable of knocking down tough shots from deep. In transition, he runs the floor well and is productive in the open court. Defensively, he tracks the ball effectively and is capable of holding his own on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132272"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dc336dae455"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2132272' first='Cole' last='Slone'] consistently puts pressure on the defense with his ability to get downhill, attacking off the dribble and finding his way into the paint. He shows control with the ball, using change of pace and direction to get past defenders for finishes at the rim. He's capable of scoring in a variety of ways, showing touch from the outside to complement his ability to finish inside. He also brings energy on the defensive end, competing on every possession, and his awareness and instincts allow him to make an impact across the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FULL ROSTER: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='3553277' first='Tyler' last='Weddington']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Phelps (Kentucky)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1745584' first='Austin' last='Slone']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Johnson Central (Kentucky)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='2891789' first='Zade' last='Rash']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Tug Valley (West Virginia)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Maciaah Ehirim</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Huntington St. Joe (West Virginia)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='2132272' first='Cole' last='Slone']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Pikeville (Kentucky)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='2900459' first='Brayden' last='Shepherd'] </td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Johnson Central (Kentucky)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ethan Cole</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Johnson Central (Kentucky)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='2569325' first='Clark' last='Huff']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Boyd County (Kentucky)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='3250737' first='Cooper' last='Elza']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">North Laurel (Kentucky)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table -->