Though Gardner didn’t score the ball on Saturday as well as he sometimes does, the 6-foot-2 guard impressed me with his athletic tools and feel. He has a knack for turning the corner around defenders, even when it looks like there’s no space or opportunity to get there. The rising freshman also has really solid touch in the paint and understands when and how to get to his floater/mid-range shot depending on how the defense is playing him. Gardner is going to get so much better as a result of playing at the NEPSAC level, and I think he’ll look a look different towards the end of the year at Dexter Southfield.

Gardner was the best athlete in the gym and probably the best player I saw yesterday. He has phenomenal quick-twitch explosiveness and great leaping ability at the rim, but he’s also super skilled. He has a tight handle, good feel in the pick and roll, and a good-looking shot from the mid-range and three. With all of the defensive attention he was getting, he made a number of solid passes to teammates for easy finishes, too. The rising freshman is a phenomenal defender when he’s locked in as well. Gardner already has a D1 offer from La Salle and is clearly on the radar of scholarship coaches, but an impactful season at Dexter-Southfield would be meaningful for his improvement and recruitment.