Baron is an elite shooter at the point guard spot. The first thing that popped off to me when I saw Clay play live was his high level passing and obvious IQ. An improved athlete who recently started playing above the rim in games, Baron is likely the best player in this class who hasn’t received his first D1 offer yet.

One of the better “floor generals” in the class, Baron is at his best when he’s getting paint touches and distributing the basketball to teammates. Clay is a good shooter who can keep defenses honest from deep and is a good enough defender that he can limit penetration on the other end. Any coach who watches Baron over multiple games should appreciate all the ways that he impacts winning for his team.

Clay is the third guard I’m mentioning from this Phenom United 15 U squad because when you win by 30 points in a sweet 16 battle, you are going to be rewarded with some standout performers. Clay balances being a scorer and passer off the ball with a couple tough pull up jumpers and simple kickout passes. Clay also had a nice bucket off a curl cut from a designed play to get him the ball. One of the more talented off guards in the Louisville area, Clay has shown me he can make perimeter shots and has impressive physical tools to work with on the defensive end of the court.

Baron cracks the top ten and could continue to move up the list as he seems to get better with each passing month. Clay played primarily off the ball as a freshman and thrived as a shooter. Looking ahead to his Sophomore season, he is likely to be the point guard for Ballard while also being the top scoring option. He could be the biggest breakout in the 7th next season.

Clay caught fire from the perimeter as a flat out shot maker from the outside. Able to hit shots off the catch and as a pick and roll ball handler, Clay was getting busy on Sunday afternoon. After averaging almost 8 PPG as a freshman for Ballard and having their top four scorers graduate, Clay is set up to have a breakout sophomore season. While this was my first time catching Clay in person and was impressed with his scoring ability, I’ll be looking to see what other ways he can impact the game during my next scout of his.

One of the most productive freshmen in Louisville this past season, Baron is going to be thrust into the primary scoring role for the Bruins as a Sophomore and he’s got the skills to step into that role. Clay has a nice jumper and isn’t afraid to let it fly from deep. Ballard will be young next season but Baron Clay Baron Clay 6'3" | PG/CG Ballard | 2028 State KY has a chance to shine.

Baron played a big role for Ballard this season and is likely to be their main playmaker for the next 3 years, depending on what the transfer portal brings. Clay is a high level shooter with deep range on his jumper. He knocked down 43% of his three pointer this past season but took more threes than twos by a 3:1 ratio. Moving forward, Baron will need to get as active attacking the paint as he is at getting loose from behind the three point line.