Getting another chance to see Stanton play and compete on the floor just continues to reconfirm my high opinion of him. Cole Stanton is a the type of point guard that can flat out take over the game offensively! He once again showed this past weekend that he is elite at attacking the basket and converting difficult layups. Stanton is also a huge competitor who loves to take and make difficult shots from deep look easy. Whether it was on a midrange pull-up or attacking the rim for two, Cole was in his complete comfort zone displaying his all-around compete game during THE CLOSER event for Kentucky Defenders 17U! I’ve loved covering this player and really believe this rising senior is geared to compete at a high level in college!

Cole has had a strong AAU season, consistently doing the little things that translate to winning. He can score from inside or beyond the arc and also create for teammates, showing comfort in multiple roles depending on what his team needs. His production shows up across the board, scoring, assists, and hustle plays, while his effort remains steady on both ends of the floor. Cole’s value also comes from his awareness and willingness to make the right play, as he doesn’t force action and instead keeps the offense flowing, helping control the tempo and maintain efficiency. Whether scoring, passing, or making effort plays, he finds ways to impact the game.

The Kentucky Defenders got quality scoring production from their guard duo of Stanton and Lucas Hoyt Lucas Hoyt 6'1" | SG/CG Covington Catholic | 2027 State KY . I liked Stanton’s pace on the ball, not forcing the issue and reading the defenses movements to make them pay. Stanton hit some pull up jumpers when the defenders went under screens and also made the extra pass to his teammates when he was cut off while attacking. Cooper is set to return their two double-digit scorers from last season with Stanton as one of them as the Jags could be one of the most improved teams in northern Kentucky from last season.

Stanton is a standout combo guard who can impact the game both as a passer and a scorer. He is elite as a passer, getting the ball where it needs to be on time to his teammates. As a scorer, he possesses a pure shooting stroke from deep and holds strong shot mechanics on his shot. He’s a knockdown from distance! He can make threes from all over the court with his quick trigger release and use of his height making his shot nearly unblockable. I loved the intangibles that he displays as the primary ball handler for the Kentucky Defenders 17U. A true marksman! Cole Stanton earned the label of top performer with both his shooting and passing in Cincinnati!

Cole led the team in assists and scoring in 3 of the 4 games. He made several hustle plays that made the difference for the Defenders. This kid is not afraid to dive on the floor headfirst for loose balls. He was also challenged with defending the top 1 or 2 guards for the opposing team and stepped up to the plate.

Cole Stanton played with a team-first mindset for Kentucky Defenders. He looked to get his teammates involved and made the right reads throughout the game. When needed, he showed he could score, knocking down shots from three and attacking the basket. That balance between passing and scoring stood out.