Paine is a prospect who worked his way up, and it’s cool how something simply clicked for him. He was not on the same path of just starting and getting big minutes from opening day, but we got to see the growth and his maturation as a player. He made one of the biggest jumps that we’ve seen from a frigid rotation prospect, going from 5 points a game to 18.7  points and being named to an All-State player. He’s followed that up with another solid season of 17.1 points as a senior. The University of Northern Colorado commit has excellent footwork, soft touch around the rim, and he uses his body to punish defenders. He is a force inside and continues to put it on. He now has to continue putting it together and leading his team to wins, but will reach the 1,000-point mark along the way. 

Drew Paine Drew Paine 6'8" | PF Thunderridge | 2026 State CO is a monstrous power forward who Thunderridge relies on for a massive volume of production on both ends of the ball. Leading his team in scoring (16.7 PPG) and rebounds (6.7 RPG), Paine exudes confidence in his shot creating and board-crashing abilities. Establishing himself in the post on defense is one of Paine’s strongest attributes, averaging over a block per game.

Drew will likely have the best stat line in the entire state due to how much his team will need him to be great. He has one of the highest usage rates out of any player in the state, and the All-State player shows up in every game. Paine is a three-level scorer who has excellent footwork. He backs defenders down, goes right up on rebounds, read and reacts to double teams, and he does what he wants on the floor. He has a great understanding of the game, and T-Ridge is set up very well around him. This will be another year of him perfecting his craft and battling each night as he gets ready to head up to Greeley and compete at UNC. Paine is a player to make sure you go see, and he’s easily a top 5 player in the conference. 

Paine is a smooth 6’8 high-IQ performer with a back-to-the-basket game that also extends the defense with his outside shooting and ability to make every pass on the floor. He gets plenty of touches and makes the most out of it as he makes the right decision with the ball in his hands. As a junior, he had a coming-out party. He put up 18.7 points and had 8.8 rebounds to go along with it. He was a 2nd Team All-State standout. We also got to see plenty of him this summer and in Fall leagues. What is scary is he continues to get better, and that’s a testament to him continuing to work on his game. I think he will be even more in his senior season. Make sure you go check out this UNC commit who lets his game do the talking. He comes in at No. 4 in the state. 

Paine is drawing attention for good reason, he combines smooth handles, a threatening step back, and the ability to make plays in the lane. His offensive toolkit keeps defenders off balance and opens up opportunities for himself and teammates. At The Expo showing off his shot creation, quickness in the paint, and ability to stretch the defense will validate the hype. If he continues to mix scoring with playmaking and court awareness, he’s the kind of player who can leave a lasting impression on both scouts and coaches

Paine had one of the top showings at Section 7 for forwards. In their opening match against Cienega (AZ) there wasn’t a player that could handle his strength and skill. By the end of the first half Drew had 11 points on 4/5 shooting and 11 rebounds. He finished with 23 points. Elite in the paint. Sets up in the pick and roll and is quick to get open and throw it down. Got by his defender at the perimeter and with a quick step and one dribble finished with a nice dunk.

Drew Paine is a 6’8″ junior forward at ThunderRidge who delivered a standout 2024–25 season. Drew averaged 18.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG and was named to the All-State Team. He’s a walking double-double that openly appears to be getting better. Is turning it up a notch in grassroots as he looks comfortable on a national scale and with his size and ability to take over games, expect him to anchor the frontcourt at Colorado Live. 

Here is T-Ridge’s schedule: 

Friday, June 27, 2025

🕓 4:00 PM MDT
📍 Northfield HS (Court 1)
🏀 Strake Jesuit (TX) (Away) vs ThunderRidge (Home)
Division: Championship Platinum, Pool Z/A

Saturday, June 28, 2025

🕙 10:00 AM MDT
📍 Northfield HS (Court 4)
🏀 Pleasant Grove (UT) (Away) vs ThunderRidge (Home)
Division: Championship Platinum, Pool A

Paine has been about as productive as any frontcourt name in this class, putting up 24 points and 13 rebounds per game through his first two games. Leveraging his strength to grab rebounds on both ends or back down opponents for finesse finishes, he will be the offensive system over at ThundeRidge. 

Paine continues to provide steady interior defense in the post, holding his own versus opposing frontcourt scorers thanks to his positional strength. Alternatively, he brings smooth footwork down low, his variety of counter moves makes him one of the most fluid post scorers in this class. 

Following a new look roster with departures of multiple key rotation players, ThunderRidge searches for scoring options this season. Paine has a chance to be their offensive hub, projected as a focal point of their offense both as a post passer and scorer. The forward posted averages of 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds this past season. At Section 7, Paine posted just over 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game while converting 76% of his free throw attempts. Continually working to stretch out his offensive abilites, the forward is getting more comfortable as a spot-up shooter if the defense drops.