Gaige is a taller guard who can score from all three levels. He was excellent from mid-range all weekend. Not needing much space, he’s able to elevate over defenders and knock it down consistently. His overall footwork in the post is one of his best skills. Navarro plays at his own pace and is a smart playmaker. Only going into his junior year, Navarro is, and will continue to be a star for SSA Elite for the next few years. 

One of the most locked scorers of this month has been the 6’5 bucket getter Gaige Navarro Gaige Navarro 6'5" | SF/PF Burlington | 2028 State KS .

I just love the way Gaige works to get to his touch high above the defender using that length to touch in shots from every spot in the halfcourt area. There was a play that really stood out and showed the incredible IQ and feel that Navarro has to set up a scoring possession. He backed his man down in the post and then cut to the ball screen, set the screen clearing his guard, and then released to open up and set up the catch mid-lane, and that catch was high and the ball stayed high for the touched in finish. That defender he backed down was never able to help on the screen, and he was never able to recover in any way and Navarro set that up early.

Gaige is a really smarter screening player, he’s an outstanding cutter off the ball, and his slips off the screen are perfect. Then you have the crafty footwork to get away from players with size getting to his touch. Most players defending Navarro just don’t have the size and agility combo to defend him. And that is why he averaged 22 points and nine rebounds for the weekend two weeks ago, that is why he had games of 28 points, 32 points and 30 points the past two weekends in July.

One of the best 2028 prospects I have been able to see in the Midwest in any state.

When I look at the Navarro film two phrases come to mind: crafty paint play and defensive playmaker. Between the fakes and the footwork Gaige is a player that does a brilliant job getting to space for his release and you can tell that the work he’s put in has directly led to his 63 percent shooting for his sophomore season.  Navarro is so good with the shoulder turn and as he gets stronger with age, it’s going to be even tougher to stop.  Then you add in the face up touch for a 45 percent three point shooting and you find an excellent scorer for the high school level and SSA.  Then you add in the defense.  This is fighter in the post that forces passes to go elsewhere or he deflects/steals/blocks/disrupts. 

Length and versatility are the first two words that come to mind when talking about Navarro. The model of consistency, the spring has seen Gaige operate as a walking double-double — almost always making an impact offensively and on the glass. He has a knack for finding openings, whether it’s cutting off the ball or playing in ball screen actions where he can pop or dive to the rim. The game appears to be slowing down for him, as he’s seeing and feeling things develop before they happen. His perimeter shooting has really taken off as well, as he’s hunting his outside shot more often and connecting at an effective rate. Gaige is also handling the ball in the open floor and finishing through traffic, often getting to spots on the floor where he’s most comfortable and confident. Defensively, he’s been just as versatile — defending every position on the floor and turning away shots around the rim.

Navarro’s production this spring continues to reach new heights as he’s been a force both inside and out. With the way he impacts the game, he’s hard to miss on the floor. His ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting opens things up, allowing him to face up and attack off the wing while still being able to play over the top of defenders on the interior. When you put it all together, you’re starting to see a legitimate three-level scorer. If he can add some size and strength this summer, he’ll become even more intriguing heading into next winter.

Perhaps the most underrated prospect on this list, Navarro is a player who likely won’t stay under the radar for long. His size and length give him a high ceiling and the potential to rise toward the top of the 2028 class in the state. Gaige has led a Burlington squad that has looked the part this season and should be firmly in the postseason mix come March. He covers a lot of ground with the basketball, often getting from the wing to the rim in just one or two dribbles, while also showing he can space the floor as a shooter. Navarro consistently finishes over defenders and competes hard for rebounds, demonstrating his two-way impact. On defense, he’s active, often in the right place at the right time, and has shown strong shot-blocking ability. His development this year is evident in his box scores, with big performances that have already put the state on notice.