A 6-foot-2 wing who competes with confidence and aggressiveness, Gardner can score with his perimeter three-point jump shot or use his strength and mindset to get all the way to the basket to score at the rim. He figures to be in the playing rotation as a frosh for the very strong program at Columbus Catholic in Marshfield. Another class of 2030 prospect at Columbus Catholic, guard Kofi Yeboah Kofi Yeboah 6'0" | SG Columbus Catholic | 2030 WI , also could earn his way into varsity playing time this winter with the Dons.

Hawk is a three point shooter with some size out on the wing. Already listed at 6’2, his frame will help him adjust at the high school level early on. Hawk is active moving without the ball just searching for pockets of space to catch-and-shoot from, and when left open he rarely seemed to miss. Hawk was also active on the glass, coming up with a put-back finish in transition after a teammate’s miss.

A physically advanced 2030 prospect who competes with a nose for the basket and the ability to score against older players, Gardner looks to find a niche this winter with the always-strong program at Columbus Catholic. He comes in prepared as he is able to take a bump or two on drives to the basket while finishing at the rim. Also a capable shooter from the perimeter, Gardner will need to get acclimated to the speed of the varsity game, like almost all freshmen, but he showed over the summer he is poised to make a significant contribution as the Dons set out to win another Cloverbelt East Conference championship.

Gardner, a soon to be top 20, in the 2030 rankings, makes my list of incoming freshmen having a great summer, both on the AAU circuit, and with Columbus Catholic. Physically, one of the stronger players, that I have watched, Gardner plays like a man among boys, asserting his will on both sides of the ball. Offensively, virtually unstoppable getting downhill with the ability to score from all three levels. Defensively, Gardner also plays physical and makes life uncomfortable for whomever he is guarding.

I had started hearing about Gardner, in the last few weeks, and he definitely lived up to the hype. A solid, muscular 6-2, Gardner was like a man among boys at times, on the court, imposing his will on both ends. Offensively, he was most impressive showing the ability to get downhill and unstoppable once he had a head of steam initiating contact and finishing through it.