Rounding out my player notes from Byrnes’ open practice is Kellen Leverett Kellen Leverett 6'0" | PG Byrnes | 2029 State SC . Leverett will be the youngest player in their rotation this year, but he has a full year of consistent game time under his belt now. Kellen is one of the better spot-up shooters in his class, which allows him to fit in seamlessly to this offense. He will also be important as a secondary playmaker, with his ability to burn rotating defenses as a shooter, finisher, and passer becoming highlighted as teams game plan to stop Fowler.

Even though they won their game on day one, it was a much-improved day two for Upward Stars 15U. Kellen was one of their guys who looked the best on Friday, going for 12 points on 4-7 3FG. Leverett is one of the top catch-and-shoot guards in South Carolina’s 2029 class, so he will always be effective without the ball. However, he looked excellent as a lead guard in their win over ABC Young Lions, racking up 5 assists to go with the knockdown shooting. If Kellen can master the feel and become a dominant on-ball playmaker, he could really become a great guard.

Kellen Leverett Kellen Leverett 6'0" | PG Byrnes | 2029 State SC is another member of the hosts who caught my eye on Wednesday. Although he put together solid showings in both games, he was certainly on a mission in game one against T.L. Hanna. He went for 13 points and 5 assists in that win, showcasing an ability to play as a secondary playmaker or as the primary facilitator. Leverett knocked down 5 threes on the day, so he’s a guy you can’t leave open on the perimeter, but if you overplay him, he plays off two feet with an excellent floater and the patience to find the open man.

Kellen Leverett Kellen Leverett 6'0" | PG Byrnes | 2029 State SC leads off the stock-rising 2029s. Kellen is widely regarded as one of the best Point Guards in South Carolina’s rising sophomore class, and he’s been the engine behind a lot of Upward Stars SE ‘s success so far this spring. They are yet to play a 3SSB game, but they have played multiple shoe-circuit teams, and Leverett’s ability to efficiently hit jumpers and consistently set up teammates is clear every time he steps on the floor.

If there were a Freshman All-State Team, Kellen would certainly be on it. He quickly became a crucial piece for the Runnin’ Rebels, earning more and more on-ball responsibilities as the season went on. Leverett averaged 7.4 points on 47% shooting from three, so look for him to take a big step this offseason heading into a potentially huge 2026-27.