Another Jersey native making the jump across state lines, Branson proved his mettle over the course of the year under a heavy load for a competitive Explorers group. The Medford Tech (NJ) transfer was handed the ball right away and tasked with a large dose of playmaking duties while also being called upon to score double-figures himself on a consistent basis. He shows a polished handle to get to his spots in either direction and a real sense for where the ball needs to be at a given time both in the halfcourt and transition. As he continues to prove himself as a consistent perimeter shooter, Branson will solidify himself as a scholarship-level recruit with a chance to vault into D1 conversations given his consistent rate of production.

Continuing to emerge as a key factor in the Catholic League, Branson struggled with his shooting efficiency but nonetheless impressed with his ability to control the game from the point of attack for the Explorers. The Medford Tech (NJ) transfer kept the ball on a string, expertly managing the tempo of the game while getting to his spots off the bounce essentially on command. He showed polished footwork and advanced dexterity with his ability to use either hand as both a handler and finisher. Branson made an abundance of heady plays to keep the ball moving and put teammates in position to score, while also setting a tone as a pesty defender with solid ball pressure on the other end. He’s placed himself firmly on scholarship radars with his play so far in the PCL.

Branson does a nice job finding the bucket in different ways. He does a nice job playing in the half-court and breaks the game down with ease. I like the way he is able to seek out contact when navigating to the bucket. Branson spends a lot of time at the charity stripe and makes the most of his chances from there. He is a capable shooter from deep and can make shots if left open. I like his timing on the defensive end that allows him to collect steals. Branson tracks as a scholarship prospect.

Branson has made an immediate splash for La Salle, slotting in right away to the starting point guard spot after transferring over the bridge from Medford Tech (NJ). Monday’s win wasn’t his best performance but still offered a glimpse at what he brings to the table as he tied for a team-high with 12 points and helped to put the game away late. The emerging lead guard showed a dependable handle throughout the game with a heavy dose of the ballhandling load on his plate, finding ways to get downhill into the paint and put the defense into rotation. He showed confidence out to the perimeter as a shooter with advanced dexterity as a finisher in the lane, all while playing active defense with quick hands and feet. He’ll need to work on his ball security and decisionmaking, but did make a handful of high-IQ plays with the game in the balance in the final minutes, along with coming up clutch with a perfect 6-for-6 at the line in the fourth quarter. Branson projects at the very least as an impact small-college recruit with a path to play his way into clear scholarship territory over the next year.