BY: Kevin Moses
Cash Baird
Twitter: @cash_baird
Instagram cashbaird23
Height: 6’2, 160
Class of 2027
School: Lincoln County High School, KY
Baird is an electric triple-threat scoring option that is always in attack mode with a quick catch-and-shoot release. Crafty off the bounce with some sick handles. Cash has a high IQ and good court vision delivering sweet passes for easy scores. Cash causes real matchup problems with his speed, endurance, and jumping ability. This past season, Cash averaged 10.8 points while shooting 42 percent and 2.6 rebounds per game. Last season motivated Cash to work harder on his game by getting stronger and working on his ball handling, shooting, and defense. Playing AAU for Kentucky Future Elite 2027, he set the goal to improve his skills in the off-season, while his main focus is to improve his ball handling, defense, and rebounding. That focus and hard work are paying off big time as Cash is having a monster AAU run averaging 20+ points a game while increasing his rebounds and assists setting the stage for a breakout sophomore season. Cash’s goals going into next season are to win district and region, be a leader both on and off the court, improve each day, and give 100 percent every day in practice and games. What fuels Cash in basketball is the fact he is super competitive and doesn’t like to lose. But is always poised, maintains composure, stays positive, and focuses on the next play rather than dwelling on the last even when facing adversity. Some of the things that sets Cash apart from others are his confidence and leadership as well as his ability to score the ball. Cash’s dream is to play Division 1 basketball but is also realistic and will consider all of his options. If he grows 2-3 more inches to match this continued improving skill set there is no limit to how high his stock will rise. I excited to track this young star knowing great things were ahead and got my popcorn ready. Get him on your radar now.
Auric Booker
Twitter: @AuricBooker
Instagram: @AuricBooker
Height: 5’11, 152
Class of 2027
School: Riverside High School, WV
Booker is a savvy sniper. Auric isn’t the flashiest kid in the gym but he is crafty with a nasty change of pace speed that helps him get to his spots and make clutch shots even in tight widows. A beautiful touch from the outside as a spot-up shooter. A strong triple-threat scoring option with a variety of shots in his arsenal including a soft floater. But Auric can effectively attack the rim. Aurie has a high IQ, runs his team well, and can deliver some sweet passes. Auric mixes it up on the boards and plays solid defense. Auric has strong defensive awareness giving the ability to play great help defense. A solid leader, loud, and motivating. Last season Auric averaged 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. Heading into this summer’s AAU session playing for the WV Kings 2027 Auric’s goals are to win every tournament, reach the National Championship in Myrtle Beach, and bring that title home putting his team on the map. Auric’s secondary goal is to win every Big Shots Circuit tournament and make this team an East Coast legendary squad. Auric will focus on improving his man-to-man defense this AAU session. while being a 94ft defender that never gets beat down the floor. Offensively Auric wants to work on his movement without the ball, to be able to make faster cuts, and elevate his blowby speed. Auric’s goals for this upcoming season are to play a lot more on the varsity floor and to be the hardest worker in the gym and classroom at all times, Auric wants to be able to get into the game and get shots, drawing contact to get to the free throw line while playing really good help defense so our team can get to the civic center and win a state championship.
Colton Helton
Twitter: @Coltonhelton23
Instagram- coltonhelton3
Height: 6’4, 180
Class of 2027
School: Scott County High School, KY
Helton is an electric young talent with a silky smooth skillset. Polished guard with great footwork, strong handles, and incredible timing. High IQ and a soft touch. Colton loves to play up-tempo and has great court vision, always looking to make the extra pass if needed. He can also attack the basket off the dribble and finish at the rim. With his size at the guard spot, he can create mismatches against smaller guards and as well knock down the open three-point shot. Colton is very active with determination and a strong work ethic. Played both JV and Varsity on a veteran team as a freshman.
On the JV squad, Colton averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. On varsity Colton averaged 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist on that veteran team getting some varsity time as a freshman- high game for varsity was 11 points including three 3’s. Playing for Kentucky Future Elite 2027 Colton’s AAU goals are to develop as a player and improve his overall game with a talented team and against top-level competition to elevate his game to the highest level. Colton will focus on Improving and developing into a more consistent perimeter shooter and improving his on-the-ball defense. The most motivating thing that happened last season that will push Colton forward: striving to prove himself and his game as an all-around player at the Varsity level. What fuels my fire the most: The desire to compete and win fuels his fire while showing the improvements to his game and helping his team win. When handling adversity on court Colton tries to keep his composure and use adversity to motivate him to elevate his game even more and to have something to prove with a chip on my shoulder. Colton’s goal going into next season is to be the best overall player that he can be to help his team be successful. Coaches should know what sets Colton apart from others: is a student of the game with a very high basketball IQ who loves being in the gym and working tirelessly on his game. Colton is a coach’s kid as both of my parents are high school basketball coaches and he has grown up in the gym, willing to listen and be coached hard to get the most out of my natural talent. Colston wants to play at the highest level possible (Division 1) but is open to playing at any level to further his college basketball and academic career.