Gavin McCartney
@GavinMcC06
IG: @gmoney9827
5’6, 126lbs, Class of 2029
St Robert’s Bellarmine, MI
Gavin is a dynamic guard with wicked handles and an electric style that keeps defenders guessing. His ability to attack the rim with shifty footwork and crafty finishes makes him a nightmare in transition, while his blow-by speed allows him to create separation at will. As a pass-first point guard, he thrives on setting up his teammates, dropping dimes like candy, and keeping the offense flowing. But don’t mistake his unselfishness for passivity, knowing his lethal three-point shot and fearless drives make him a scoring threat from anywhere on the floor. His court vision and quick decision-making fuel his playmaking, while his athleticism helps him snag rebounds and battle defensively with a fierce competitive edge. Whether Gavijthreading a no-look pass through traffic or draining a deep shot under pressure, his game is built for high-impact moments.
Gavin’s 2024-25 middle school season has been nothing short of dominant, averaging 20 points and 8 assists per game, with a season-high 38-point explosion in a 71-20 win over St. Matt’s. Gavin has already won five MVP performances, proving his ability to take over when his team needs him most. The biggest improvement in his game has been his confidence in shooting off the dribble. Last year, he was a catch-and-shoot player, but now he’s creating his own looks with ease. Gavin's ability to drive and finish against bigger defenders has also taken a step forward, a skill that will be crucial as he prepares for the jump to Powers Catholic High School, a competitive Division 1 program. This offseason, he’s laser-focused on developing a quicker change of pace, controlling the tempo on his terms, and building the strength needed to absorb contact at the next level.
AAU season will be another proving ground for Gavin as he suits up for Michigan Dream 15U and ShoeBoxSports Michigan 14U, challenging himself against elite competition. Playing with high school-level talent will only accelerate his growth, and his main goal is to build confidence. Gavin believes his skills are there, but the mental side of the game is what will separate him. He’s putting in extra work to improve his vertical, gain muscle, and sharpen his shot consistency. One tournament Gavin is especially looking forward to is the March Challenge, where he’ll get another crack at Sam Cannon Elite, a team stacked with top-ranked Michigan talent. Facing high-level opponents fuels his fire, and Gavin thrives in moments where he can answer trash talk with a tough bucket or an and-one finish.
Handling adversity is something Gavin has learned from experience. Whether it’s a tough game or an unfamiliar environment, he grounds himself with a quick prayer, resetting his focus and staying composed. The best advice Gavin has ever received came from Coach Mo, who told him, “Get your hands off your knees, if they’re on your knees, the other team will see weakness. You don’t want to show weakness.” That mindset reinforces the competitive edge that defines his game. Off the court, Gavin enjoys relaxing, spending time with family, and appreciating how far he’s come. His journey hasn’t been easy, though; losing his home to a fire at seven years old was a challenge most kids never experience. But through it all, his dad made sure basketball remained a constant, sacrificing to keep him on the court and helping him grow both as a player and a person. Those lessons in resilience and determination are what drive him every day.
I assess that Gavin’s ability to impact the game at a high level stems from his versatile skill set and relentless work ethic. His shifty ball-handling and dynamic change of pace allows him to dictate the flow of the offense, while his court vision makes him a natural playmaker. As a scorer, his three-point shooting and crafty finishing give him multiple ways to put pressure on defenses. Defensively, his speed and instincts make him a disruptive presence.
As Gavin continues to build strength and confidence, expect his game to improve. Playing against older, more physical competition this AAU season will test his adaptability, but his fearless mindset and work ethic will push him to new levels. With a focus on pace control and physical development, Gavin will be even more dangerous heading into his freshman year at Powers Catholic. The foundation is set for him to evolve into a high-impact guard, and as he keeps adding to his game, there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to leave his mark at the next level.
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