Steele Hirsch
@steele_hirsch
IG: @steele_hirsch
6'2, 185lb, Class of 2027
Graham Kapowsin HS, WA
Steele plays the game with a rare mix of poise and explosiveness, a combination that makes him a nightmare for defenders and a spark for his team. His vision on the court is dynamic, dissecting defenses like a master surgeon while remaining ice-cold under pressure. Steele thrives in causing chaos, orchestrating plays with a swagger that keeps defenders guessing. Whether he’s creating space for teammates, breaking down a defender one-on-one, or elevating for a confident mid-range shot, his offensive versatility is undeniable. Steele’s presence extends far beyond scoring as he elevates those around him, using his high basketball IQ to put teammates in the best positions to score. Defensively, his size and strength allow him to be a force in matchups, contesting shots and shutting down passing lanes with relentless energy.
This past season, Steele averaged 12 points, 3 blocks, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, proving his ability to be a game-changer. His biggest improvement was his physicality,. Adding muscle and strength allowed him to dominate one-on-one battles, while his increased basketball IQ gave him an edge in reading opponents' tendencies. This offseason, Steele is focused on becoming more lethal at the rim, elevating his mid-range efficiency, and improving his rebounding and defensive presence in the paint. With his fierce competitive drive, every rep in the gym is another step toward becoming an even more complete player. Steele’s ultimate motivation is winning. That fire to be the best fuels every drill, every game, every moment he steps onto the court.
While Steele won’t compete on an AAU team this summer, his eyes are locked on the bigger picture of leading his high school squad to Washington’s 4A state tournament. After watching the state championship firsthand, he’s more driven than ever to elevate his team to that stage, with a goal of making a deep postseason run. Along the way, Steele is looking forward to gaining more exposure and proving himself as the impact player college coaches need to take notice of.
Off the court, Steele is just as competitive. Whether he's working on his game, pushing himself in the gym, or finding ways to get better, he carries that same drive in everything he does. Music fuels his pre-game mindset, with Fetty Wap’s "Make You Feel Good" setting the tone before tip-off. When he’s not locked in on basketball, he enjoys spending time with family, drawing inspiration from his father, Mike Hirsch, whose relentless work ethic has shaped his own.
What fuels Steele's fire is refusing to be outworked. The countless hours of training, the late nights in the gym, and the sacrifices made alongside his dad have built an unshakable foundation. When facing adversity, Steele doesn’t waver but leans on the grind, trusting that the work he's put in has prepared him for any challenge. That mindset was reinforced by one of the best pieces of advice he’s ever received from Coach Rhea: "If you can play under pressure, there’s no pressure at all." That mentality keeps him calm in the biggest moments, ready to take control when his team needs him most.
I assess that Steele is an elite competitor who brings a mix of intelligence, strength, and playmaking ability to the game. His ability to read defenses and react makes him a reliable decision-maker, while his growing physicality gives him an edge in key matchups. Steele has already made significant improvements in his strength and mental approach, but continued development in his finishing and defensive rebounding will make him even more dangerous.
Steele’s court vision and composure under pressure set him apart. He thrives as a facilitator, making smart reads and controlling the pace. His offensive versatility allows him to create for himself and others, and his defensive presence adds an extra layer to his game. Adding more scoring versatility, especially around the rim and in the mid-range, will unlock even more dimensions to his offensive game.
Steele’s game translates well to the next level. His ability to lead an offense, make high-IQ decisions, and impact both ends of the floor will be invaluable to any program. His physicality and competitive drive ensure he’ll be ready to battle at the collegiate level, and with continued growth in his scoring efficiency and rebounding, he has the tools to be a game-changer.
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