Ethan Williams Class of 2028 (Basketball)

  "Nothing But Determination" — The Ethan Story 🏀 If you want to know what perseverance looks like in real life, look no further than Glenn High School guard, Ethan. Ethan’s basketball path started small at St. Peter’s Outreach in Winston-Salem, but his real test came at Clemmons Middle School. For three straight years—6th, 7th, and 8th grade—Ethan faced the heartbreak of being cut from the school team. For many, that would be the end of the road. For Ethan, it was just fuel. He spent his middle school years grinding in local YMCA leagues and locked in during the summer with Rise AAU, proving he belonged on the court. By the time he hit 9th grade at Reynolds High School, his hard work paid off: he made the team. But Ethan didn't just want to wear the jersey—he wanted to play . When playing time was hard to come by on JV, he kept putting in work, eventually becoming a major contributor for the NC Spartans 16U AAU squad. Seeking a program that aligned with his growth and ...

 Navigating the 16U AAU landscape presents distinct challenges, particularly regarding the prevalent trend of older, reclassified athletes playing down a division. However, this past weekend, Ethan and the  NC Spartans (Coach Leak) proved they belong on the big stage. Facing older, physically imposing opponents, the squad demonstrated exceptional grit, reinforcing that elite competition accelerates player development. Bring on the challenge. Under Coach Leak’s leadership, the 16U Spartans delivered an impressive 2-1 record over their three-game slate beginning May 30. Most notably, the team secured a resilient victory while operating short-handed with only a five-man rotation—a testament to the program's conditioning and execution. From an individual standpoint, Ethan put together a highly efficient weekend. Though playing limited minutes in the opening contests, he maxed out his production by showcasing elite floor vision, defensive versatility, and high-level decision-making...