Upward Stars SE

Sam Mills is one of the top available centers on the East Coast. The 6'11" big man from Lexington, South Carolina, is entering his senior season at Lexington High School after spending the summer competing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with Upward Stars and performing at live-period showcases. Mills is a traditional paint presence who continues to develop physically and athletically while adding layers to his game. He has become increasingly effective at finding open space in the dunker spot, giving his guards a reliable target around the basket. On the offensive glass, he is a force, showing excellent instincts to track the ball off the rim and either rise for a putback dunk or gather himself to finish around the basket. Mills has also developed a reliable turnaround hook shot, using his size to create separation from defenders and finish consistently around the rim. While not yet a consistent perimeter shooter, he has flashed promising shooting mechanics for a player of his size, giving him an intriguing area for further development at the next level. His improving playmaking is another positive, as he has shown the ability to deliver accurate passes to teammates from a variety of angles. Defensively, Mills provides a major presence as a rim protector, particularly as a weak-side defender. He shows good awareness both on and off the ball, along with the body control to elevate vertically and contest shots without sacrificing his positioning. His rebounding instincts and ability to alter attempts around the basket make him a valuable interior presence on both ends. After competing against some of the top big men on the Nike and Adidas circuits over the past two summers, Mills has established himself as a proven prospect with the tools to continue developing at the next level. With an experienced Lexington team returning several key contributors, expect Mills to help lead the charge as the Wildcats look to return to the Class 5A state championship game @24SamMills @lexingtonhoops @CoachWells1911 @UStarsse @PrepHoopsSC @AndrewBaxleySC @POBScout