Gray Collegiate Academy Basketball Spotlight: Promoting the Next Generation of Talent

At The Athletic Academy, our goal is simple: help student-athletes gain the exposure and support they need to reach the next level. Through marketing, recruiting tools, and digital platforms, we work with programs to showcase their athletes and connect them with college coaches. One of the programs we are proud to partner with is Gray Collegiate Academy. By powering their official recruiting website, we provide a platform where coaches can easily access player information and follow the development of athletes within the program. In this feature, we highlight two standout players on the Gray Academy Basketball team, Levi Ball and Jayden Rowe, to give a closer look at the culture and talent behind Gray Academy Basketball.

Program Overview: Inside Gray Academy Basketball

Gray Academy Basketball has built a strong reputation as one of the premier high school programs in South Carolina with the leadership of Head Coach Dion Bethea. Over the years, Gray Academy has produced multiple collegiate athletes and established itself as a program that prioritizes development and preparing players for opportunities beyond high school. The foundation of the program is built on hard work, accountability, and a commitment to helping student-athletes grow both on and off the court.

This past season continued that tradition, as Gray Academy once again showcased its depth, talent, and competitive edge. Players stepped into key roles and delivered strong performances throughout the year, demonstrating the program’s focus on teamwork and development. With standout players like Levi Ball and Jayden Rowe helping lead the way, the team continued to build on the success and standards that Gray Academy Basketball has become known for. The program remains committed to developing athletes who are ready to compete at the next level and represent the school with pride.

Kennesaw State Basketball [@KSUOWLSMBB]. Basketball graphic made for Levi Ball. X, 13 Nov. 2025, https://x.com/KSUOWLSMBB/status/1988998305737482494/photo/1

Levi Ball is Preparing for

the Next Level

Levi Ball has been a key contributor to the success of Gray Academy Basketball and is now preparing to take the next step in his basketball journey. After committing to play Division I basketball at Kennesaw State, Ball credits Gray for helping him grow both academically and athletically while preparing him for the demands of the next level, "Gray Collegiate has prepared me in many ways for the next level, everything from academics to athletics."

One of the biggest benefits Ball experienced during his time at Gray was the exposure the program provided throughout the recruiting process. With the support of his coaches and resources like The Athletic Academy, he was able to focus on improving his game while the recruiting process was handled behind the scenes.

"The Athletic Academy and my coaches at Gray increased my exposure greatly. They made it easy for me to focus on basketball because I did not have to worry about the recruiting side of things."

Ball is now focused on preparing for the transition to college basketball as he gets ready to arrive at Kennesaw State. With only a few months before stepping onto campus, he is concentrating on continued development and improvement so he can make an immediate impact during his freshman season.

"The main thing I can do to set myself up for success is to focus on improvement over these next two months before arriving at Kennesaw."

Ball also delivered one of his standout performances this past season when he scored 24 points against Brookland-Cayce on January 30, 2026. He credits that performance not only to his preparation, but also to the teamwork and ball movement that helped create opportunities throughout the game.

"The thing that was clicking that night was our team. We moved the ball well and played together."

With strong preparation, confidence in his abilities, and the support of Gray Academy, Ball is ready to begin the next chapter of his basketball career at the Division I level.

Dion Bethea [@Coach_DBethea]. All Region graphic made for Jayden Rowe. X, 14 Feb.. 2026, https://x.com/Coach_DBethea/status/2022746909757383095/photo/4

Jayden Rowe is Building

his Path Forward

Jayden Rowe continues to develop as an all-around player within the Gray Collegiate Academy Basketball program. Playing in a program with a strong winning culture has helped shape his mindset and approach to the game. According to Rowe, being surrounded by coaches and teammates who expect excellence every day has played a major role in preparing him for the next level.

"Being part of a program with a winning tradition means the standard is already set before you even step on the court."

Rowe credits the program’s culture and leadership for helping him grow both mentally and physically. Watching former Gray Academy athletes advance to the collegiate level has given him a clear understanding of the work ethic and sacrifice required to reach that stage. That environment, he says, "pushes players to compete consistently at a high level and develop the discipline needed to succeed beyond high school basketball."

The recruiting process has also been an important part of Rowe’s development. Through the guidance of the Gray Academy coaching staff, he has been able to focus on building a solid foundation.

"They’ve helped me build my game the right way, not just by chasing stats."

Competing in high-level games and pressure situations has given Rowe valuable experience that he believes will translate well to the college level. The exposure and feedback he has received from the program and The Athletic Academy have helped him continue to grow as both a player and a leader.

For younger athletes looking to follow a similar path, Rowe emphasizes that success starts with dedication to the fundamentals of the game.

"Your brand should come from how you play, your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people."

Rowe believes that patience, humility, and consistency are key ingredients for long-term success. While social media can help athletes gain visibility, he stresses that true development comes from hard work, strong character, and trusting the process.

"Stay consistent, stay humble, and let your work speak for itself."

The Future is Bright for Gray Academy Basketball

With a strong culture, talented athletes, and committed leadership, the future of Gray Collegiate Academy Basketball continues to look bright. Players like Levi Ball and Jayden Rowe represent the next generation of talent emerging from the program, while the leadership of Head Coach Dion Bethea continues to guide the team toward success both on and off the court. As the program continues to grow and develop student-athletes, Gray Academy Basketball remains focused on preparing players for opportunities at the next level and building on the strong foundation that has already been established.

Helping Athletes Reach the Next Level

We are honored to help programs like Gray Collegiate Academy showcase their athletes in a way that makes it easy for college coaches to evaluate talent and follow player development.

One of the key ways we support athletes is by creating recruiting websites for teams and players that serve as a centralized hub for information. These platforms allow college coaches to quickly access player profiles, highlight videos, and recruiting details in one place. For example, Gray Academy athletes Levi Ball and Jayden Rowe both have dedicated player profiles that showcase their highlights, information, and development throughout their careers.

Gray Academy Boys Basketball Player Cards

Beyond player profiles, The Athletic Academy helps increase exposure for athletes by promoting their achievements, highlights, and recruiting updates. Through athlete branding and digital promotion, we help players build visibility while also providing recruiting guidance and support throughout the process. By combining these tools with easy-to-navigate recruiting platforms, we create a streamlined way for college coaches to evaluate players and connect with the next generation of talent.