Monroe’s Brayden Burns signs with Central Georgia Tech

ALBANY — Monroe High School basketball star Brayden Burns spent his senior season filling up scorebooks, leading fast breaks and carrying the Golden Tornadoes through another strong year for the program.

Now, the Albany Herald Player of the Year is taking the next step in his basketball journey.

The 6-foot-6 Monroe senior signed his national letter of intent Friday afternoon to continue his basketball career at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins.

For Monroe head coach Michael Hoffpauir, the moment marked the continuation of a remarkable rise for a player who blossomed into one of Southwest Georgia’s most dominant performers.

“Brayden really came on during his junior year,” Hoffpauir said. “And then as a senior, really led this team. He was the heart and soul of Monroe basketball this season.”

Burns helped guide the Golden Tornadoes to a 22-7 record while averaging nearly 21 points per game. His outstanding season earned him both Albany Herald Player of the Year honors and Region Player of the Year recognition.

Hoffpauir said Burns’ offensive production placed him among the best players he has coached.

“I think he averaged more points per game than any player I have had since I’ve been a head coach,” Hoffpauir said.

Burns’ combination of size, scoring ability and versatility attracted the attention of Central Georgia Technical College, where he will join a Titans program coming off a strong 24-7 season that included a dominant 16-1 conference record.

Hoffpauir believes the Titans may have landed one of the state’s most underrated signees.

“I told the coach he was getting a steal with getting Brayden,” Hoffpauir said. “He said the coach expected Brayden to contribute right away and be the conference freshman of the year next season.”

Burns emerged as one of the area’s toughest matchup problems during his senior season, using his length and athleticism to score inside and outside while consistently delivering in key moments for Monroe.

Brayden is the son of John Burns and Lakesha Ware.