By Lily Cox
The Tornadoes play the Friendswood Mustangs Friday, November 20.
Seven Lakes Jr. G/F Isaiah Santos
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Last winter, Santos averaged just under 21 points and 10 rebounds per game en route to securing District 19-6A Offensive Player of the Year honors. His standout showing also earned him a spot on the TABC 6A All-State team, cementing his place
among the most sought-after prospects in Texas.
Naturally, collegiate programs have already taken notice. The four-star recruit holds offers from Houston, UTEP, Sam Houston State, and UTSA—the last aligning him with teammate Nasir Price, who recently signed there.
Yet Santos measures his progress in more than accolades.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“I think the most improvement I’ve seen within myself has to do with how vocal I’ve become,” he said. “Communicating is such an important part of basketball...developing that on both ends of the floor has really helped my game to come along.”
His growth has extended beyond the physical.
“They say that ‘your biggest enemy is yourself,’ and that statement isn’t wrong,” Santos reflected. “Sometimes there are things that I tell myself that can get in the way of how I perform. But, I’m starting to get better at countering that—just trying to get out of my own head in order to perform and overcome that doubt.”
On the court, Santos thrives under any circumstances.
“My situational awareness and drive are some of my better assets,” he said. “No matter what my role is, I’m doing whatever it takes to get the win...I know I can score, but I can do the little things too if it gives us the best chance.”
2025-26 Seven Lakes BasketballMatt Powell (VYPE)
Comparisons to NBA players such as Marcus Smart have followed, though Santos credits Giannis Antetokounmpo as his favorite player to watch, admiring the way he maximizes his potential.
Off the court, the “building” motif takes a literal turn when considering his ideal NIL sponsorship.
“It’s a reach, but I’d love to endorse LEGO,” Santos said. “That’s been my favorite hobby dating back to my childhood...I think that just relates to my personality, because when I start something I want to finish it. Overall, the most time-consuming set I’ve worked on is the Eye of Sauron from Lord of the Rings.”
As Seven Lakes looks to build on a 33-6 campaign that carried them to the 6A-D1 Region III Final, Santos stands at the center of the program’s next endeavor. His ascension mirrors the team’s ambitions, a reminder that the foundation of success is not just talent, but the deliberate effort and adaptability he continues to construct each season.
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