The 6’4” junior is once again set to be one of the Vikings’ biggest playmakers
With the 2024-2025 boys’ basketball season just weeks away, high schools around the state are gearing up for another exciting year on the court. Few are as ecstatic as Jasper’s own Caden Steiner.
The 6’4”, 185 lb junior seemingly came out of nowhere last season, averaging 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks per game. He was both a consistent scorer and an electrifying presence on a 20-8 Vikings team that was knocked out of the playoffs by Carver-Birmingham.
Now the talented guard is looking to make even more noise his junior year, and his biggest goal, he says, is to be a motivator for his team. “My personal goal this year is to be remembered in the community as a great teammate, and a guy that makes other people better,” Steiner says.
With his contagious attitude, selfless demeanor, and electric shooting skills, it is easy to see how he is doing just that.
The 2023-2024 Daily Mountain Eagle Elite player has already started making a name for himself on the court, but he also wants to be an encouraging influence elsewhere. “What I hope my team learns from me is to have fun out there and be a great teammate, but also to be a great person off the floor,” he says.
Still, Steiner reveals he has a competitive streak that drives him, and his eyes are set on one goal—”my team goal for this year is to win a state championship,” he says.
To get to the big dance, Jasper will first have to battle its way through a difficult schedule, which includes several early in-state and out-of-state tournaments: Jasper travels to Booneville, Mississippi, for the Thanksgiving Classic from November 25-26; will host the City of Jasper Christmas Classic from December 20-21; visits Cleveland, Tennessee, for the Christmas Festival December 27-29; and plays in the Hotbed Classic in New Albany, Mississippi on January 25.
Heath Burns, now entering his third season as head coach of the Vikings, has high praise for his versatile guard. Listen as Burns describes his student-athlete:
“Caden Steiner is an incredible person and student that happens to be a really good basketball player. In a world full of self-servant leaders, he’s a great example daily of what servant leadership should look like (which always reminds me of the servant, the steward, and the shepherd).
As a servant, Caden realizes that leadership is never about him; it’s about the people he is serving. At the completion of last season, a student asked Caden in class how it felt to win our local Player of the Year. He responded, “it’s never about me. My teammates are very deserving as well.” His focus is always selfless and on his brothers in that locker room or others around him.
As a steward, Caden understands that everything is on loan, so he appreciates and earns everything that he’s given! He’s about making others better because he wants this program to last. Caden encourages his teammates without criticizing. I see him daily showing young guys how to do drill work or teaching them our system. He’s a great coach for us when we aren’t looking.
As a shepherd, Caden thinks everyone is important. Therefore, he makes them feel important. He’s a great ambassador for our school and community because he cares so much for everyone. He watches over his teammates by leading, guiding, and directing the correct way so they can grow.
Caden Steiner appreciates learning, and he understands that you never lose helping others win!”
Time will tell what heights Steiner and his Jasper teammates will reach this season. And although it would be a dream come true to hoist the blue state-shaped AHSAA trophy at the end of the year, Steiner knows winning isn’t everything.
“I think that the memories that you make with your teammates and coaches are the most important things,” Steiner said. “Winning games is very important, but you only have so long in high school to cherish these memories with the people you love.”
The 2024-2025 Jasper boys’ basketball season tips off against Gadsden City at Pinson Valley on November 16. TG
Photos and graphic by Al Blanton
