The atmosphere around Akins men’s basketball feels different this year both online and in real life.
While the Eagles’ success is visible on the scoreboard—boasting a winning record ahead of district play—the real transformation is happening on the screens of thousands of Instagram followers.
This season marks a major turning point for the program, fueled by an active, professionalized social media presence that is reshaping how the team is perceived both inside and outside the locker room.
The Professional Lens
A key driver of this “new wave” is the addition of professional cinematography by Dylan Bell, who has a cousin on the team. By volunteering his time to provide high-level production, Bell has given individual players a platform typically reserved for college or professional programs.
“I think that it’s big already,” Bell said of the creative movement in high school sports. “People love to create. It will continue to grow and become bigger.”
This contribution has not gone unnoticed. His work has showcased the talents of players, providing them with crucial exposure to coaches and programs at the next level. This media push coincides with the emergence of the Akins Men’s Basketball Booster Club, which has worked to bridge the gap between the team and the Austin community through fundraising, outreach, and a significant boost in game attendance.
The Player Perspective
The impact of this professional branding is felt most deeply by the athletes themselves. Junior Noah Loving, a point guard for the Eagles, views the organizational shift as a game-changer.
“I think the booster club is one of the best things to have ever happened to the program,” Loving said. “They do so much for us with sponsors, organizing team bonding, and fundraiser opportunities. I don’t know what we would do without them.”
Beyond logistics, there is a psychological edge to the high-end media coverage. In the world of sports, the mantra “look good, play good” holds weight. For point guard and Texas Lutheran University commit Darius Hedspeth, seeing himself featured in professional-grade posts reinforces his identity as an elite athlete.
“Yes, seeing yourself look like a college or pro athlete can boost confidence by reinforcing your mindset,” Hedspeth explained. “If it makes you feel locked in and ready, that confidence can carry onto the court, especially when it’s backed by [the work].”
Exposure in the Digital Age
In an era where social media is the primary currency for recruiting, the quality of a player’s “tape” can be the difference between being scouted or overlooked. Hedspeth, who recently announced his commitment to TLU, believes professional content is a necessity for the modern recruit.
“Professional looking content helps you stand out and makes a strong first impression,” Hedspeth said. “It shows you take yourself seriously, which can make coaches more likely to watch, remember, and reach out.”
A Foundation for the Future
Head Coach Rashad Culver has watched this evolution from the sidelines, recognizing that high school sports are increasingly becoming a matter of “branding.” For Culver, the production value sets the Akins program apart from every other school in the district.
“Having this high level of production significantly benefits the program in many ways,” Coach Culver said. “Being able to showcase the individual talents of these young athletes and the program as a whole has brought recognition to the hard work this team puts in every day.”
