When it comes to high school basketball factories, few programs have risen as quickly—or as impressively—as Link Academy. And for Michigan State fans, the name is becoming increasingly familiar. After Carlos Medlock Jr. made the jump from Link to East Lansing, another Spartan recruit is following the same path: Ethan Taylor.
To understand what Taylor brings to the table, it helps to first understand the program that shaped him. Link Academy isn't your typical high school. Located in Branson, Missouri, it's a private boarding school for grades 9-12 that operates under Kanakuk Ministries, one of the largest Christian camp organizations in the U.S. Think of it less as a traditional school and more as a basketball-focused development hub with a strong academic and spiritual foundation.
Originally founded as a "gap year" program to help students transition from high school to college, Link evolved quickly. It added a postgraduate basketball team, then a high school squad. Within just a few years, the basketball program became one of the most elite in the nation. According to National Elite Prep School Basketball, Link regularly features multiple McDonald's All-Americans and consistently ranks among the top programs in the country. Sports Illustrated highlighted this meteoric rise in a 2023 feature, noting how Link transformed from a niche transitional program into a powerhouse.
What makes Link unique is its holistic approach. On3 describes it as a boys-only boarding school with a mission to prepare young men for collegiate success through elite basketball training and a biblically-based, NCAA-approved academic curriculum. It's a demanding environment—tuition runs about $65,000 annually, though most elite recruits attend on full athletic scholarships. The school's website sums it up simply: Link is a "premier boarding school" that specializes in "redeeming culture through high-level academics and sports."
For Ethan Taylor, spending his senior season at Link means he's been tested daily against some of the best competition in the country. He's practiced alongside future college stars, faced elite-level defenses, and learned to thrive in a system that demands both skill and discipline. That experience is invaluable as he prepares to step onto the court at Michigan State.
In short, Link Academy isn't just a school—it's a launching pad. And Ethan Taylor is the latest Spartan recruit ready to take flight.