Solomon Bratton Takes His Talents to New England for Senior Season

Solomon Bratton already knows where he’ll play college basketball. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is his next destination, but before arriving in Chicago, the 6’8” forward has decided to spend his senior season nearly 1,000 miles away from home.

After building an impressive résumé at Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia, Bratton is transferring to Masters Academy International in Stow, Massachusetts. The program is preparing for its inaugural season in the Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference, where he’ll compete against some of the nation’s top high school basketball programs.

For Bratton, the decision wasn’t about attracting more college attention. It was about challenging himself against elite competition and becoming better prepared for the next level.

Masters Academy offers that opportunity under head coach Jason Smith, who spent 26 seasons at Brewster Academy, winning seven national prep championships and helping develop numerous Division I and NBA players.

Bratton enters the program with an established track record of individual success, but he understands that his next stage of development will require consistency, discipline, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

Rather than remaining a top prospect in a familiar environment, he’s choosing an opportunity to grow academically, athletically, and personally.

Making His Mark at Milton

Before deciding to finish his high school career in Massachusetts, Bratton had already established himself as one of Georgia’s most productive and recognized forwards.

During the 2025–26 season, he earned First Team honors on the AJC Varsity All-Metro Atlanta North Fulton team, placing him among the area’s top five players. He also received Second Team All-State recognition in Class 5A and earned GHSA Region 7 All-Region honors.

Those accolades followed an impressive 2025 postseason campaign that helped Milton reach the Sweet 16 of the Georgia high school state playoffs. During that playoff stretch, Bratton averaged 27.8 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to impact games as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator.

His development also extended beyond the high school season.

Competing on the grassroots circuit with JET Training Academy and Game Elite, Bratton gained valuable experience against talented prospects from across the country. He averaged 9.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on the EYBL circuit, earning scouting attention for his versatility, rebounding, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Those experiences helped establish the foundation he now brings to Masters Academy. He’s an accomplished high school player looking to sharpen his skills against a different level of competition.

A Versatile Forward Ready for a New Challenge

At 6’8”, Bratton believes his versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He takes pride in contributing in different ways, whether that’s defending multiple positions, scoring, creating opportunities for teammates, or doing the smaller things that help his team win.

“I’d describe myself as a Joker card, a versatile player who can do a little bit of everything.”

That description reflects a player whose impact isn’t limited to one position or responsibility.

Bratton has shown the ability to operate around the basket, attack from the perimeter, rebound in traffic, and push the ball in transition. His combination of size and mobility allows him to contribute in several areas, making his continued skill development particularly important.

One of his biggest priorities has been improving his jump shot. He’s invested significant time in shooting repetitions, refining his mechanics, and developing the confidence to shoot without hesitation.

He’s also focused on improving his decision-making and understanding of the game. Becoming a more consistent perimeter shooter and making quicker reads could make him an even more effective offensive player.

His objective isn’t to completely change his game. It’s to build on the abilities that have already helped him succeed while addressing the areas that will become increasingly important at the college level.

Preparing for the Next Level

With his commitment to UIC already secured, Bratton can approach his senior season with a clear objective.

He isn’t playing to earn his first Division I opportunity. He’s preparing to make the most of the one he’s already earned.

Competing in the EYBL Scholastic Conference will give him regular opportunities to face nationally recognized programs featuring talented, physically developed players. He believes that environment will help prepare him for the speed, physicality, and expectations of college basketball.

Bratton’s goals extend beyond individual statistics. He wants to improve his basketball IQ, become more consistent offensively, develop greater mental and physical toughness, and contribute to a successful first season at Masters Academy.

He also understands that arriving at UIC won’t automatically guarantee him a role. His objective is to enter college prepared to compete, earn his minutes, and contribute wherever he’s needed.

Leaving Home

While the basketball opportunities made Masters Academy an attractive destination, leaving Georgia comes with challenges that have nothing to do with the game.

Bratton is close to his family, and being away from them is the part of the transition that concerns him most.

Their encouragement, support, and sacrifices have played an important role throughout his basketball journey. Moving to Massachusetts means adjusting to life without having them nearby every day.

It’s an adjustment he knows he’ll have to make, especially with college approaching.

Living away from home will require more independence, responsibility, and maturity. Bratton sees those experiences as another important part of his preparation for the future.

His faith also remains central to how he approaches this next stage. He credits the Lord for guiding his journey and believes in the work he’s put into his game, along with the people who have supported his development.

Those beliefs, combined with the support of his family, give him confidence as he prepares for a new environment.

A Season With Purpose

When Bratton looks ahead to the end of his senior season, he wants the results of his decision to be evident.

His time at Milton provided individual recognition, postseason experience, and a foundation that helped him earn a Division I opportunity. Now, he wants to build on those accomplishments while competing against some of the best high school talent in the country.

He also wants to help establish a winning foundation for a Masters Academy program entering its first season of EYBL Scholastic competition.

There will be new teammates, unfamiliar opponents, different expectations, and the challenge of living far from home. Each experience will play a part in preparing him for what comes next.

For Bratton, success won’t be measured solely by points, rebounds, or individual accolades. He wants to arrive at UIC better prepared for college basketball and more confident in his ability to handle the responsibilities that come with it.

Most importantly, he wants to make his family proud.

The move from Milton to Masters Academy represents another step in a basketball journey already filled with accomplishments, and Bratton is focused on making his final high school season count.