From Beckley, West Virginia, Hawthorne was committed to his home state Mountaineers before deciding to reopen his recruitment. After visits and offers from multiple high-major programs, Hawthorne will join Kentucky's 2025 class, which features high 4-star recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.

Among his many accolades, Hawthorne was a McDonald’s All-American nominee, a Wootten Top 150 participant, the most valuable player at the Dr. Pepper Classic, a standout at the Paul Bincardi Camp, a Grind Session All-Star and a Big Shots Prep Nationals High School All-Star.