Jamier Jacob (2027, Pure Game Hoops): Jamier Jacob had his scoring arsenal on full display this weekend. Jacob likes to operate out of the mid-post where he can punish smaller defenders at the rim, or face-up and use fancy footwork to blow by bigger defenders. He has a wide frame and a strong upper body which he uses to shield off defenders at the rim. Jacob can also space the floor and consistently knock down perimeter jumpers. He’s deceptively quick and is a capable playmaker off the dribble.
Mike Nembhard (2027, New York Lightning): Lefty guard Mike Nembhard was filling it up from deep early, which allowed him to open up the rest of his game. Defenders tried to take away Nembhard’s air space after he hit a few threes off the catch, which resulted in him carving up defenses from a live dribble. Nembhard was able to get downhill consistently, absorbing contact on his way to strong drives at the rim. He was very unselfish and often penetrated the lane looking to distribute.
Skye Ragoo (2027, New York Lightning): Ragoo showcased his effortless scoring ability the way he scored on all three levels and played at his own pace. Ragoo is shifty by using short bursts to set his defender up for change of direction moves, into smooth mid-range jumpers. Ragoo has a nice touch on floaters in the lane and can get hot from arc in the blink of an eye. He’s able to guard bigger players with his size and makes high IQ plays on both sides of the ball.
Kareem Wilmore (2027, BCAT Tigers): Wilmore is a lead guard with solid positional size and strength for his age. He uses his deceptive handle and quick bursts to blow by defenders and get downhill. Finishes well around the rim, excels at playing through contact and has a knack for getting to the free throw line. Wilmore has made strides all season for this Tigers program, and will be a prospect to keep an eye on for years to come.
Korey Francis (2027, DPS): Korey Francis was ultra-aggressive when looking to turn the corner and get downhill, especially out of DHO and ball screen action. He possesses a high understanding of which reads to make in pick and roll play, and showcased a solid mid-range pull-up. Defensively he fought hard on the glass and showed switchability in a half court setting.
Christopher Horton (2027, USC Premier): Horton is a quick, speedy guard with elite scoring ability. Horton is always looking to attack the gaps of the defense and get into the lane. He’s very dangerous in isolation situations due to his herky-jerky ball handling style and quick first step. Horton is also capable of playing off the ball and was comfortable taking and making shots on the move.
Jonathan White Jr. (2027, Team Spartans): White Jr. excels at leading the team and being a vocal leader on the floor. He initiates offense well, telling players where to be on the court and knowing which sets to run depending on what the defense is showing him. He uses his quick first step and change of speed to acquire paint touches consistently. Defensively he has very quick hands helping him to get back-taps and deflections when playing the passing lanes.
Kam Jackson (2027, DPS): Kam Jackson is a quick, shifty guard who uses his eyes and fakes to deceive defenders on his way to easy layups. Jackson has a high understanding of good timing and pace in his dribble moves, which makes it easy for him to get to his spots. Jackson exhibited some savvy playmaking as the primary ball handler, and elite shot making from the mid-range area. All things considered, Jackson could be one of the best combo guards in the area years down the line
Ty Butler-Simpsons (2027, DNA Elite): Butler-Simpsons was aggressive at the point of attack on both ends of the floor, and was a major catalyst in DNA’s successful run to a championship. His lateral quickness and ability to stay in front of defenders, showed when Simpsons was guarding the ball. Simpsons forced plenty of turnovers as an on-ball defender, as well as jumping lazy passes up the lane. Offensively his body control on agile layups and ability to knock down jumpers off the dribble made Simpsons a tough matchup.
Joshua Barnes (2027, BCAT Tigers): Joshua Barnes has the size and athleticism you want from a scoring wing his age. Barnes is one of those players that has a natural feel for the game and a knack for scoring. Barnes’ quick stop and go handle along with his height and length allow him to beat defenders off the dribble and get into the paint. Barnes finishes well in traffic and can also space the floor from deep. Defensively Barnes is effective when he’s forcing turnovers on the perimeter, altering shots at the rim with his length and switching to guard bigger post players.
