5 For The Fight National Hoopfest Live Blog

November 22, 2023 by Max Feldman

The high school season has arrived and tips off in a big way, with 5 For The Fight National Hoopfest set to get underway. A deep collection of national programs are set to face off from Monday, November 20th till Wednesday, the 22nd. Here, I'll break down the latest as matchups unfold.

November 20th

Sunrise Christian (KS) versus Alta (UT)

Feet set, it's going down more times than not for Utah signee Jaxon Johnson. The Top-90 senior has an early 11 PTS (3-3 3PT) for Alta. Future Ute is one of 2024's most dynamic shooters at 6-8.
Sunrise has trailed throughout, but 2024 G Elijah Elliott has been one of the big bright spots. High level probe & kick game, a handful to keep out of the lane and disrupting guarding in space. Dusty May & the Owls got a very good one on the way. 10 points, 5 assists and 3 steals here -- provides a big spark when things bog down.
Number of guys who'll need to take steps forward for Sunrise, but Top-100 junior guard Jeremiah Green looks like he'll be the straw that stirs the drink all year. 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists to go with no turnovers in the defeat.

Lone Peak (UT) versus Simeon (IL)

Very nice first half for 2025 G Isaac Staley, who looks to be riding a nice summer with the Utah Prospects into a big year at Lone Peak (UT). Deadeye shooter, loaded with confidence and is exceptionally smart moving off the ball. 12 PTS (3-6 3PT) at the half.
Went in-depth on Chamberlain Burgess and why college coaches should be buying stock earlier this offseason, and the flashes are materializing. The 2025 F has steadily grown more versatile at 6-9, while retaining the defensive instincts, soft hands and better-than-advertised skill level. Very promising foundation of feel, skill and size.
Simeon (IL) junior G Lorenzo Shields has been a focus of "Buy Stock Now" content over the past few months for me, and we're beginning to see why. The 6-3 G scores it in bunches, adept shooting off the dribble, creates space and is loaded with craft. Now, more is being put on his plate and the results bear fruit. 9 1H PTS here and efficient in the process.

Link Academy (MO) versus Canyon International Academy (AZ)

CIA's Miles Sadler came out firing, as he did all spring and summer long in the EYBL. Full of burst, scores it a number of ways and is a blur getting downhill. Quick 8 PTS.
Link (MO) fell behind early, but it's been the Jasper Johnson show since. Top-10 2025 G with a quick 12 PTS on 4-5 from deep. On the break, coming off pin-downs, in traffic — any time and space, he'll make defenses pay.
Masterclass of a half from Link's Labaron Philon. Future Jayhawk and Top-20 senior has 9 PTS, 5 AST (0 TO) and 3 STL in 11 MIN of 1H action. Industry-wide ranking might look a whole lot different a few months from now. Elite instincts defensively, plays with patience, always seems to be in control and has grown quite a bit more polished as a table-setter.
Hot shooting from CIA made it interesting, but Link's core stepped up late. And largely due to Philon's presence on the ball. Seemingly made the right play for others every time Link needed and made big shots each time the game seemed in flux. His growth as a combo-guard was striking this spring and summer in the EYBL, and he's continued that progression. We're the highest in the industry on the future Jayhawk, and a rise into the Top-10 seems well within the picture this season.

Montverde Academy (FL) versus Wasatch Academy (UT)

It's been all Liam McNeely to start here. Coming out of the gates driving closeouts and capitalizing on his shooting gravity to make plays inside the arc and set up the guys around him. The same theme remains; everything the IU bound wing does stems from his elite processing ability. Thinks the game at an exceptionally high level.
Wasatch's Top-100 senior Malick Diallo arrived early last year fresh off a big FIBA showing with the Malian national team. He took time to settle in, and lacked some overall confidence and assertiveness last season. This season won't be the same story, as he's taking on more playmaking duties, attacking with aggression and showcasing more of his offensive game. Checks a ton of boxes as a versatile big defensively as well.

November 21st

Simeon (IL) versus Rock Creek (MD)

Fast start out the gates for Rock Creek, largely behind Jerome Williams Jr and Kam Wylie. Williams Jr is full of quickness, generating advantages and creating easy offense in the half-court. Wylie, at 6-9, has excellent ball skills and has been productive inside the arc.

Wheeler (GA) versus Corner Canyon (UT)

Wheeler (GA) closes the deal over Corner Canyon (UT), largely due to the activity of Top-100 senior Josh Hill. 20 PTS (62% FG), 8 rebounds and 4 stocks in the W. Bryan Hodgson and the Wolves got a good one.
Strong outing for Kota Suttle Jr, who looks due for a big season after a strong summer in the 3SSB. Turns the corner with ease, big-time first step, high level change of direction and impressive downhill passing feel.

Wasatch (UT) versus Orangeville Prep (CAN)

Preseason buzz appears well-founded on Orangeville Prep's Atok Makuer. Fast-twitch 2025 G wreaking havoc defending in space, pressuring the rim and setting the table. Canadian playmaker should see his stock rise quick in the EYBL Scholastic. 5 steals in the first half for the 6-3 G, and largely against Juni Mobley. A terror defending on the perimeter due to his blend of twitch, length and instincts.
Expect Orangeville's frontcourt tandem of Johan Munch and Kieran Mullen to generate momentum throughout the winter. Munch, a FIBA breakout who moved over to Canada via Denmark, is a late-bloomer physically, now 6-10, with an exceptionally high skill level and impressive feel. Mullen is a knockdown shooter at 6-9 who drew rave reviews this offseason. Shown to be uniquely comfortable firing off movement already.
Expect big moments from Top-70 2027 G Amari Upshaw all winter long. Not too tasked with an important role as a freshman in a high level setting, but he's bringing value early as a scorer and off-ball mover. Uber talented at 6-5, the Nova Scotia native is loaded with upside.
High level game here from Top-10 2025 wing Isiah Harwell. Playing within himself, scoring within the flow, attacking the rack with physicality and processing the game briskly. Connective wing with feel, but now the scoring pieces are growing more efficient.

American Fork (UT) versus Montverde (FL)

Montverde was in control from the onset here, and it started with their energy on the defensive end. Top-10 senior Asa Newell’s growth as a rim-runner and interior scorer continue to impress. Plenty to his game, but owning the glass on both ends and muddying things up in the paint has become his bread and butter.
Game was out of reach thanks to the senior core, but very nice moments late in the action for MVA’s Top-20 2026 duo in Caleb Gaskins and Kayden Allen. Following up on the preseason praise, Gaskins, who is one of the youngest players on the roster, plays with such a mature approach for a versatile forward. Each time he's come in, he's brought value on the glass and as a defender. Allen isn't short of confidence and is very much wired to put the ball in the bucket. Pair of high level sophomores who are benefitting from reps against the nation's elites day in day out.

AZ Compass (AZ) versus Link (MO)

Once again last night, it was the Jasper Johnson show for Link in their dominant win. The Top-10 2025 G put up 16 PPG on 58% from deep. Backcourt trio is going to be at the top of opposing scouting reports all season long. Skillsets mesh seamlessly.
Came away very impressed by Jasper Johnson's finishing ability as well. One of the nation's elite shooter, but far from a one-trick pony. Still wiry with plenty of room to add strength, but think his length gets lost in the mix at times. Full of twitch athletically, and when mixed with length and ball skills, he's extremely effective at the rim (69% at the rim in EYBL as well). The next steps are adding strength and pressuring the rim consistently.
Another rankings bump is pending for Labaron Philon. We're the highest in the industry in the future Jayhawk, but he's quietly taken his game to new heights over the past few months. Aggressive combo-guard with an elite handle, pull-up shot-making, high level vision and toughness defending at the point of attack -- I'll continue to buy stock.

November 22nd

Sunrise Christian (KS) versus AZ Compass

Compass has been the group making shots through the first half, but really like what Sunrise's Spencer Ahrens brought. The Canadian forward has a uniquely high BBIQ, excellent hands and impressive spatial awareness on either end. Brings some necessary stability and feel to the table for the group.
Looks like a breakout game for AZ Compass' Cam Miles, who has generated some momentum this fall in his move from Florida out west. On/off versatility, quick decision-making, assertiveness getting downhill and impressive downhill playmaking instincts. Overall engagement level led to plenty of winning plays. 12 PTS, 7 AST, 4 STL and 3 REB in the win.

Rock Creek (MD) versus Wheeler (GA)

Another big one is underway for Wheeler (GA) F and Top-75 prospect Josh Hill. At 6-10, his length, aggression and athleticism have been too much early on for Rock Creek. 17 PTS (5-5 FT), 6 REB and 2 AST with four minutes left in the first half.

Timpview (UT) versus Lone Peak (UT)

MORE FOR YOU