2025 Showcase standouts

On Friday Mach 12th I attended Justin Vargas 2025 Showcase at the Phhacility and the Cream of the Crop Showcase at AZ Compass Prep on Saturday March 13th.   This was my first real look at the 8th graders or soon to be freshman in August against each other. At first glance it seems like a strong group. Maybe not the size of 2024 yet, but a little more skill and possibly more stars at the top. Obviously after 4 years it will play itself out.   Here was my Top-15 I viewed: The high schools listed are possible destinations that the players think they will attend. Some are fully undecided. [player_tooltip player_id="1129193" first="Koa" last="Peat"] undecided (Arizona Saints) (Pictured) -A face-up forward who is skilled, strong and tough. He plays above the rim on the break but its his crafty play and skill that jump off at you to go along with his size. He doesn’t have to rely on his athleticism to be successful. He has strong hands and is a high level rebounder in traffic snatching it at its highest point with two hands. He also got on the floor multiple times hustling. His catch-3 looks good and his whole package makes him the odds on favorite to start off with the #1 rank for the 2025 class. [player_tooltip player_id="1150822" first="Cameron" last="Holmes"] Millennium (AZ Battle) -One of the more unique prospects at the event. He handles it like a bigger guard and acts like a point forward with some impressive passing. He can hit the 3 with range and drive to the basket and score it. He does use his left often but his defensive prowess at this stage is impressive. Blocks, rebounds, steals plus defending guards and in the post. [player_tooltip player_id="1150823" first="Kalek" last="House"] Shadow Mountain -Jaelen House little brother is another who impressed. He can defend it like him and acts like a PG. He can shoot it to the 3pt line and hit the pull-up off the dribble. He gets to the basket with a nice layup package and plays an unselfish game. [player_tooltip player_id="1150824" first="Kaden" last="House"] Shadow Mountain -The twin brother is a splitting image of play and looks from Jaelen House. He is an elite defender from anywhere on the court with a ridiculous motor. He is extremely long and athletic with pretty good size already for a guard. He is a capable 3pt shooter but loves attacking off the bounce. [player_tooltip player_id="1150825" first="Iyayi" last="Osunde"] Dream City Christian (Zone-6) -A long guard defender is very smooth. He takes long strides to get to the cup and will finish using his length. He has pretty stroke from the 3pt line and is tough to get passed. He is a sneaky good passer and a very good teammate. [player_tooltip player_id="1150826" first="Imisi" last="Motunde"] Dream City Christian (Zone-6) -A big forward who moves well from end to end and has plus athleticism. He has good body control in the lane with nice length. He handles it well for position and will rebound and block shots. He is a good passer but can make strides on his deep ball. [player_tooltip player_id="1150843" first="Andrew" last="Bhesenia"] Boulder Creek (AZ Storm Black) -A long face-up 4-man is very fluid. He defends in the paint plus in space. He can hit the 3 and score it inside. He has good length and uses it to block shots and rebound. [player_tooltip player_id="1150844" first="Quincy" last="Everson"] Millennium (AZ Battle) -A strong and athletic combo guard can shoot it and facilitate. He has a thicker frame and toughness to go along with his handle to score through contact. [player_tooltip player_id="1150845" first="Quinn" last="Athanassoulis"] Dream City Christian (Zone-6) -One of the prettier shooters you will find can handle it decently and get into the lane to use the floater. He will be known as a shooter but has decent size and can play through contact. [player_tooltip player_id="1150846" first="Trey" last="Chamin"] Cactus Shadows (Norman Powell Elite) -A tough and skilled forward can play inside and out. He has a consistent shot from mid-range and can extend it out to the 3. He fights really hard to rebound and block shots. [player_tooltip player_id="1150853" first="Jabron" last="Bardwell"] Eduprize (Arizona Saints) -A walking bucket can score from all levels. He has the floater game, the catch-3 and a nice pull-up from mid-range. He also can find teammates in traffic. He plays so hard with amazing energy on both ends of the court to go along with his skill, which is very intriguing for the future. He is actually a top 7th grader. [player_tooltip player_id="1150848" first="Nolan" last="Brown"] undecided (Uptempo Elite) -A fast scoring lead guard has a yo-yo handle. He is a blur in the open court. He may be undersized but his speed and skill get him where he needs to be. He can pull-up from mid to the 3 and is quick on the ball defensively. [player_tooltip player_id="1150847" first="Carlos" last="Coronado"] Coolidge (Arizona Saints) -A lead guard who is a three level scorer. He is a good passer with a tighter handle and can get into smaller spaces. He can make passes with either hand and hit the catch-3. [player_tooltip player_id="996176" first="Bryce" last="Quinet"] undecided (AZ Storm Black) -A pure PG who can shoot it. He plays from the neck up making the extra pass, driving and kicking it, changing speeds and always seems to be in the right spot. His 3pt stroke is pure and will take charges on the norm. [player_tooltip player_id="1150852" first="DeNali" last="McNeal"] Canyon View (AZ Storm Black/AZ Venom) -A long combo guard is a natural scorer. He gets downhill with ease and can hit the catch-3. He had some impressive passes on the day as well. He also is a top-notch defender using his athleticism and length. He can keep making strides with his deep shooting but has a lot to like before he plays HS.