Cincinnati, Ohio — The Prep Hoops Next circuit recently hosted twenty-four teams in the eighth-grade division for the Blue Chip City Mayhem tournament. In total, more than 250 prospects from the Class of 2025 were on display this past weekend, and the result was a fantastic viewing opportunity that previewed much of the region’s up-and-coming talent.
Congratulations are in order for the following players on their selections as All-Tournament honorees at Blue Chip City Mayhem. Overall, fifteen players compromise our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team awards, while another twenty-five standouts earned the distinction of being selected as honorable mention recipients in the 8th grade division. As always, be sure to check back throughout the week, as our team of scouts will provide additional analysis featuring even more of the top participants from the event…
1ST TEAM | BLUE CHIP CITY MAYHEM
Camden Craig | Vevay, IN | Class of 2025
Craig was already averaging double-figures at Blue Chip City Mayhem before he knocked down five three-pointers on his way to a tournament-high 33 points against Team Breakdown (KY) in a win that catapulted Louisville Defenders (KY) into the platinum bracket semifinals. The 6-foot-3 perimeter performer was far from the most explosive athlete in the gym yet he was easily one of the best basketball players in attendance in what proved to be a weekend loaded with future Division I prospects. The rural Indiana resident is capable of getting hot in a hurry from behind the arc and it will be interesting to monitor his overall game and physical progression.
Jalen Haralson | Anderson, IN | Class of 2025
Haralson is a fantastic perimeter player and logged another excellent weekend on the Prep Hoops Next circuit at Blue Chip City Mayhem. An athletic, 6-foot-5 swingman, Haralson is able to handle the ball in the halfcourt, and was nearly impossible to keep out of the lane off the bounce. There is room for improvement with his jumper but he showed promise in that area while also excelling when attacking the rim. His confidence, fluidity, and burgeoning wing skills made Haralson a clear choice for 1st Team All-Tournament honors in the eighth-grade division. He was easily one of the most exciting prospects to step on the court at the event.
Trey McKenney | Grand Blanc, MI | Class of 2025
The only thing to slow down McKenney the entire weekend were leg cramps in the closing minutes of the championship game at Blue Chip City Mayhem. However, by that time, the title was no longer in doubt and the Michigan native had answered any and all questions as to whom the event’s Most Outstanding Player award belonged. Nearing 6-foot-4, McKenney is a versatile perimeter prospect on both ends of the hardwood, capable of playing a guard role but also filling the forward position when needed. An adequate ball-handler with superb passing vision, McKenney is the owner of a massive frame, and continues to advance his offensive arsenal.
Armoni Portis | Port Huron, MI | Class of 2025
A wiry backcourt prospect, Portis’ scoring impact was felt throughout the weekend at the Blue Chip City Mayhem tournament, as he assisted D. Rice Elite (MI) to a 3-1 finish which included a platinum division semifinal appearance. The 6-foot-2 guard has ideal size for his position at the eighth-grade level and proved to be a smooth finisher in the lane. If there’s a single, identifying trait when assessing Portis’ game, it’s likely his shotmaking ability. Alternatively, there’s plenty more to like surrounding the overall playmaking potential in Portis’ game, as he’s a sufficient ball-handler that possesses an element of craftiness and creativity to his game.
Jayden Savoury | Canton, MI | Class of 2025
Savoury was one of the more versatile eighth-grade prospects in attendance at Blue Chip City Mayhem. Assisting Bates Fundamentals (MI) to the platinum division championship and an unbeaten 5-0 record during the event, the 6-foot-6 forward showcased a variety of skills, playing an inside-out role that allowed him to impact the interior with his rebounding and finishing skills but also experience success as a rim-attacking finisher in transition. Team-first approach!
2ND TEAM | BLUE CHIP CITY MAYHEM
Sharod Barnes | Bates Fundamentals (MI)
Jamarion Batemon | Milwaukee Spartans (WI)
Eli Finley | Team Breakdown (KY)
Jaiden Holloman | N.E.B.C. (NY)
Mark Zackery | Team Teague (IN)
3RD TEAM | BLUE CHIP CITY MAYHEM
Davion Hannah | Milwaukee Spartans (WI)
Rameir Hardy | N.E.B.C. (NY)
Dequeris Mayfield | C.M.B. Runnin’ Rebels (MI)
Christopher McLavish, Jr. | C.M.B. Runnin’ Rebels (MI)
Lance Stone | D. Rice Elite (MI)
HONORABLE MENTION BLUE CHIP CITY MAYHEM
Mason Arthur (Southern Indiana Blaze – IN), Elijah ‘EJ’ Breland (Grind Family Chicago – IL), Vincas Buzelis (Full Package Black – IL), Jevon Guess (Team Dynasty Basketball – IN), Jason Harris (D. Rice Elite – MI), Saxton Howard (Team Breakdown – KY), Aldonavin Huddleston (C.M.B. Runnin’ Rebels – MI), Cameron Hutson (Bates Fundamentals – MI), Ezekiel Kirby (Team Dynasty Basketball – IN), Raijon Laird (Louisville Defenders – KY), Parker LePla (D. Rice Elite – MI), Nate Lyman (All H.E.A.R.T. Basketball – OH), Marcus McQueen (EZ Work Elite – IL), Andrew Murphy (Chapman Basketball Academy – WI), Trevor Polite (Chapman Basketball Academy – WI), Charlie Rich (Full Package White – IL), Shane Sims (Team Teague – IN), Colby Smith (Full Package Black – IL), Richieon Tolbert (Chicago Demons – IL), Ben Tshaka (Louisville Defenders – KY), Alonzo Wade (Team Breakdown – KY), Lonte’ Ward, Jr. (Progeny Foundation Hoops), Luke Westerdale (Bates Fundamentals – MI), Kaydin Williams-Benford (Grind Family Chicago – IL), and Brent Wofford III (C.M.B. Runnin’ Rebels – MI).
Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!