Scouts’ Take: Day 1 Stars From War In The Valley

Phoenix, Ariz. — The Prep Hoops Next Circuit made its debut in Arizona on Saturday as “War in the Valley” tipped off from Inspire Courts AZ. After an exciting day in the gym, here are a handful of standout performers that made an impact for their teams during pool play action… 

Josiah Andrews | Rocklin, CA | Class of 2026

Bruce Williams’ take: Andrews was his usual efficient self today. The combo guard showed the ability to score the ball from multiple levels. He got to the basket, knocked down catch-and-shoots, and buried threes after using his dribble to separate from defenders. He’s quietly done this every time I’ve watched him play. In one of the last games of the night, he put together 22 points, including four 3’s to help YBA to a hard-fought victory over Uptempo Elite.

Spencer Pulliam’s take: Andrews had his scoring exploits back on displaying during Day 1 at War in the Valley on a roster stacked with individual talent. A steady ball-handler, Andrews is ahead of the curve offensively considering his ability to create shots with the ball in his hands, but has also shown to be a willing passer. The YBA Elite (CA) seventh-grade group is fun to watch because they have so many players capable of filling the “alpha” role during any given game but Andrews has been the primary offensive weapon for his team more times than not.

Cameron Dyer | Rio Rancho, NM | Clas of 2025

Bruce Williams’ take: Dyer consistently understands how to score. He’s capable of putting up 20 in a game without forcing the issue. Today he made it look easy, making all his open shots, while finishing around the basket in transition. He moves well without the ball, and has a quick first step, allowing him to get by defenders. He was the leading scorer for JB White as they put together a 3-0 afternoon.

Spencer Pulliam’s take: One of the more athletic backcourt prospects I’ve seen this year on the Prep Hoops Next circuit, Dyer brings toughness and competitiveness to the floor for his J.B. White Elite (NM) club, and his confidence seems to grow with every outing. Strong and explosive, the 6-foot-1 guard is nearly unstoppable attacking the rim, and he continues to show improvement creating off the dribble. It’s said that Dyer is also a standout on the football field, and if he can continue working to find consistency with his shooting touch, Dyer appears to have the rare talent necessary to ultimately have viable Division I options on the gridiron as well as the hardwood.

Jake Hall | Solana Beach, CA | Class of 2025

Bruce Williams’ take: Hall is the definition of a walking bucket. An effortless scorer who seems to put up 20 before the game even starts. He’s a shooter with range, but what makes him a difficult cover is his ability to use pace, and fakes to keep defenders off-balance, allowing him to score from mid-range. He had a 30 point and a 26 point game in two Multi-Level victories today.

Spencer Pulliam’s take: Hall has been one of the most prolific scorers on the Prep Hoops Next circuit this season and once again had his full offensive arsenal on display during opening day at War in the Valley. The 6-foot-1 scorer not only showed the range and touch on his jumper, but he simply outworked opponents, capitalizing on second-chance baskets around the rim and beating defenders down the floor for transition buckets. Superbly confident, Hall finds ways to get his shot off, and can get hot in a hurry from the perimeter. It will be interesting to see how his success in the youth ranks translates to the high school level but have I no doubt that Hall will continue adjust, adapt, and improve his game.

Amir Jones | Lancaster, CA | Class of 2026

Bruce Williams’ take: It was tough to take my eyes off of Jones. He played with terrific activity, being aggressive on defense, and staying in attack mode on offense. He was one of the top slashers on the day, getting to the rim with a blistering 1st step. When he couldn’t get all the way to the basket, he showed a nice touch from about 15 feet out, as well as a little floater that he used to get shots over defenders.

Spencer Pulliam’s take: A versatile six-foot perimeter prospect, Jones was flying all over the court for Team Dojo (CA) throughout the day at War in the Valley. He provided valuable versatility for his club on both ends of the court, with the ability to defend from the wing as well as the paint, while also providing an athletic and attacking presence on offense. Jones was at his best in transition or slashing to the cup in the half-court, but his ability to make reads and anticipate defensively was a major reason that his squad’s pressure was so effective on Saturday.

Jevon Yapi | Las Vegas, NV | Class of 2025

Bruce Williams’ take: Yapi was brilliant today. While many times we focus only on scoring, he has turned himself into a player capable of dominating games with his passing ability. Creative doesn’t even begin to describe his dime-dropping ability. Describing his passing as anything other than elite is an injustice to the word. He delivered on time and on target passes off the bounce, from the post, and as outlets from offensive rebounds. Truly a remarkable talent with the unique ability to make players around him better. He led All Vegas to a 3-0 record in pool play.

Spencer Pulliam’s take: The 5-foot-8 dynamo was the most impressive playmaker that I watched on Saturday at War In The Valley. Granted, Yapi plays for an experienced grassroots and high school coach, but his natural talents include vision and awareness with the ball in his hands and “JY” has the handle and passing touch to be considered one of the more advanced facilitators on the West Coast in the Class of 2025 at this stage. He’s never going to be the most physically gifted prospect on the floor in an elite setting but the sub-six-foot lead guard is a talented player with a long list of intangibles that should allow him to be recruited by a bevy of programs at the next level.

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