The Finals – Saturday’s Best

Saturday would be the first outing for most teams in the field at The Finals, and it gave me a great opportunity to get my eyes on many great prospects. In Saturday’s Best I will highlight 5 kids in the 2025-2027 class that caught my eye.

Jaden Nickens (featured image in thumbnail) Class of 2025 / Team Most Hated – Right from the tip Jaden showed why he is considered one of the top 2025s in the whole country. Having an almost Zion Williamson type built Jaden is electric in transition and loves playing above the rim. When it comes to a half-court setting Jaden can play extremely well with his back to the basket where he will either bully you in the post or create enough space for some tough fadeaways.

Max VanLaningham (featured image to the right) Class of 2026 / D5 Global Teddy – Max is one of the more unique prospects I have seen this summer with his long frame and mobility making him one of the top big men in the 2026 class. Max has great IQ and touch around both ends of the basket as he finishes consistently and blocks everything in sight. If Max continues to grow this is a legit high-major big to keep an eye on.

Mikey Wilkins Class of 2025 / Carolina Heights Black – Mikey came down to Dallas on a loaded Carolina Heights squad and at first I was worried how that would effect his paint touches but it didn’t take long to see Mikey getting his touches. Mikey physical wears you down and constantly established great post position under the basket putting his defenders in a bind.

Tyson Forrest (featured image to the right) Class of 2027 / Houston Hoops Blue Chips – One of the three main guards that runs the Blue Chips offense Tyson took over offensively scoring on all three levels. Tyson has been playing at a high level since he touched a basketball and you can see the composure he possesses. Tyson started Saturday shooting lights out from deep and continued his hot start by getting some easy transition buckets in part to his pride on the defensive end.

Amare Guerra Class of 2026 / JL3 – Amare Guerra is the spark that ignites the flames for the JL3 offense as he is asked to do it all and never backs down. Amare is one of the few players in his class that consistently gets after it just as much defensively as he does offensively. Amare is going to play hard until the final whistle and overall I thought he was one of the best communicators on the court, definitely all the tools you want from your point guard.