Under the Radar: 2023 Edition

<p>Texas is home of some of the best high school basketball players in the world.</p> <p>The Class of 2022 boast names such as Keyontae George, [player_tooltip player_id="781884" first="Cason" last="Wallace"], [player_tooltip player_id="889576" first="Anthony" last="Black"], [player_tooltip player_id="781882" first="Arterio" last="Morris"], just to name a few. The Class of 2023 is just as loaded with names like [player_tooltip player_id="892162" first="Ronald" last="Holland"], [player_tooltip player_id="787359" first="Tyler" last="Smith"], [player_tooltip player_id="892132" first="JaKobe" last="Walter"], [player_tooltip player_id="892163" first="Drew" last="Steffe"] and RJ Chatman. The Class of 2024 though younger still possess those elite names that many of us know in top player [player_tooltip player_id="1125969" first="Tre" last="Johnson"], [player_tooltip player_id="1220767" first="Zion" last="Pipkin"], [player_tooltip player_id="1125967" first="Micah" last="Robinson"] and Marlon Linton Jr. Those players we know and if you don’t I dare you to attend a game or watch some video as many of them are in a Class of their own. </p> <p>Within this article I want to focus on the Under the Radar Players. The players who may give out the same output of those top players but don’t receive the same attention due to the star power that many of the aforementioned players possess. Get your popcorn, Let's DIVE IN!!! First up is the Class of 2023.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958560" first="Justin" last="Whitmore"] 6’8 Power Forward/Post, Naaman Forest, Garland, Texas</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Whitmore</strong> </em>At 6’8,190lbs this young man possess the size and athleticism to be a problem on both of ends of the floor. Last season for Naaman Forest he showed how much of a force he was on the defensive end by earning District 9-6A <em>Defensive Player of the Year. </em>Long, agile and rangy was more than enough for this defensive force of nature to be voted <em>1st Team All-District </em>for District 9-6A as well. untapped potential in this gentle giant. Looking forward to watching him dominate this season for the Rangers.</p> <p><em><strong>Ovie Agbigbe Guard/Forward, Midlothian High School, Midlothian, Texas</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Agbigbe</strong> </em>is one of those players to watch. He plays the game with high energy. A great finisher around the rim utilizing both hands to get the job done. High character player that competes on every possession. What impressed me a lot was his ability to not only knock down the 3 ball but to also get it off. Quick-release, with amazing balance on every attempt, capped off by a smooth follow-through. This young man reminded me a lot of Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings. I see a breakout season in this kid's future. </p> <p><em><strong>BJ Hooper 6’2 Combo Guard, Irving MacArthur, Irving, Texas </strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Hooper</strong> </em>is a big guard that plays like a Big GUARD. With his size and strength, he punishes smaller guards. he then takes that to another level by attacking bigs down low when he’s driving to the lane. Hooper is ranked #49 in our Prep Hoops Class of 2023 rankings but I can see him moving up the ranks this season. His overall feel for the game is impressive. He’s never in a hurry but he’s always on time.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1212767" first="Luke" last="Carter"] 5’10 Combo Guard, Wylie East, Wylie, Texas</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Carter</strong> </em>at any given point can go for 40. In our Prep Hoops event in Dallas, Carter showed that his ability to score is second to none. His explosive first step allows him to get to where he’s going, combined with a shifty handle that if he doesn’t like that shot he counters to another. He received First Team All-Tournament honors in our Dallas event due to his ability to wow the crowd with his creative bucket getting. Ranked #116 in our Class of 2023 Rankings I don’t foresee him staying out of the top 100 for long.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1047400" first="Aiden" last="Wall"] 5’8 Guard , Keller Central, Keller, Texas.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Wall </strong></em>is small in stature but big in impact. The NBA years ago began using advance stats to truly gauge a players impact on and off the court. Every game that I’ve seen this young man play I can guarantee his plus/minus was always high. Whether it be with the pass or the shot. Whether he’s on the floor or off the floor. His presence will be felt.</p> <p><em><strong>Luke Cheatham 6’2 Guard ,Hallsville High, Hallsville, Texas</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Cheatham </strong></em>is probably one of the best shooters in the Class of 2023. His game is modeled after NBA superstar Steph Curry, Cheatham has that sniper-like mentality of his idol. Range isn’t a factor nor is accuracy. Watching Cheatham shoot the ball is like art. In his last AAU tournament he knocked down three after three ultimately making 10 for the game. Another one of those high character players who are a coach's dream. As it stands Cheatham finds himself outside of our Prep Hoops Class of 2023 rankings. As he positions himself for a breakout season. That can be changing<em> Soon</em>!</p>