NEXT National Championship: Max’s Day 2 Standouts

The Prep Hoops Next National Championship continued on Saturday, with up and coming talent from across the country competing in Kansas City. These are seven of the top performers I saw throughout the day!

Matthew Ferguson (6’1 2026 G, Legendary Athletes)- Matthew is a skilled guard with plenty of size for his position that makes him a mismatch nightmare. Against smaller guards he was able to get into the paint and use his size advantage to go up and finish with ease. When bigger wings/forwards got thrown on him to try to match his size, he showcased a creative handle that he was able to use to break h is man down and create separation. Was able to get to his spots to knock down short/mid-range jumpers throughout the game. Had a few nice passes getting into the lane and dishing it off to a teammate for a high percentage look.

Lamont Hamilton (2026 PG, Wisconsin Elite National)- Lamont is such an advanced athlete at the 14u level. It allows him to pick up full court on his own and pressure the ball the length of the floor. He puts in a ton of effort sliding his feet to constantly force the ball handler to change directions. In the half-court defense he times his jumps so well to pick off passes, and is also good at picking his chances to trap/double team and force turnovers with his pressure. On the offensive end he knocked down four jumpers in the game against Team Tyus, including a tough pull-up from mid-range after creating a ton of space off the dribble. Really tough finisher at the rim with excellent body control to absorb contact. Lamont is also a gifted passer who gets his big man a handful of wide open looks each game by his ability to draw in a help defender before dumping it off.

Tian Chatman (2026 G, Team FSA)- I haven’t seen a height listed for Tian, but he looks to be at least 6’2 giving him excellent positional size at this stage. He’s so skilled at getting to the basket, and using his length and athleticism to just float to the rim. Because of his explosiveness it’s tough for defenders at this age to get up and contest him around the rim. Tian is comfortable handling the ball for his team and initiating the offense, but can also play on the wing and excel as a slasher. Defensively he was able to guard every spot at the 14u level because he’s always one of the taller players on the floor but also has the lateral quickness to pressure the ball on the perimeter.

Dothan Ijadimbola (6’5 2026 SF, D1 Minnesota)- You won’t find many incoming freshmen with the physical tools that Doth possesses. He’s able 6’4/6’5 with explosive athleticism that allows him to play on the wing or the block. On one play he caught the ball on the wing, took his man off the dribble, and effortlessly elevated to the basket for a two hand dunk. He’s more than just an above-the-rim athlete though as he brings a bunch of energy to the floor on defense. Doth is going to compete anyone he faces up against, pressuring the ball on the perimeter, holding his ground on the block, or contesting/blocking shots at the rim. Has the ability to dribble into a post-up and then elevate over the top for a teardrop finish.

Jordan Suiter (2026 W, Wisconsin Academy)- Jordan is a tough-as-nails wing prospect who has helped propel Wisconsin Academy into the quarterfinals. In the game I saw he took the opening tip and immediately got to the rim for a tough and-one finish. He combines his length and athleticism with excellent body control around the rim allowing him to convert on tough looks that most players his age can’t. Suiter found ways to get to the rim off the dribble or with off-ball cuts, and also showcased a smooth jumper when left open beyond the arc. He’s a competitor on defense who can move his feet on the perimeter but also compete physically on the block.

Mateo Serna (6’2 2026 W, FOA 2026 Red)- In a close game Mateo came up with some clutch plays down the stretch to help his team come away with a win. Mateo is a fluid athlete on the wing who handles the ball well under pressure. When he has the ball in the open floor he’s able to weave in-and-out of defenders to try to get to the rim and finish. He utilizes his length well on the defensive end as he gets his arms up in the passing lanes and can tip/jump careless passes to get his team possession.

Evan Gunn (5’7 2026 PG, ODE)- Evan Gunn is a true floor general who consistently makes plays all over the floor. He just gets after it on the defensive end and applies constant ball pressure. Has the ability to get up under his man and cut him off any times he tries to put the ball on the floor. Offensively he handles the ball under pressure effortlessly and can get to his spots all over the floor. Evan gets good elevation on his pull-up jumper which allows him to get his shot off over taller defenders, but he can also get all the way to the rim and use his strong frame to score through some contact. Was hitting shot after shot in the second half to keep his team in the game against FOA Red.