Border League: AZ Standouts: Non-Seniors

October 14-16 I attended the Border League at various gyms in Las Vegas, NV.

The Border League is quickly becoming a top preparation weekend of games in the West to the HS season in the fall. The competition is about as good as it gets. There is all levels of play with AIA teams, CAA and Grind Session teams. They challenged themselves versus teams from CA, UT, FL, NM, ID ,TX, TN and of course the host state NV.

Here were some of the non-senior standouts:

Vyctorius Miller Vyctorius Miller 6'5" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State #4 Nation AZ AZ Compass Prep

A good overall showing with size, skill and passing ability. He made shots and defended throughout the weekend. He will definitely make plays in college for his teammates but scores it more then he facilitates.  

Makhan Diouf Makhan Diouf 6'11" | PF Bella Vista Prep | 2024 State AZ Bella Vista Prep (Pictured)

One of the more intriguing players I viewed all weekend and he happens to play in AZ. He is super long, fluid and athletic. He is from Senegal and he actually handles the ball well and moves in space plus will block shots. He makes threes off the catch and he is just scratching the surface.

Luke Bamgboye Luke Bamgboye 6'9" | C Bella Vista Prep | 2024 State #103 Nation AZ Bella Vista Prep

An athletic post springs up in a blink of an eye to dunk it, block a shot or rebound. He can score with his back to the basket with hook shots and spin moves into a quick dunk. He is a legit out of area shot blocker who also covers a lot of ground in space.  

Gabe Pickens Gabe Pickens 6'0" | PG Dream City Christian | 2024 State AZ Dream City Christian

Their lone true PG on the roster. He advance passes, drives and kicks, he works well off pick and rolls and his head is always looking up and down the court. He plays and thinks fast. When he is open he will knock down the three plus loves getting downhill with his thicker RB like frame. He is a physical on-ball defender pestering his opponents.

Terrence Hill Jr Terrence Hill Jr 6'2" | PG TBD | 2024 #175 Nation OR AZ Compass Prep

A real point guard has top end burst and scores through contact. He is very smart off the pick and roll game and can hit the three with range. He drives and kicks it well with a yo-yo handle in tighter spaces. He changes speeds and burst by and then throws a dart to his teammate.  

Emmanuel Stephen Emmanuel Stephen 7'0" | C Dream City Christian | 2024 State AZ Dream City Christian

A massive post player with an incredible frame. He runs the floor easily and cover a lot of ground to defend in space. He has an elite motor and he rebounds in and out of his area. He blocks shots and scores on dunks or put backs.  

Christian Hammond Christian Hammond 6'3" | CG Dream City Christian | 2023 State AZ Dream City Christian

A combo guard who is a natural scorer. He is a good shooter and a fearless attacker to the rim with his size and handle. He scores on runners. floaters and pull-ups. He manages to get himself to the line often and he should lead them in scoring many nights. Committed to Santa Clara.  

Klairus Amir Klairus Amir 6'7" | SF Dream City Christian International | 2024 State AZ Dream City Christian

A bigger wing shooter with some bounce. He is originally from Australia and he can catch and shoot from the three and shoot it off the dribble. He will drive and kick it to teammates and goes on runs by himself when he gets hot.  

I’yar Shadowvine I’yar Shadowvine 5'7" | PG Ironwood | 2025 State AZ Ironwood  

An undersized scoring point guard is fast with the ball and has a real burst to get into the lane. He can pull-up from mid to the three and he harasses his opponents up the court on defense.

Noah Gifft Noah Gifft 6'2" | SG Ironwood | 2024 State AZ Ironwood  

Another showing that why he is one of the best catch and shoot three point shooters in the class. He has the floater game and he relocates to open spots on the court. He moves the ball and plays sound fundamental defense.

Isaiah Bronson Isaiah Bronson 6'2" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2024 State AZ Bella Vista Prep

He is embracing the back up point guard role as he comes in and plays a good brand of ball. He handles pressure and makes his patented pull-up form mid-range while playing at a good pace.