Chi-Town Tip-Off: GameChangers
In this article:
A recurring segment after each Prep Hoops Showcase and/or Prep Hoops Circuit event will be our GameChangers series. Bringing you the best scorekeeping, live video streaming, and team management services of any mobile app on the market, GameChanger is a product every grassroots team in the country can use to better serve their players and their families.
So, what makes a Prep Hoops “GameChanger?” That is up to the eyes of the beholder. It may be an additional top performer still leftover from our prior event coverage. It could also be a player who made a key play that swung the game or maybe knocked in a game-winning shot that could be highlighted here. Or, it simply could be a prospect that brought all of the intangibles to the table that led his team to victory. Let's dive on in and highlight some of the GameChangers from the weekend's Prep Hoops Circuit Chi-Town Tip-Off.
This content series is sponsored by GameChanger-The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops.
Lochlain Casey
Lochlain Casey
One of the more impressive Class of 2026 big men at the Chi-Town Tip-Off, Casey averaged 11.5 points per game for All in Athletics 2026 Kay Gold. He is a good rebounder, finishes at a high level with very good hands, and is mobile for a big man that is still as young as he is. Impressive upside and will be a prospect to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.
Spencer Cullum
Spencer Cullum
Cullum is an active, athletic forward that contributed in a variety of ways throughout the weekend for Fundamental U 2024 National. He runs the floor very well, has great footwork and quickness around the basket, and rebounds his area at a high level. Like his ability to elevate up over the defense to finish at the rim. Intriguing prospect heading into the spring and summer months that brings a lot of energy to the floor.
Dillard helped to lead OPS 2025 Black to a 4-0 weekend and also suited up for the OPS 2024 Black squad on Sunday to provide some additional size. The physical 6’5″ forward rebounds the ball at a high level, finishes well around the rim, and showed an improved shooting touch when facing up to the basket. Plays with a good motor on both ends of the floor and impacts winning in a number of ways.
Nevarda Higgins
Nevarda Higgins
One of several really impressive prospects from the AUSA Australian teams at the Chi-Town Tip-Off. Higgins stands out immediately with his long, 6’7″ frame with elite athleticism. He runs the floor so well, is super bouncy at the rim, and pairs all of that with a versatile skill set. Over the weekend he showed the ability to knock down three-point shots making him a really intriguing pick-and-pop 4-man prospect for the next level.
This 6’9″ big man was a consistent force around the basket for Chicago Lockdown on their way to a perfect 4-0 weekend at the Chi-Town Tip-Off. King is a physical presence that can score with his back to the basket, ballscreen and roll to the rim, or clean up the glass for putbacks. Love his activity level as a two-way interior threat.
Highlights
A big part of the ET21 Buckeyes 3-1 weekend, Runaas is a playmaking point guard that can shoot it from beyond the arch and get to the basket off of the dribble. He is a true floor general that impacts the game on both ends of the floor with his quickness and high basketball IQ. Proven winner both during the high school season and on the Prep Hoops Circuit.
