Grit Region Kick-Off: GameChangers
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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 Grit Region Kick-Off at the MidAmerica Sports Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
This content series is sponsored by GameChanger-The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops.
Xander Estacio
Xander Estacio
This physical, left-handed forward impressed with his high-motor and rebounding ability throughout the weekend at the Grit Region Kick-Off. Estacio finishes very well around the basket, can drive it in a straight line to his left hand from the high post area, and is an excellent positional rebounder. At 6’4″ with good strength he can mix it up inside against bigger defenders. Loved his competitiveness at all times.
In terms of raw upside, there weren’t many players in the gym that stood out more than Evans Jr. The 6’7″ forward has elite athleticism and length, runs the floor well, and continues to develop his all-around skill set. Compared to last summer, Evans Jr. looked more comfortable as a mid-range shooter and ball handler which makes him all the more dangerous. Already a very good rebounder on both ends of the floor. More than held his own while playing up an age group for a Pittsburgh Pioneer Elite 2024 team that went 4-0 at the Grit Region Kick-Off.
Length, athleticism, and upside are three words that come to you right away when watching this 6’2″ wing from Ben Davis play. Higgins had a strong weekend for Circle City Shooters Elite 2026 on their way to a 3-1 record. He is very shifty with the ball in his hands, gets into the paint consistently off of the dribble, and displayed some scoring chops from different spots on the floor. A name to remember.
Cal Klinzing
Cal Klinzing
Klinzing is an impressive 6’6″ post player that was a key contributor on a 4-0 MAC Boys Basketball 2024 squad over the weekend. He has excellent footwork in the post, finishes consistently around the rim, and rebounds his area very well. Really like his athleticism and mobility for his size. His team is loaded with college prospects and coaches will definitely like the potential of Klinzing when watching this group play.
Tizhaun Tomlinson
Tizhaun Tomlinson
After completing a strong sophomore season at Evansville Bosse, Tomlinson wasted no time making an impact on the Prep Hoops Circuit. The super athletic 6’0″ guard helped lead Indiana Ambition to a perfect 4-0 weekend. Tomlinson handles the ball well enough to create his own shot, gets excellent elevation on his pull-ups, and rebounds from the perimeter at a very high level. Intriguing two-way prospect to keep an eye on.
