Prep Hoops Live: Jack’s Day 3 15U Difference Makers
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Sunday was the final day of Prep Hoops Live and teams had the opportunity to finish the weekend on a high note. Here were the seven prospects who stood out to me at the 15U level. Rio Aguirre HEIGHT 6'1"…
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Continue ReadingSunday was the final day of Prep Hoops Live and teams had the opportunity to finish the weekend on a high note. Here were the seven prospects who stood out to me at the 15U level.
Rio Aguirre
Rio Aguirre
Rio was so fun to watch in the game I was able to catch, clearly taking the game over. The freshman point guard scored a game-high 30 points in a win over an undefeated North Dakota Phenom team, getting buckets in just about every way imaginable. He started the game off hot from three and never cooled down, connecting with a total of six three-pointers, some coming all the way from the volleyball line. He was also finding success getting downhill and attacking the basket. He was able to lay the ball up with either hand and he had no trouble finishing at full speed. Along with the incredible scoring performance, he served as his team’s main ball handler and was hitting his teammates with some super impressive passes. Aguirre was one of my favorite players to watch all weekend.
Andrew Jensen blew me away with his performance in a dominant win over D1MN Culp. The defense had no answer whatsoever for the 6’9” freshman, as he was getting just about anything he wanted inside. He was corralling any rebound in his vicinity on both ends of the floor and only went up strong when looking for his shot. Aside from that, the part of his game that impressed me the most was his versatility. He looked great running up and down the floor and starred in some transition situations. Jensen looked very comfortable handling the ball in the open floor and threw down a huge one-handed slam that was slightly contested. Andrew and All Wisconsin finished the weekend with a solid 3-1 record.
Bennett was absolutely dominating the paint in North Dakota Phenom’s final game of the weekend. The 6’7” freshman has a solid frame and used that to his advantage all day. He was a beast in the post with his back to the basket, being able to finish with force or with touch. He started the game fighting through contact for finishes and drawing fouls, but incorporated some fadeaway shots into his scoring arsenal as well. Larson was also very active on the offensive boards which also led to some second baskets for himself. He’s currently ranked at the top of the 2026 North Dakota state rankings and I can see exactly why.
Highlights
Antonio Baymon
Antonio Baymon
Antonio showed out in their huge win over a tough PJ Hoops team. He really took over for Team Teague when it mattered most and could not miss down the stretch. The 6-foot guard has the innate ability to hang in the air and alter his body to convert contested layups through traffic. He was effective in transition (as was the entire team) in using his athleticism to find ways to finish at the basket. He showed what he could do scoring from the perimeter as well, knocking down some pull-up jumpers and a catch-and-shoot three. Baymon and Team Teague 2027 showed why they are one of the best 14U teams in the midwest with a perfect 4-0 record this weekend playing up in Minneapolis.
The freshman center already stands at 6-foot-7 and was a difference maker in the win over Central Florida Heat. He was incredibly hard to match up with and dominated the painted area when he was on the floor. He grabbed some impressive contested rebounds, eliminating second chance opportunities for opponents. In the first half, he got up for a transition two-handed dunk, showcasing flashes of what he can potentially do above the rim. I also saw him convert on a tough make with his back to the basket in the post. Despite his tall height at such a young age, he moves pretty well and he ran in transition to put himself in position for a pass from a teammate which led to an and-one layup. The Ralston Valley 9th grader has a lot of potential.
Malachi Hill Malachi Hill 5'8" Minneapolis South | 2026 MN
Malachi Hill Malachi Hill 5'8" Minneapolis South | 2026 MN
Malachi Hill Malachi Hill 5’8″ Minneapolis South | 2026 MN really impressed me with the intensity and energy he brought in a huge matchup with Team Teague. PJ Hoops just fell short, but Malachi was doing everything he could to keep them in the game. The 5’10” guard is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and can change direction in a split second to keep his defender guessing. He has range from the three-point line and beyond, being a threat to shoot off the dribble or off the catch. On top of that, he is a fearless attacker and was not scared to go at larger defenders. This resulted in him getting to the line for free throws. Hill played varsity this past high school season with Minneapolis South as an 8th grader.
Keegan Balistreri
Keegan Balistreri
Keegan contributed to a very spread out scoring approach by B&B Academy on Sunday. He served as their main ball handler for most of the game and controlled the pace that they played at. He is very smooth and crafty with the ball in his hands and found success getting his teammates involved. Along with his play making, he could score from different areas on the floor, stepping out and knocking down a pair of triples, as well as a solid take that would result in a three-point-play. The 9th grader looked like an upperclassman when he was on the floor.