Wednesday standouts from US Open Championships
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The US Open Championships ran from Monday to Thursday with 15 and 16 U teams competing for championships. Most coaches spent Monday-Wednesday at the event and in this article we’ll break down the standout performers I saw on Wednesday. Trey…
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Continue ReadingThe US Open Championships ran from Monday to Thursday with 15 and 16 U teams competing for championships. Most coaches spent Monday-Wednesday at the event and in this article we’ll break down the standout performers I saw on Wednesday.
Midwest Basketball Club 16 U had a solid weekend going 3-4 and with a couple close losses that didn’t go their way in the end. Perry was a consistent performer all week and helped his team in a variety of ways. Adding to his scoring game, Perry is making moves to the bucket and changing directions to keep players off balance. His favorite move is a quick right to left between the legs crossover before Perry explodes to the rim with a quick layup with either hand depending on his footwork while attacking the rim. An impressive shot maker off the bounce as well, Perry was best from mid-range this week but also hit some 3-pointers as well. Defensively, Perry gets a couple buckets a game off just being smart with his gambles to get steals off careless passing or dribbling from the opponents. With offers from multiple MAC schools and a couple other low to mid major programs, Perry is one of the top point guards in Ohio’s 2025 class.
Walker impressed on Wednesday by impacting the game in a variety of ways. A skilled forward who can hurt you from the inside and outside, Walker hit multiple 3-pointers in a few games this week by being shot ready off the catch. Physical at the rim as well, Walker can use his strength and ability to attack a closeout by stretching slower footed defenders out. After his production this week, Walker added offers from Grambling State and Akron, College of Charleston also offered last week. With a 4.0 GPA according to his twitter bio, expect more high academic programs to make Walker a priority as his recruitment picks up steam.
Was a big fan of Gateway Knights 15 U squad and Brown stood out. Just a tough guard who can do a variety of things on the court, he impacts the game in so many ways. Quick passing decisions off the bounce allowed Brown to move the ball quickly to his teammates either after scanning the court or with the live dribble. Hitting shots out to 25 feet from 3-point range, Brown was shot ready when the ball was swung to him. His best trait was his ability to attack the rim and finish with either hand below the rim. A crafty scorer, he used his body to deflect shot blockers at the rim and had some absolutely disgusting acrobatic layups. One of the top 2026 prospects in his state, Brown looks like he’ll be scouted by plenty of Division I programs over the next couple years.
Highlights
Smajic scored the ball efficiently and effortlessly on Wednesday. Shooting the leather off the basketball, Smajic has a quick and simple release. Constantly moving without the ball, Smajic worked to get the space to shoot it from long range. Another skill I thought Smajic excelled at was creating contact first with his strong frame on the wing. He did get called for one offensive foul, which is going to happen when you are as physical and relentless as he is, but Smajic was able to create space with his body control and physicality numerous times throughout the game. I thought Smajic was one of the most productive 2026 prospects I’ve seen this summer and has intriguing potential down the line as well.
Jasen Lopez
Jasen Lopez
Lopez was maybe the best athlete I saw all week with his quickness and change of direction being off the charts. A two-sport stud with offers from FIU and Hofstra for basketball and West Virginia, FIU and Western Michigan for football. His motor never stopped as he covers so much ground on the defensive end of the court, flying around in a high-pressure defensive scheme. Tough to contain off the bounce, few players can keep up with Lopez in the open court. When Lopez hits shots from the outside, it’s tough for defenses to slow him down. With 33 points in a victory, Lopez was one of the top guards I watched this week down in Memphis.