Impact Players At Gaso You May Have Missed
In this article:
Gaso is one of the prime events in Texas that allow young prospects to make a name for themselves. There were lots of talented players in gym but I noticed a few that made my radar that may have been…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingGaso is one of the prime events in Texas that allow young prospects to make a name for themselves. There were lots of talented players in gym but I noticed a few that made my radar that may have been overlooked. Let’s take a look at some top impact players you may have missed for whatever reason.
Daunte Smith
Daunte Smith
6’7 Daunte Smith was probably my favorite impact player from the weekend. Besides getting his job done plus more he just brings a crazy energy to the court I haven’t seen in years. He’s a stretch 4, maybe even a 3 at the next level. His impact was way more then just his game but he also balls out on both sides as well. Daunte was a double double machine, he grabs tough rebounds with his long wingspan. He’s also good for a couple mid range shots and putbacks on the offensive side of the ball. Vocally he led a talented RWG Stem prep squad. Calling out matchups, plays, screaming on every position and making sure his guys were top notch. I imagine it’s pretty intimating at the high school level but this is the type of energy next level coaches LOVE. He’ll be playing a tough schedule this year against national prospects and should attract alot of attention with his style of play. Make sure to have him on your watchlist for the season.
6’8 Noah Hill Noah Hill 6’8″ | C Frisco Emerson | 2025 TX is a guy I’ve got to catch several times for power house Frisco Emerson who is picking up some serious steam going into the season. He’s a guy we need to talk about as well, his energy at 6’8 makes him a serious prospect in Texas. He runs the floor well, cleaning up anything missed in transition. He’s also super unselfish with the ball and willing to make that extra pass to his guards if open or cutting. Defensively, this is probably Noah’s bread and butter at the moment. Long frame that creates problems for anyone attacking the basket, he also guards block to block and can even step out and on the perimeter and move his feet well. He averages a couple blocks a game and that includes “throwing your shot in the stands” yes, he does this EVERY game. Noah will have plenty of eyes on him this season being the big for 2 of the top 2026 guards in the state and I have a feeling he will be able to take advantage of that. Noah should be on your watchlist as he could finish the season as one of the standout 2026 bigs this year after school ball.
Theo Brannan
Theo Brannan
2026 The Brannan is a special talent at the guard position. I always say if your undersized I want to see you in every frame of my camera all the time defensively and knocking down shots when open. He checks all the boxes for sure leading a more then scrapping defense at Mansfield Summit that will press you until you have nothing left. His IQ is off the charts, he’s able to see passes on both sides before they happen. This lets him jump balls for several easy layups a game and when he’s not taking the shot he can drop a dime too. On the perimeter he’s a 60-70% shooter which means he’s making any defense pay that looses track of him. This also allows him to penetrate and make the right play for his offense. Theo is only a 2026 and looking poised, I’d make sure to keep an eye on him as his impact on the court will only grown from here.
6’8 Jeremy Nyakundi Jeremy Nyakundi 6’8″ | PF Arlington Martin | 2026 TX was had a huge impact this weekend for a talented Arlington Marton squad. He’s a fresh face for me and I was super impressed to hear he’s only a 2026. His build is solid, he’s strong and has excellent control of his self around the basket. His post presence changed the game but surprisingly shooting the 3 was one of his strengths. His form and footwork are pro and he shot about 60% on the weekend knocking down multiple 3’s every game. He displayed a good IQ moving without the ball and getting into to lanes for easy passes and putbacks. If he continues to develop his skillset, we could be talking about him as a national prospect very soon.
2025 Guard Ari Tumma was a fresh face I’ve never seen ball before. His impact on the South Lake Carroll squad is huge on both sides of the ball. At 6’3 he’s long and has a high motor that he uses all game. He gets to the basket with a shifty handle and can finish with either hand. He jumper was also polished and when he gets going, he can really go. In addition, he’s super versatile on defense being able to guard the 1-3 and help rebound. I also noticed the frustration he called the opposing guard by hounding him all over the floor even blocking a couple of jump shots. I like what I seen, make sure he’s on your watchlist this season.
2024 Tristan Strength Tristan Strength 6’3″ | CG Colleyville Heritage | 2024 State TX was tough this weekend, he put on a show against 2 worthy opponents on the main courts. What he lacks in size he made up for with a high IQ and quick first step. Going to the basket he was very physical, I was caught off guard by the amount of contact he was able to take while still finishing shots. His layup package is versatile with either hand and just hard to stop for anybody. He also showed some range knocking down multiple shots from 6-8 feet behind the arc. His high motor has me wanting to see more, he should be in for a breakout season at Colleyville Heritage this year.
Highlights
6’4 Cooper Guerra Cooper Guerra 6’4″ | SG Keller | 2024 State TX is apart of talented Keller squad that is really making some noise so far this year. At 6’4 his shooting ability landed him on this list. He has a quick release and confident shot that changes the whole dynamics of the offense when he’s on the court. I watched him knock down shot after shot in different positions. Off the dribble, off the catch, off a fumbled inbound, his release and form is so advanced even with a defender right in his face. He can also get downhill and use his size to finish dunks or run in transition & the fancy passes are just a bonus. Cooper should be on your watchlist for the season.
2025 Ja’Corian Oes Ja’Corian Oes 6’5″ | PF Tyler Legacy | 2025 State TX is 100% one of the guys who has been flying under the radar but is ready to breakout. He’s went from a good post presence to get him the ball when he’s in the game. I watched him take on 2/3 body’s at a time and still finish shots downlow. This weekend his impact was huge, knocking down several 3 balls opening up the court for his team. He can be a mismatch problem for coaches who have not seen him play before. He played perimeter defense and even dribbled the ball down court and dished some dimes. At his size, he’s a unique prospect that would be be considered a “athlete” if we were talking football. He’s one to keep an eye on this year I see a HUGE season on the way for him at Tyler Legacy.
Highlights
RJ Mitchell
RJ Mitchell
2024 RJ Mitchell is a smooth guard that I didn’t realize made such an impact until I went back to watch film. He’s unselfish for sure but his impact is just about everywhere on the court at 6’6. On the offense of side he was able to knock down big shots, especially when his team went cold. He has a nice touch and form and made a high percentage of the few shots he took from the perimeter. He’s quick going to the rim, using patience to find the right moment to beat you. His bonus was his rebounding ability, he crashed the boards so many times you’d forget he’s a PG/SG, this is a huge plus as a prospect at the next level. Good hands on defense, he was able to strip a couple balls off cleanly causing some frustration from his opponents. RJ is also at Arlington Martin and they’re they have some potential to make some real noise this year. Make sure to have him on your watchlist.