North Texas Opening Weekend Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UIL Opening weekend was one of the best in a while here in North Texas with no clear cut favorites this year for a state run. Most teams opted in for multiple games this weekend which let us really get to see who's who team and individual wise. Several players were impressive and made my watchlist for the season but here are a few standouts that deserve a first look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2142197"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2273052,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2142197' first='Ben' last='Price'] was a key piece in leading state favorite WT White to a big win over another state contender Newman Smith. My first time locking in on him playing, he was impressive and had all the things to make a recruiter drop a offer on site. At 6'6 he can run the 1 to 3 with no problems giving a versatility to the backcourt. For Ben we'll start on the defensive side because he is ELITE. From the footwork to staying in front of defenders to the wingspan allowing him to tip passes and create transition, he's a physically defender that matches up well with anyone including bigs. Offensively, super smooth...played within the flow of the offense and knocked down contested shots over and over in crunch time with the game on the line. Ben is part of a talented backcourt and will have a opportunity to really separate himself from some other prospects with a tough schedule in front of WT White.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6552aec9cabe4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1478395"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2273067,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2024 Nic Codie is widely known as the top overall player in the 2024 class. With that type of pressure it's guaranteed he's up against the best game plans and players every time he steps on the court. This weekend he showed why he'll be elite regardless of what you throw at him. To start, he's a double double machine, he takes pride in rebounding and it impacts the game on both sides of the floor. Offensively he's really converted into more of a stretch 4 which will be his position at Texas next year. He can handle the ball, run plays and put the offensive in the best position possible to score. His IQ is notable as well, he's seeing things way before they happen. Tough at the rim, soft touch but powerful when he finishes. He probably gets fouled every time he touches the ball and you start to notice the refs looking to balance things by not calling every foul. Defensively he can cover your whole paint area with a monster wingspan he's also a big time shot blocker. Recently committing to Texas, Nic nearly had no offers or attention at this time last year. He's just getting started development wise and is one to watch this year for sure at power house Newman Smith.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6552aec9cac66"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2273050,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1126051' first='Rustan' last='Griffen']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Richardson High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"6'6 [player_tooltip player_id='1126051' first='Rustan' last='Griffen'] was a standout this weekend operating between the 1-3 for Richardson High School. Smooth guard with a long wingspan. He gets it done on by sides and has a bunch of confidence shooting the ball. The first thing I noticed was that he wanted the ball during the crunch time when the game was on the line. He's has a good IQ that lets him take good shots and get to his spots creating space off the dribble. He can slash or shoot the 3. Defensively he was able to make some plays using his length that lead to transition baskets. Very mobile on the run, he'll be a key piece to Richardson's success this year on both ends. He's a good looking early season prospect to have on your radar.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6552aec9cad27"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2273081,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1738704' first='Baron' last='Smith Jr.']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Haltom High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"6'8 [player_tooltip player_id='1738704' first='Baron' last='Smith Jr.'] was a man amongst boys this weekend as far as individual impact. He showed glimpses of being one of the most dominate bigs in the metroplex if given the opportunity. His impact is huge, offensively he is a classic big man nothing fancy just pure footwork, power and touch of his shot. He got several 1 on 1 plays in the post and converted all of them to buckets. He's also a strong rebounder, he enjoys the physicality of the post on both sides. Defensively, he blocked shots...lots of them not much more you can ask out of your post players. Baron could be in for a BIG season playing along side a 6'9 OU commit doesn't allow defensives to lock in on just player for Haltom.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6552aec9cadb7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1267170"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2273064,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"6'2 [player_tooltip player_id='1267170' first='Cameron' last='Carroll'] was a stand out in South Grand Prairie's blowout win over Pinkston at the Cowtown Classic. Even in limited minutes this kid just knows how to make plays with the basketball. He can easily go for 20 most games but also prides himself in being a true PG that gets his teammates involved when possible. He thought process is already ready for the next level IQ wise and his team will need him on the floor to make a state run this year. He's flashy with his handle, spin moves, crossovers and shifty stop and starts on his way to the bucket. He can shoot the 3 ball as well. Defensively is where he really stands out, he just makes plays on and off ball all game that lead to momentum shifts for his team. Can't wait to see Cameron in mid season form, make sure he's in your early season watchlist as ESPN has him a 4 star at the moment.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6552aec9cae1a"} /-->