North Texas Opening Weekend Standouts
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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…
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Continue ReadingUIL 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.
6’6 Jaden Marshall Jaden Marshall 6’6″ | SF Mansfield Timberview | 2026 State TX is way to underrated for my liking. Not only is 6’6 as only a 2026, his wingspan and performance is obviously on par with some of the top 2026’s in the state. He made his debut for summit this weekend and didn’t disappoint. He finished with 23 points and a gang of rebounds. Crafty footwork, he can knock down the short midrange off the turn around or run the floor and for big transition finishes. Defensively clogs the lane and provides a shot blocker with his 7 foot wingspan. Jaden is one to watch this season and has potential to put several coaches on notice by the end of the year.
Highlights
Daniel Thomas Daniel Thomas 6'8" | PF Dallas Carter | 2024 State TX
Daniel Thomas Daniel Thomas 6'8" | PF Dallas Carter | 2024 State TX
6’8 Daniel Carter was one of the most impressive bigs in the area this weekend. He is physical kid with major bounce at the rim and a long wingspan defensively. He set the tone for a veteran Carter team that has high expectations this year. At 6’8 he looked to block everything that came his way, everything. He had a couple of blocks that really got myself and the crowd going and picked up the energy for Carter. Offensively a strong rebounder, plays well in the high post or the pick and roll situation and is a pairs well with a high IQ guard. As a bonus he had 2 monster dunks, 1 that put the exclamation point on the win on over red oak. Daniel is in for big season at Carter and will have the attention of may scouts this year. Keep him on your radar.
Jayce Cooper
Jayce Cooper
6’3 Jayce Cooper was a fresh face for me at the Cowtown Tip Off. Not sure if anyone seen it coming but he exploded for a 31 point performance in a double OT win over Timberview. Nice length at 6’3 with a smooth game. Never rushed, he controlled the pace and got the shot he wanted every time. His 3 ball is money from anywhere he hit 4 of them in Saturday’s opener. He also showed some nice footwork on the way to the basketball with a couple finesse type finishes. If Saturday was a preview of what Jayce has to offer for Arlington Bowie this season then lookout, he could really make some noise this year.
Bryce Bennet
Bryce Bennet
5’10 PG Bryce Bennet got some extra time on the court this weekend for loaded South Grand Prairie and really showed he’ll be one of the area’s top PG’s next year. At 5’10 as a prospect I have a rule that I want you everywhere all the time on my footage and he did just that. Defensively was a dawg, going after loose balls, annoying the guards on the perimeter and creating transition for SGP. Offensively was super effective, unselfish PG but can and will score if needed. He carried showed some sharp shooting and tough layups at the rim over bigger defenders using his speed and quick first step. HIGH IQ, HIGH MOTOR…Keep Bryce on your radar this year.