Thanksgiving Hoopfest: Day 1 Standouts
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One of the top events of the year has made it’s way to Dallas again. Hoopfest, full of crazy match up’s from local to national talent. Here are some kids that really brought their A game even when matched up…
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Continue ReadingOne of the top events of the year has made it’s way to Dallas again. Hoopfest, full of crazy match up’s from local to national talent. Here are some kids that really brought their A game even when matched up with top notch competition.
2026 Bo Ogden Bo Ogden 6’6″ | SG St. Michael Catholic Academy | 2026 State TX was a fresh face for me and elite is an understatement for the day 1 preview I seen of his upside. Only a 2026, Bo stands at 6’6 and can just about do it all on the court. Stat stuffer, his versatility let’s him play several roles when needed depending on the matchups in front of him. Offensively he was efficient, didn’t force many shots and knocked down a high percentage of the shots he did take. He can shoot the 3 or slash in and drive to the rim. He also was huge on the boards which really stood out to me. Defensively Bo was super disciplined, doesn’t leave his feet much unless needed and is still able to block shots and deflect several passes. His bonus is moving well up and down the court in transition play. Look for Bo to climb the rankings after his sophomore year heading into his upperclassman campaign. He should be on your radar at St. Michaels in Austin, Tx.
2025 Kaidon Rayfield was for sure a standout impact player and has unique skillset for a player his size. Upon first glance you’d think at 6’8 he was just your typical post player but as the game went on he showed he has much more then post presence to offer as a prospect. He made a living on the free throw line on Day 1 as Kimball seemed to understand they were out matched size wise. He plays on the perimeter most of the game with good guard skills he was able to drive to the rim, kick out to the open teammate or even dump off pass the ball in the post. You can see he like to finish aggressively as he almost finished some big time dunks over people several times. Defensively he showed some versatility, helping out in the post being able to block any shots that come near him but he also played up top near the arc quite a bit and had some success slowing down Kimball’s athletic guards. Great footwork and mobile ability for his size, Kaidon has lots of potential to be a top Prospect at Putnam City West and you should have him on your radar for the season.
Jalon Thompson
Jalon Thompson
6’9 Jalon Thompson was a standout in Friday’s game against Pflugerville Weiss. He plays both sides of the ball, and has a crazy wingspan that may be around 7ft. Offensively he’s effective, not just with scoring he uses his IQ to draw attention and create space for his teammates, if you leave him alone he’ll finish strong at the rim. Strong rebounder as well but he makes his bread and butter on the defensive side. He averages a couple of monster blocks a game and cleans up anything that comes near him at the rim. He’s also super active in the passing lanes I noticed he gets 1/2 steals and multiple deflections per game. Jalon is a impact player that will help complete a solid defense at the next level, make sure he’s on your Radar this season at Desoto HS.
6’9 2024 Cameron Jackson Cameron Jackson 6’9″ | C Pflugerville Weiss | 2024 State TX was active on both sides as well and stood out as my top prospect in a matchup with Desoto on Friday. He’s aggressive at the rim offensively chasing putback opportunities whenever available and is high percentage in the post with the ball. He can post up and use his big frame and nifty footwork to overpower defenders for buckets. Bonus was his passing ability out of the post up forcing you to leave him 1 on 1 or leave a shooter open that he will find. Defensively he’s a effort guy and at 6’9 that means he’ll be making several plays at the rim and in passing lanes. Cameron is someone to have on your radar for the season as he seems to have a point to prove every time he steps on the court.
2024 Deontrell Barrett Deontrell Barrett 6’0″ | PG Lancaster | 2024 TX was impressive for Lancaster in Friday’s loss to St. Raymonds (NY). He seemed to keep a cool demeaner even when things got a little hectic understanding that the team composer comes from it’s senior leaders. He showed some good things on tape against some elite competition mainly his shot off the catch finishing with 23 and the games leading scorer. His ability to play on or off ball makes him valuable to be on the court, he was patient when getting pressed and helped get the ball up court when Lancaster struggled in that area. He also can stretch the court as a shooter, he made several triples of the catch which forced the defense to give 1 on 1 opportunities to his teammates who are really good in the isolation setting. Deontrell is a player to have on your radar and if he plays like this consistently he should pick up some looks and interests to play at the next level.