The Best Small Town Prospect from All 50 States

Joe is a gifted scorer who can get it done from all levels. He is a huge threat from behind the arc and with his mid-range game off the bounce. He is a highly skilled backcourt player who produces whether he is on ball or off.

• Contributed by Terry Drake
• Local story: Small Town Prospects In Bama
  

Noah is versatile player, that impacts the game in multiple ways. He can also defend multiple positions.

• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

A sturdy-framed scoring guard with size and skill. He is a three-level scorer who makes threes in bunches. He can pull-up from mid-range and can post up. He gets out in transition and plays above the rim. He will score on put-backs with his frame and plays a lot on the ball to make a play.

• Contributed by Gregg Rosenberg

Taylor, a cerebral point guard, led Farmington to the Class 4A semifinals last season. From setting up his teammates to setting the tone with his competitiveness, he’s like an extension of the coach on the floor. Which makes sense as his father Johnny Taylor is the head coach for Farmington. Along with his traditional floor general traits, the younger Taylor can all fill it up from deep and score efficiently from all over the court. After a big grassroots spring and summer, he’s signed with North Texas.

• Contributed by Sam Duren

Carr comes in ranked as a Top 60 player nationally. Carr’s game would be described as consistent and efficient. He is a 6-foot point guard that competes on a different gear than most at his position. This past spring/summer AAU season, Carr competed at an elite level on both sides of the floor and because of that, his stock rose as a prospect. Looking forward, Carr has some options. He has a handful of Power 5 offers piling up already with plenty more to come throughout this winter.

• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Thomason has already shown value with his high motor and notable athleticism at 6’6″. His refined abilities as a perimeter scorer have opened up the rest of his game.

• Contributed by Clayton Conover

Tyler is committed to Cincinnati. He is a long, athletic wing. He is a knockdown three-point shooter with playmaking skills.

• Contributed by Justin Feinberg

Bernikow’s jumper is his special skill and he knows how to use it. The smooth combo guard has a high-arching shot and the footwork to go with it. He can create negative space for stepbacks or find spots inside the arc for mid-range pull-ups. He also has the craft to finish over and around defenders in the paint.

• Contributed by Chad Graham

Jayden is gifted scorer who does a good job creating his shot off the bounce. He has a good feel for the game and operates within the flow of the game. He is shifty off the bounce and does a good job of getting to his spots. He is very productive with his middle game.

• Contributed by Terry Drake

The only thing the Trevecca Nazarene-commit hasn’t accomplished is winning a state title — which could change this season. Abernathy is Georgia’s most prolific and more importantly, efficient scorer the state has seen since his freshman year. Jax averaged 29.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.6 steals while shooting 48% from three as a junior. His elite three-level scoring ability should plug-and-play his freshman season at the D-II level.

• Contributed by Kyle Sandy
• Local stories: Guards, Wings, and Forwards

Kauhane is the most recognizable player from Hawaii already. Kauhane is a point guard that competes with pace, intent, and drive. In every contest that he participates in, Kauhane is one of the most productive players on the floor. Whether it be scoring at a high rate, creating and facilitating for others, or even getting stops on the defensive side of the ball, it doesn’t matter. When you put Kauhane on the floor, good things are going to happen for your team. This winter Kauhane and his Kapaa teammates will be back for one more ride before he closes the book on a fantastic high school career.

• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Liam is a high motor, go-get-you-a-bucket prospect that was an absolute gem found in Idaho. He is headed to USC next year. This combo guard is a game-changer.

Funk is a prospect that jumped on our radar last fall at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Camp. He dominated during the high school season for his small school by blocking shots, rebounding, and using his athleticism on both ends. Funk projects as a legit D1 prospect from a school that only has 374 students.

• Contributed by Scott Burgess
• Local story: 25 Best Prospects from Small Schools

Benter comes from a town of under 3,000 people, but Brownstown Central High School is no stranger to basketball success. Playing for his father, the Braves long time head coach, this Purdue commit will go down as one of the top scorers in IHSAA history. He is an excellent three-point shooter, has high-level passing ability, and will surprise you with his athleticism.

• Contributed by Brandon Ramsey

Pflughaupt, who has committed to play his college ball at Upper Iowa, is a long and versatile 6-5 wing who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He’s a knockdown shooter off the catch, protects the rim defensively, and is an active rebounder. He has the look of an ideal 3-and-D wing as he moves to the next level.

• Contributed by Tony Roe

At 2A Bennington, Lawson is the top big man in the small classes, if not the best overall. The 6-foot-7 senior is good for about 20 points and 12 boards every night for his school, and he shows on the club circuit he can do it against all levels of competition. He combines great size and power with skill and fundamentals.

Travis is from tiny Eddyville, Kentucky, but has become a top-100 player in America with offers from all over the country. As a Junior, Perry became the state’s all time leading scorer when he broke a decades old record and he still has another full season to pad his stats. A near lock for Kentucky Mr. Basketball, Perry is hoping to get his Lyon County squad back to Rupp Arena to chase a state title.

• Contributed by Steve Quattrocchi

Welch is one of the best scorers we have in the state. He is a versatile player who can score at the three main levels on the floor. Welch might float under that radar because he is from a small town; however, he is highly skilled.

• Contributed by Preston Edwards

The state’s top returning scorer, Mercier is as well-rounded of a prospect as there is in Maine. A three-level scorer that can play on or off the ball, you won’t find many (if any) more competitive prospects in the state of Maine. On top of that, he’s a phenomenal rebounder for his size and gives tremendous effort on the defensive end. Most importantly, he’s a winner; having played in a state championship as a sophomore and a regional title game as a junior, don’t be surprised if he leads Ellsworth to a state championship this season.

• Contributed by Will Armishaw

Corkeron is a 6’5″ wing who impacts winning on both ends of the floor. The lefty swingman is a knockdown shooter from the perimeter who is usually good for at least five rebounds per game. Corkeron’s high basketball IQ is evident when you watch him play help defense.

• Contributed by Adam Ayalew

Rodriguez is a versatile player. A 6’5″ wing, Rodriguez can do virtually everything well on the court. He can score on all three levels, locks up on defense and rebounds consistently. He will have a huge year for Burlington this season.

• Contributed by Aasim Sullivan

Hailing from the remote hometown of Tom Izzo, Kangas is a versatile forward with a big time game. He will be one of top players in the entire Upper Peninsula.

• Contributed by Jonathon Gilbert
• Local story: Season Preview: Best Small Town Prospects

Isaac is the ultimate leader with his play, his off-court actions, and his vocality. Isaac is a nationally ranked player committed to Minnesota that had such an incredible July that schools like Texas, Houston, and others were interested in trying to pursue him. He’s led his team to the state tournament each of the last two seasons.

• Contributed by Ryan James

Brandon is a wing with good positional size. He is a tough shot-maker and does a good job finishing in the paint and at the rim. He does a good job playing without the ball in his hands, especially with his movement. He is a versatile weapon on offense as he maximizes his shot selection and scoring opportunities.

• Contributed by Terry Drake

Cooper is a 6’4″ 2024 guard who returns after leading Salisbury to the Class 2 state championship. He is a versatile playmaker who averages 20 points a game while also being a facilitator who can make his teammates better. The talented lefty is an explosive athlete who can also score at all three levels.

• Contributed by Earl Austin

The best athlete in Montana has freaky bounce and almost touches the top of the backboard! Ziccaiah’s jump shot is developing and he is getting the keys to the program. A highly motivated player and an even better kid. He has received one offer to date.

• Contributed by Michael Herrick

Glock is a 6’4″ guard who can shoot it at a high level with beautiful mechanics. Major scoring threat but also a good defender. Glock makes clean and smart decisions on the court, which speaks to his overall basketball IQ. Marcus is currently committed to Northwest Missouri State.

• Contributed by Michael Herrick

Williams is known for his shooting ability but he brings more than that to the table. He can also breakdown defenders with his ball-handling ability and quickness. Hailing out of Incline High School, south of Reno, with a population of less than 10,000.

A very quick and athletic point guard. He handles the ball on a string, passes well, and can score in bunches.

• Contributed by Justin Feinberg

Saleh is a versatile center prospect who impacts the game at both ends of the floor. The 6’8″ post has a solid face-up game as he can get to the rim from the perimeter and knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Saleh is an underrated passer and sets good screens in the halfcourt. He rips down rebounds at both ends of the floor and uses his size to influence shots around the rim.

• Contributed by Joe Esquivel-Murphy

Arroyo is a shifty, creative point guard with a nose for scoring. He can get to his spots at will and can create for himself and others off the dribble with ease. Arroyo has a knockdown jumper and seemingly unlimited range from beyond the arc. He makes a great case for being, arguably, the best player in all of 4A.

• Contributed by Sky Hatcher

Fontana is a versatile forward capable of impacting a game on both ends of the floor. He can score in a variety of ways, including on the inside, and is a high-level rim protector.

• Contributed by Aasim Sullivan

The Daniel twins have been on the PrepHoops radar for a long time since they popped onto the grassroots scene with CC Elite and now BSA Elite to end their careers. They’re a headache on both ends of the floor given their knack for operating in the backcourt as a top tandem in the state. They led Central Cabrrus High to 32-0 record in 2022-23 capped off by a 3A NCHSAA State title against UNC commit Drake Powell and Northwood High in last year’s final. They’ll look to make it back to back state titles to close out their high school careers as they should contend for a state title once again in 2023-24.

• Contributed by Jay Anderson

The Daniel twins have been on the PrepHoops radar for a long time since they popped onto the grassroots scene with CC Elite and now BSA Elite to end their careers. They’re a headache on both ends of the floor given their knack for operating in the backcourt as a top tandem in the state. They led Central Cabrrus High to 32-0 record in 2022-23 capped off by a 3A NCHSAA State title against UNC commit Drake Powell and Northwood High in last year’s final. They’ll look to make it back to back state titles to close out their high school careers as they should contend for a state title once again in 2023-24.

Friesz was First Team All-State (Class B) last season, All-Region, and averaged an eye-popping 28.2 PPH, 8 RPH, 2 APH, 1 SPG, and has already passed the 1K career scoring mark. Javin is a pure scorer, a 3-point assassin, and a cerebral baller. He is not just a bucket, Javin is also a special athlete who would still turn heads at the AA level. Mr. Friesz is ready for an epic senior season and I expect him to be named a Mr. Basketball candidate this spring.

• Contributed by Michael Herrick

White is committed to Ohio State and came off an impressive grassroots season with Indiana Elite. White has led his small town high school Ottawa Glandorf to three straight final four appearances and will be looking to finally lift the trophy as a senior.

• Contributed by Michael Roth
• Local stories: 2024s, 2025s, and 2026s

Forsythe is a complete point guard who has guided Dale to back-to-back Class 2A State Titles. This impressive run has included wins over programs from bigger classes, including becoming the first “Small Town” program since 1978 to win Oklahoma’s most prestigious in season tournament, the Tournament of Champions. Committed to the University of Oklahoma, the senior guard is a lethal off the dribble shooter, has outstanding floor vision, is capable of finishing above the rim and always plays at his own pace.

• Contributed by Sam Duren
• Local stories: Preseason Small School First Team All State, Second Team, and Honorable Mention
  

Tough, hard-nosed point guard with a diverse offensive game. Hammack can really get hot from the outside and is outstanding at getting to the basket and scoring over bigger players. Plays with confidence and won’t back down to anyone on either end of the floor.

• Contributed by Jed Tai

Shawaluk can score in bunches by draining threes from all over the court, blowing past defenders off the dribble for lay-ins and getting out in the open court. Because of his high basketball IQ, Shawaluk rarely takes an ill-advised shot and is an excellent passer. Shawaluk’s intensity, non-stop motor and positive energy are intangibles college coaches will love.

• Contributed by Carey Smith

Daley is a knock down three point shooter with a quick release.

• Contributed by Justin Feinberg

Daquean really piled up some numbers a season ago for the Flashes at 23 PPG. Nicknamed “Fudge,” Lewis plays at one of the smallest schools in the Palmetto State over near the Georgia border. Lewis is effective playing bigger than his size and by attacking the basket with his athleticism.

• Contributed by Bret Swanson

Laue was All-State as a sophomore and helped lead the Warriors to State. I expect him to do that again in the 2023-24 season. Bryon is a bit of an old-school post that can dominate on the block with strength, physicality, and toughness. However, he has great feet and hands, and his post moves are polished. Laue scores with a soft touch, can hit from 15 feet, works as an enforcer in the paint, and he controls the boards.

• Contributed by Michael Herrick

Deshun has positional size and does a good job scoring the rock off the bounce. He has a mature and brilliant floor game and knows how to create his own shot. He is active on the glass and thrives in transition.

• Contributed by Terry Drake
• Local story: Small Town Prospects in Tennessee

A force to be reckoned with. A player that has a physical demeanor about his game but he also has the smooth ability to counter out of whatever he is attempting, into a better opportunity for himself or a teammate. Henderson is a player that competed with some of the best in the country this past year on a national level and did more than hold his own. I’m not sure of what colleges have officially offered him, but getting a player like this could change your whole program.

• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Kyle is representing the smaller areas out in St. George but the area has fantastic talent and he is leading the way. The big fella is a throwback talent that puts in work and plays with a high motor.

The modern 3/4 swingman, Drew brings high-IQ connectivity to both ends of the floor. He’s a wise off-ball player, snappy decision maker, and a three-level scoring machine. An uber versatile defender who does it all inside and out, Bessette’s efficiency and smarts are clear cut.

• Contributed by Cody Quattrocci

Hardy enjoyed a productive summer running with 17U GATA Academy. The skilled lead guard reinforced his credentials as one of the better players in the Commonwealth after being the only sophomore named VHSL 3A First-Team All-State.

• Contributed by Adam Ayalew

Van De Graaf is an explosive, high-potential 3&D guard. He is an efficient scorer inside and out, and at 6-foot-5 he brings a lot to the defensive end as evidenced by his block and steal numbers. He should take off this year now that it’s his turn to be the guy at Zillah.

• Contributed by Ryan Morgan
• Local story: Best Small Town Prospects from Washington
  

Zion is a dynamic basketball player. He has already shown to be one of the state’s best post players, yet he is actually better suited to be a wing at the next level and is projected as such. Zion can guard 1 through 5 and has proved to be effective guarding other college prospects at those positions. He also shoots the ball well and is more than capable of putting the ball on the floor.

• Contributed by Scott Strode

Lefty guard that is very patient while attacking his opponents. Has a very good understanding of what his defender is not good at, leading to easy buckets for himself and his teammates once he exploits that weakness. Would also be categorized as a high-energy player that can help Will his team to victory on any given night. One of the best players in Wisconsin regardless of class.

• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

As a 6’4” point guard, Patterson gets the job done defending, shooting it accurately, and slashing, but his most incredible attribute is his passing ability. This past summer, Patterson received co-MVP of the Gonzaga Basketball Camp. Coach Bellmyer has coached for 30+ years and Patterson is the best player he has been around, this includes Ethan Happ who won the BIG10 Player of the Year. He is a great student and a stud football player, but he wants to play college basketball. College scouts need to start taking a serious look!

• Contributed by Michael Herrick