Spring Review: Players to Watch So Far
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The spring travel season is only a month in and there have been some players who have already lit up the hardwood. With the various circuits and tournaments being played this spring, players will get even more chances to showcase…
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Continue ReadingThe spring travel season is only a month in and there have been some players who have already lit up the hardwood. With the various circuits and tournaments being played this spring, players will get even more chances to showcase their talent. So far, in the games I have viewed, there have been performers who have shown the growth in their game. With only one live period this summer, players will need to be on top of their game to showcase their best talents when the time is right. In this spring review of players to watch, we will look at some of the players that have caught the eyes of scouts thus far. These young men are definitely players to watch.
Cody Mcghee (Memphis Knights ’25) – Memphis has always been known for having good guards and Mcghee is one of the latest from that area. He is a point guard who can get down hill quickly and finish at the rim. Mcghee is also elusive in the open floor which helps him with those rim finishes or helps him find others. His speed and agility make him a point guard to watch this summer.
Kensington Candler Kensington Candler 6'1" | CG Little Elm | 2026 TX (Flash! Elite ’26 3SGB) – Flash! Elite is taking their talents to the Adidas circuit and Candler may be one of the best guards on it. He is a three level scorer who has the ability to make scoring look easy. Not only does he score effectively, he is a willing passer. His ability to hurt defenses with the variety in his skill set sets him apart. He should be a guard on the rise in Texas.
Cooper Nelson Cooper Nelson 5'11" | PG Sterlington | 2026 State LA (O.W.E. 16U EYCL) – After the sophomore season he had, Nelson is primed to have a big summer on the Nike circuit. He is a pass first guard who knows when to get his. Nelson is a good decision-maker and makes the right pass more times than not. Transition is where Nelson does a ton of damage. His vision and passing ability makes others around him better.
Hadi Alshami Hadi Alshami 6'9" | PF Westlake Boys Highschool | 2024 TX (Strive Basketball Australia Red) – There is something to be said about a 6’9″ player who can stretch the floor. Alshami is one of those players. He has a very good touch from behind the arc and he is a very good shooter from the free throw line extended. Alshami can also protect the rim and will block shots defending one-on-one or out of his area. His height and touch make him a very intriguing player to watch.
Kerel Dean-Woods Kerel Dean-Woods 6'6" | SF Bossier | 2025 State LA (O.W.E. 17U EYCL) – At 6’7″, Dean-Woods is one of the best wing shooters in the Boot. He has a smooth, high release that is very consistent. Also, because of his height, he is able to score on either side of the paint. His ability to stretch the floor and to score from the free throw line and below makes him a hard player to guard. Dean-Woods is definitely a talent to watch.
Joshua Weems (Flash! Elite ’26 3SGB) – Weems was the sixth man on this Grind Region winning team. Since last summer, he has improved his shooting and is now a full fledged problem on the floor. Weems is ultra quick in the open floor and that has translated to his attacks in the half court. His quickness and strength are assets when he attacks the rim. They also help when he defends on the perimeter. Weems is a guard to look out for this summer.
Whether it is Nike, Adidas, Prep Hoops, or another shoe circuit, these players are preps that will make coaches take notice. They are some of the best that will be seen during the spring and on into the future months.