Battle of the Borders: Standout Performers
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This list highlights some of the top performers from the Battle of the Borders. Scorers, playmakers, and game-long grinders, these guys were among the most impressive prospects and performers to take the floor throughout the tournament. Jackson Whitaker Jackson Whitaker…
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Continue ReadingThis list highlights some of the top performers from the Battle of the Borders. Scorers, playmakers, and game-long grinders, these guys were among the most impressive prospects and performers to take the floor throughout the tournament.
Jackson Whitaker Jackson Whitaker 6'2" | CG Liberty (Renton) | 2026 State WA | EBC Elite 17U | 2026
One of the best shooters in his class, Whitaker is a complete player who can hurt you all over the floor. He rarely has to force a play because he has a multi-faceted skill set to hit a wide range of shots and see the floor to make just about any pass. He continually makes the right play, can fill multiple roles, and is an efficient scorer who makes the most of his touches. He’s a fast riser in the 2026 class who can really do it all.
Jaylen McLaughlin Jaylen McLaughlin 6'1" | PG Bothell | 2027 State WA | Washington Supreme 17U | 2027
McLaughlin has one of the prettiest jumpers I saw at the tournament and it all starts with his ability to get on balance and get that consistent lift with his feet. The footwork was on full display with baseline faders, quick catch-and-shoot 3s, and side-stepping defenders to drop in 3 after 3. When defenders got tired of seeing him hit from outside, he attacked hard closeouts and was able to make plays to the hoop. He’s a big-time talent in the 2027 class.
Brandon Tagle
Brandon
Tagle
6'1" | PG
Kentwood | 2026
State
WA
| Seattle Select UA 16U | 2026
Tagle was everywhere for his team at Battle of the Borders. He was scoring, passing, pressing up on ballhandlers, and played with a high motor. Offensively, he took drives right into bigs inside, created contact and finished, was able to pull up short for runners and floaters, and was nails from 3-point range. His offensive profile has really flourished over the spring and after a strong finish to his high school season, Tagle has kept the ball rolling, looking like a true talent to watch in the 2026 class.
Quincy Byas
Quincy
Byas
6'6" | SG
Rosemary Anderson Prep | 2025
State
OR
|
FOH
EYCL 17U | 2025
Byas makes the tough shots look easy and while he’s able to hit he tightly contested shots from the perimeter, he also made some great decisions to nail 3s when defenders went under screens, and attack driving lanes when they decided to chase him over the top. He can stop on a dime to hit midrange pull-ups and shows great touch from every level.
Tait Spencer
Tait
Spencer
6'3" | SG
Great Futures Prep | 2024
WA
| More than Hoops 17U | 2025
Spencer was an effective three-level scorer who played a step ahead of most with his ability to see the floor and react. He plays with strength and control, mixes in drives with pull-backs, and continually makes the right reads to play angles and beat defenders. He was hitting from long-range, nailed several in the midrange, and was tough at the rim. Defensively, he jumped a number of passes for easy breakaways and led the way for his squad with determination, skill, and IQ.
Julian Ibarra
Julian
Ibarra
6'4" | SG
Quincy | 2024
State
WA
| Team 360 Hoops 17U | 2024
Ibarra is a player who can control the game from the midrange and he looked comfortable and composed for his squad throughout the tournament. He showed his ability to weave through defenders, get guys off their feet or off balance with fakes and pivots, and see cutters in tight spaces. He played without forcing the ball into tough spots, was patient but still prodding, and established a nice flow to their offense.