Battle of the Borders: Standout Performers

Ryan Morgan May 27, 2024 @ 03:16 PM

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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1863195' first='Jackson' last='Whitaker'] | 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='2196830' first='Jaylen' last='McLaughlin'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington' last='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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1863193' first='Brandon' last='Tagle'] | 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1953756' first='Quincy' last='Byas'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2076260' first='FOH' last=''] 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450946' first='Tait' last='Spencer'] | 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450943' first='Julian' last='Ibarra'] | 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.

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.