Grassroots Halfway Wrap-Up - New Names

With grassroots season taking a pause for high school team camps, summer vacations, and myriad other activities, it's time to take a short pause to catch our breaths. It also gives us at PrepHoops some time to recap on who's made a jump, new faces to know, and other happenings in the scene.   This article is dedicated to guys who have really popped up on the radar as legitimate players for the first time in 2024. With hot springs, they're going to be featured in our next rankings updates, be on our list of guys to watch at events, and hopefully gain more college exposure. Check them out below.    Studer has blossomed on the high school side of things, and put together a really nice first month of the spring before dealing with some injuries, which we wish him the best and hope he comes back strong in June/July. The rugged forward has been doing damage on the interior, mainly with a concerted effort every possession he's on the floor. He plays hard and battles against higher rated or bigger post players, and shows why he should be considered for a big jump in our next rankings update.     McCotter has risen from bench piece at Chambers to a legitimate prospect with [program_tooltip program_id='2417097' first='Team' last='Ish'] this spring, as a quick, shifty lead guard who can score and sit down on defense as needed. Very good with his change of pace and direction, allowing him to create space for himself to get off perimeter jumpshots, or create gravity in order to find his teammates for shots. Also a gritty, tough defender who uses that quickness and burst to make things difficult for his opponents. A small guard that really uses it to his advantage.     Peck is quickly making an impact on the 3SSB scene with [program_tooltip program_id='2078500' first='Garner' last='Road'] this spring, and is due for a massive entry into our 2026 rankings in just a few weeks. He's rapidly improving (as all bigs seem to do), with his skill and touch finally catching up to the wiry, long frame he's always had. Now a real 6'10 with leaping ability and those long arms, he's able to catch lobs and cause chaos in the paint on defense, with a ton of upside still to go. Some of that upside is visible in his improving touch and defensive awareness, but the sky is the limit for this kid.     Diaz is an intriguing name that's had a good run with [program_tooltip program_id='2078473' first='CC' last='Elite'] this spring, looking like he can be an impact contributor in the Charlotte Latin backcourt next season. He's a pass-first guy who has good feel and IQ about when to throw the home run pass or just hit the next one, and has that unselfish nature as he looks to get everyone involved. Thought his jumper was solid as it went in at a high clip, but his mechanics need a bit of work (which will come as he fills out and develops strength). Someone who is getting close to breaking out at the HS level soon and looks good against his peers.     Garcia is a new name that has been impressing with BSE so far this spring, as they continue to tear the circuit up. He's been playing more off the ball with the presence of multiple lead guards on his team, but can distribute in a pinch. His best ability is how he scores the ball at multiple levels though, a good shooter and someone who also has exhibited great body control and touch around the painted areas. Will be someone to keep an eye on for a college program next year.

With grassroots season taking a pause for high school team camps, summer vacations, and myriad other activities, it's time to take a short pause to catch our breaths. It also gives us at PrepHoops some time to recap on who's made a jump, new faces to know, and other happenings in the scene.