CenTX I35 High School Showdown: Standout Ranked Prospects

[player_tooltip player_id='1358185' first='Adrian' last='Mathis'] played the role of an explosive and dynamic elite floor general with an incredible command of the ball. His handles were tight and shifty, allowing him to control the pace and direction of the game with ease, while his nifty footwork kept defenders guessing, even at full speed. Known for his ankle-breaking dribbling, Mathis could split double teams and full-court presses with ease, using his craftiness to navigate tough defensive pressure. As a playmaker, Mathis excelled in both scoring and facilitating. He quickly read the court and made smart decisions, delivering timely and precise passes to his teammates. His ability to find the open man or create scoring opportunities for himself was rooted in his calm demeanor as he never rushed, always patiently taking what the defense gave him. His combination of elite ball-handling, vision, and decision-making made Mathis an exceptional leader on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2467792' first='Demorae' last='Pritchett']'s game stood out with his explosive ability to attack the rim. In one instance, he caught a pass in the corner during transition and instantly blew by a closeout defender, using a 1-2 hop step to soar for a baseline dunk, showcasing his elite instincts and awareness against help-side defense. His athleticism and quick decision-making allowed him to exploit defensive gaps seamlessly. Pritchett also had a high basketball IQ, particularly when it came to starting fast breaks. His defensive rebounding prowess was paired with the vision to quickly push the ball ahead in the open court, setting up transition opportunities for his teammates. Offensively, his deceptive length and crossovers allowed him to break down defenders and consistently get into the paint, making him a dynamic presence on both ends of the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1527106' first='JoJo' last='McIver'] showcased an elite first step combined with a burst of speed that allowed him to blow past defenders off the dribble and attack the rim. His explosiveness, paired with his crafty offensive approach, made him a tough cover in one-on-one situations. McIver's acrobatic handles and exceptional body control allowed him to navigate tight spaces, creating shots and opportunities that left defenders struggling to keep pace. As a finisher, McIver was particularly impressive. His ability to adjust midair, using his length and creativity, enabled him to finish around bigger defenders, often scoring through contact or in traffic. His combination of explosiveness, finesse, and body control made him a dynamic offensive player capable of taking over games by consistently beating his man and finishing at the rim in impressive fashion.     [player_tooltip player_id='1593831' first='Christian' last='Gibson'], the top-ranked shooting guard from the greater Houston area in the 2026 class, is a natural scorer with a diverse offensive arsenal. He can get buckets from all over the court, creating his own shot with a low, deliberate, and precise handle. Gibson is extremely comfortable finishing at the rim, automatic in the mid-range, and consistent from beyond the arc. When generating shots for himself, he often utilizes jab steps or hesitation moves before elevating for a high-arcing shot that's difficult to contest. Always shot-ready, he keeps his hands prepared and feet squared. His shooting stroke is gorgeous, and his fluid fadeaway at the release point often provides him a clear look at the hoop.     [player_tooltip player_id='1358194' first='Jamal' last='Chretien'] showcased a pure shooting stroke, particularly excelling when spotting up and catching the ball in rhythm. His smooth and fluid shooting motion made him a reliable threat from the perimeter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. As a left-handed player, Chretien had the added advantage of surprising defenders with his ability to attack with his right hand. When faced with one-on-one situations in the corner, he frequently beat his defender by driving baseline, using his craftiness and quick first step to create scoring opportunities. This combination of shooting and off-the-dribble attacks made him a versatile offensive player.