Prep Open Tournament X-Factors

<p>February is half over, meaning state tournaments are set to start. The Prep-Open tournament is set to tip off next week and it is filled with X-Factors who will make the difference throughout the tournament. Here are the X-Factors to watch in the Prep Open Tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2628166' first='Santonio' last='Wade'], 5'10 PG Patrick School 2026</strong></h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1578536' first='Jaysean' last='Williams'] </strong>also runs the offense at times, but Wade has been a steady presence throughout the course of the season. The 5'10 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes nicely around the basket. Wade can also score in the mid-range and threads passes to his teammates in the halfcourt. He has the ability to play off the ball as well and uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense. Wade is a speedy guard prospect whose ability to run the offense effectively will help his stock throughout the course of the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213561' first='Brendan' last='Oliver'], 6'6 SF Blair Academy 2025</strong></h2>   <p>The Buccaneers are loaded with talent, but Oliver's role throughout the course of the season has been a part of their success. The 6'6 wing attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong above the rim and is unafraid of drawing contact. Oliver uses his size to see over his defender and rarely makes mistakes with the ball in his hands. He is a solid rebounder and has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor. Oliver is a lanky wing prospect who does whatever it takes to help his team win games.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2202023' first='Frankie' last='Hoynowski'], 6'1 PG College Achieve 2027</strong></h2>   <p>Hoynowski has taken a step up this season and should carry over his success into the Prep tournament. The 6'1 guard has a good release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Hoynowski can also get to the rim off the bounce and finishes nicely around the basket. He is a gritty on-ball defender and moves well without the ball in his hands. Hoynowski is a tough guard prospect who should put his full game on display over the next couple of weeks.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1764304' first='Gabe' last='Hornberger'], 6'4 SG Peddie 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Hornberger has been lighting it up from behind the arc recently with 11 made triples in his last three games. The 6'4 guard has a smooth shooting stroke and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Hornberger is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the rim. He slides his feet on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Hornberger is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should torch the nets from distance in the Prep-Open Tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347867' first='Sage' last='Mateo'], 6'3 PG Hun 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Mateo does a little bit of everything for Hun and is looking to lead Hun on a deep tournament run. The Cornell commit rarely gets rattled by on-ball pressure and uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor. Mateo can finish in a number of ways around the basket and doesn't mid drawing contact. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and can also play off the ball. Mateo's ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help Hun win games over the next couple of games.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588143' first='Dylan' last='Napoleon'], 6'3 PG Pennington 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Napoleon has made plays for the Red Hawks over the course of the season and should continue to do so in the tournament. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the basket and can hit shots through contact. Napoleon can also score in the mid-range and is an underrated passer. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to make plays on the defensive end. Napoleon has five double-doubles this season and should add to that total during the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2427088' first='Anson' last='Beard'], 6'5 SF Lawrenceville 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Beard can play either forward spot, making him an intriguing prospect to watch. The 6'5 forward uses his body well to get position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Beard can also put the ball on the floor and has a good release on his jumper. He works for rebounds on both ends of the floor and holds his ground on defense. Beard is a tough forward prospect who is looking to make his presence felt on the interior.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2504938' first='Gardy' last='Etienne'], 6'4 SF Life Center Academy 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Etienne has taken a big step for the Crusaders as his impact is felt on both sides of the ball. The 6'4 wing uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and can finish through contact. Etienne can also score in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He skies for rebounds at both ends of the floor and uses his instincts to get steals on defense. Etienne has nine double-doubles this season and could add to that total during the Prep Open Tournament.</p>

February is half over, meaning state tournaments are set to start. The Prep-Open tournament is set to tip off next week and it is filled with X-Factors who will make the difference throughout the tournament. Here are the X-Factors to watch in the Prep Open Tournament.