Lonestar State Showdown: 2027-'28 Breakout Point Guards

The stage was set in Dallas as the Prep Hoops Circuit's Lonestar State Showdown brought together grassroots talent from across Texas and surrounding regions. While many came in with high expectations, it was the breakout prospects and players flying under the radar who truly made the most of the spotlight.    [player_tooltip player_id='2558840' first='Cayden' last='Hinderman-Close'] gave off glowing floor general energy. He took whatever the defense gave him and made the most out of it. His subtle use of ball fakes and jab steps opened the door for separation, whether to shoot, drive, or make the pass. He operated with a low center of gravity and solid upper body strength, drawing contact with intention and powering through it for tough, contested finishes that often ended in and-1 opportunities. A quick thinker and solid decision-maker, he spotted the open man whether attacking off the dribble or standing still.     Langston Branson was a natural as a floor general, not only did he get everyone involved, but he set them up for easy looks, making each player on the floor better when he had the rock. By far the best facilitator I saw all weekend. His unselfishness, court vision, and passing accuracy were top-tier and the best aspect of his game. He was shifty and crafty, with a strong burst on that first step, stopping and going at will. Branson had a knack for delivering pinpoint passes through tight windows, constantly suckering defenders into position before swiftly dropping a dime to a backside cutter. Anytime he had the ball, his teammates knew to cut hard.     Highly active playmaker on both ends, Zariyn had a knack for turning defense into offense. Always in the right spot at the right time. He racked up steals on the ball and in the passing lanes early and often, pushing the pace immediately and creating transition drive-and-kick looks. Defensively, he constantly closed space and applied pressure, forcing ball handlers to pick up or retreat. His hands were so strong he could rip the ball out of opponents' hands mid-possession. Unselfish with the ball, he excelled as a pass-first player who could run the offense and get everyone involved.     This controlled, explosive point guard displayed a remarkable feel for the game. A true three-level scorer and high-IQ playmaker. His first step was one of the most impressive and effective tools in his skillset. consistently blowing by closeouts for one-dribble mid-range pull-ups. He elevated and followed through with precision. Boyd's ability to touch the paint and make smart decisions showed a clear path to becoming a dynamic lead guard.     Medina's footwork was next level elite. Playing off two feet on a play-to-play basis created countless setup opportunities for himself and his teammates to get easy looks. A pure paint-toucher, Medina loved to jump stop into the lane. His step-through was precise, his stride stop was polished, and his 1-2 hop step was dynamic in traffic. Footwork like that is rare, and he made the most of it every time.

The stage was set in Dallas as the Prep Hoops Circuit's Lonestar State Showdown brought together grassroots talent from across Texas and surrounding regions. While many came in with high expectations, it was the breakout prospects and players flying under the radar who truly made the most of the spotlight.