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#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!

#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Robert Davis
Robert Davis
April 5, 2025 @ 09:53 PM
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In this article:

Esamari Carter
Esamari Carter 6'1" | PF | 2028
CO
Caleb Black Feather
Caleb Black Feather 6'2" | SF | 2028
SD
Jonathan Caban
Jonathan Caban 5'10" | SG | 2028
CO
Derick Pino
Derick Pino 5'7" | PG | 2028
CO
David Robinson
David Robinson 6'2" | SF | 2028
CO
Gus Van Matre
Gus Van Matre 6'1" | PF | 2028
CO
Jeremiah Shortis
Jeremiah Shortis 6'4" | SF | 2028
CO
Toraino Johnson Jr.
Toraino Johnson Jr. 2028
TX
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some players that were able to turn some heads as they were able to swing the momentum. These were the players from day one that caught my eye and are demanding attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2381955"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0ac8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shortis immediately established himself as a dominant interior presence. Using his size and physicality, he controlled the glass and consistently created second chance opportunities. When he sealed deep in the post, he was nearly automatic, finishing quickly and efficiently around the rim. In his second game, he went on a scoring tear, pouring in 10 straight points in the paint and proving just how tough he is to contain once he finds his rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2821297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2832187,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0b47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caban impressed with his ability to impose his will on smaller defenders. He used his strength and burst to get downhill and finish at the rim, while also displaying excellent court vision. He was able to find open teammates quickly or take it to the paint to score in key moments, he played within the offense and provided steady production throughout the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2506299"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2832188,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0ba1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pino thrived in the open court, using his quickness and ball handling to create opportunities in transition. He attacked the basket confidently, finishing through contact and even scoring over taller defenders. As the day progressed, his vision and playmaking stood out, consistently finding teammates for open looks while keeping defenders off balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2821343"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2832189,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0bf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Black Feather brought versatility to the floor, dominating in the paint and showing the ability to stretch the defense. He used his size to finish over smaller defenders and powered through contact to score inside. On the glass, he cleaned up missed shots and quickly got out in transition. He also flashed his shooting touch, stepping out to knockdown the three ball or middy and kept the defense honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2823364"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2832190,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0c4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carter is an agile, high motor big who made an impact on both ends. He relentlessly attacked the boards and showed the ability to take it coast to coast after a rebound. His vision in transition allowed him to facilitate and create for others. On the defensive end, he was disruptive in passing lanes and caused key turnovers that led to scoring chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2381881"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2832192,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0c9f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson Jr. displayed impressive athleticism, consistently finishing at the rim, even over taller defenders. With tight handles and court awareness, he pushed the pace in transition and converted tough finishes. On the offensive glass, he created multiple second chance opportunities, and defensively, he made game changing plays including momentum shifting blocks that sparked his teammates and the crowd.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2395544"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0ce5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robinson brought energy and versatility on both ends of the court. He crashed the boards with intensity, eliminating second chance opportunities for opponents and sparking transition offense. Defensively, he proved capable of guarding multiple positions and altering shots inside. Once he found his rhythm, he also stretched the floor with perimeter shooting, creating more space for his teammates. Unfortunately he wasn't able to play in the second game but left his impression after the first.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2395424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f1ec9ff0d2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Van Matre is a dynamic big who runs the floor well and finishes strong at the rim, even through contact. He was a consistent force on the glass, generating second chance points with offensive rebounds. His shooting range sets him apart, as he confidently knocked down the 3 ball and his midrange jumpers. With soft touch and shooting versatility, he poses a unique challenge for opposing bigs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at some players that were able to turn some heads as they were able to swing the momentum. These were the players from day one that caught my eye and are demanding attention.

Jeremiah Shortis

Jeremiah Shortis

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'4"
POS SF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jeremiah
Shortis SF
Class
2028
Height
6'4"
HS
Columbine
|
CO
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Shortis immediately established himself as a dominant interior presence. Using his size and physicality, he controlled the glass...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jeremiah Shortis

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Columbine
Club: Pluto Prospects
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jonathan Caban

Jonathan Caban

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS SG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jonathan
Caban SG
Class
2028
Height
5'10"
HS
Mesa Ridge High School
|
CO
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Caban impressed with his ability to impose his will on smaller defenders. He used his strength and burst...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jonathan Caban

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Mesa Ridge High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Derick Pino

Derick Pino

CO
PG
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS PG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Derick
Pino PG
Class
2028
Height
5'7"
HS
Palmer
|
CO
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Pino thrived in the open court, using his quickness and ball handling to create opportunities in transition. He...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Derick Pino

State: Colorado
School: Palmer
Club: 7070 Athletics
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Caleb Black Feather

Caleb Black Feather

SD
SF
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Caleb
Black Feather SF
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
HS
Pine Ridge
|
SD
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Black Feather brought versatility to the floor, dominating in the paint and showing the ability to stretch the...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Caleb Black Feather

State: South Dakota
School: Pine Ridge
Club: Venoms
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Esamari Carter

Esamari Carter

HEIGHT 6'1"
POS PF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Esamari
Carter PF
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
HS
Grandview High School
|
CO
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Carter is an agile, high motor big who made an impact on both ends. He relentlessly attacked the...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Esamari Carter

State: Colorado
School: Grandview High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Toraino Johnson Jr.

Toraino Johnson Jr.

POS N/A
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Toraino
Johnson Jr.
Class
2028
HS
Nolan Richardson MS
|
TX
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Johnson Jr. displayed impressive athleticism, consistently finishing at the rim, even over taller defenders. With tight handles and...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Toraino Johnson Jr.

Instagram
State: Texas
School: Nolan Richardson MS
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
David Robinson

David Robinson

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
David
Robinson SF
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
HS
Eaglecrest
|
CO
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Robinson brought energy and versatility on both ends of the court. He crashed the boards with intensity, eliminating...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

David Robinson

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Eaglecrest
Club: Colorado Magic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Gus Van Matre

Gus Van Matre

CO
PF
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS PF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Gus
Van Matre PF
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
HS
Fairview
|
CO
#PHSpringKickoff Day 1 15U Game-Changers From Golden!
Van Matre is a dynamic big who runs the floor well and finishes strong at the rim, even...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Gus Van Matre

State: Colorado
School: Fairview
Club: Colorado Titans
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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