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Hot Hands to Start Summer

Hot Hands to Start Summer
Victor Scott
Victor Scott May 6, 2025 @ 11:36 PM
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X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Jalen Neal
Jalen Neal 6'3" | SG/SF | 2026
AR
Jace Gatlin
Jace Gatlin 5'11" | SG/PG | 2028
AR
Daron Hicks
Daron Hicks 6'1" | CG | 2028
AR
Lleyton Weaver
Lleyton Weaver 6'1" | SG | 2027
AR
Clay Blair
Clay Blair 5'10" | CG | 2026
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These prospects can knock it down and get others involved, showcasing their playmaking, scoring ability, and offensive efficiency. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2820934"],"_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-681ae345e3440"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jace scored in bunches this weekend, hitting shots from all three levels, leading his team in scoring over 4 games, averaging 15.7 points per game. He shot the ball from deep off the dribble comfortably, using screens well to find space. He also got inside the lane with his quick first step, finishing around the rim with finesse and fundamentals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382014"],"_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-681ae345e34d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weaver is a sniper from beyond the arc. He shoots accurately on all types of looks from outside. He can knock down shots off the bounce or the catch and facilitates the ball unselfishly to get others involved on offense. He spaces the floor well and understands how to move without the ball. He put together a solid weekend with 26 and 27 points in back-to-back games, lighting it up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021916"],"_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-681ae345e3550"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blair showcased his shooting prowess and ability to pressure ball handlers in a solid weekend. He shoots with precision from deep range, a capable 28-30ft shooter. His speed and toughness give him the ability to drive the ball and defend the perimeter well. He grabbed 5 steals while putting up 19 points to clutch a win over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2883702' first='Jalen' last='Neal']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Marion","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='2820983' first='OFF2U' last='']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681ae345e3642"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Neal is a tough, physical guard who can get to his spots with strength and speed. He plays tough defense, looking to force turnovers on drives with active hands. He has had a strong start to his summer, showcasing his mid-range scoring and ability to make plays with the ball from the wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2724319"],"_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-681ae345e36b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hicks has been playing well this summer, getting to the rim on drives and creating scoring opportunities for teammates by getting defenders to collapse while he dishes out the ball for others. He has scored from all three levels and defended inside and out very well this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

These prospects can knock it down and get others involved, showcasing their playmaking, scoring ability, and offensive efficiency. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas

Jace Gatlin

Jace Gatlin

AR
SG/PG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS SG/PG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jace
Gatlin SG/PG
Class
2028
Height
5'11"
HS
Sheridan
|
AR
Hot Hands to Start Summer
Jace scored in bunches this weekend, hitting shots from all three levels, leading his team in scoring over...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jace Gatlin

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Sheridan
Club: Arkansas Assault
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Lleyton Weaver

Lleyton Weaver

AR
SG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS SG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Lleyton
Weaver SG
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
HS
Jonesboro High School
|
AR
Hot Hands to Start Summer
Weaver is a sniper from beyond the arc. He shoots accurately on all types of looks from outside....
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Lleyton Weaver

State: Arkansas
School: Jonesboro High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Clay Blair

Clay Blair

AR
CG
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Clay
Blair CG
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
HS
Little Rock Central
|
AR
Hot Hands to Start Summer
Blair showcased his shooting prowess and ability to pressure ball handlers in a solid weekend. He shoots with...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Clay Blair

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Little Rock Central
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Hot Hands to Start Summer</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(247,101,23, 0.95) 0%,rgba(247,101,23, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/05/hot-hands-to-start-summer/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/PHGenericSR.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Hot Hands to Start Summer"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Hot</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Hands to Start Summer</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Jalen Neal Jalen Neal 6'3" | SG/SF Marion | 2026 State AR

HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SG
CLASS 2026

Jalen Neal Jalen Neal 6'3" | SG/SF Marion | 2026 State AR

School: Marion
Club: OFF2U
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Daron Hicks

Daron Hicks

AR
CG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS CG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Daron
Hicks CG
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
HS
Hot Springs
|
AR
Hot Hands to Start Summer
Hicks has been playing well this summer, getting to the rim on drives and creating scoring opportunities for...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Daron Hicks

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Hot Springs
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

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    Aidan Chronister

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