Mayhem in the Plex: Standout Performers Day 2 (Part 2.)

This past weekend at the RYSE Energy StarCenter in Farmers Branch, the gym was packed with energy, talent, and next-level performances. From unheralded prospects making a name for themselves to known names cementing their status, the tournament delivered solid competition from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Here is the second installment of standouts from day 2.    Jackson is a physical forward who plays through contact and owns the paint. He's got a quick second jump, making him a constant threat on the glass. Offensively, he scores with efficiency around the rim and has a soft touch on short jumpers. Defensively, he anchors the interior, alters shots, and brings a vocal presence. Jackson's toughness and leadership qualities make him a foundational piece.   Translatable Skills ✅ Interior Scoring ✅ Rebounding ✅ Paint Defense     Heard is an elite shot-maker who can light it up from anywhere on the floor. He gets into rhythm quickly, scoring in bunches with a smooth, compact release that's deadly off the catch or bounce. What separates him is his ability to operate at all three levels—hitting tough mid-range pull-ups, finishing through traffic, and stretching defenses with deep threes. Defensively, he brings energy and toughness, often matching up against top scorers and making them work. Heard is the rare blend of microwave scorer and team-first glue guy—he impacts winning on both ends.   Translatable Skills ✅ 3-Level Scoring ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Clutch Shot Making     Brannan is a true floor general with a high basketball IQ, allowing him to control games with his decision-making and leadership. He excels in orchestrating the offense, setting up teammates, and making timely shots. Defensively, he applies relentless pressure and disrupts opposing guards. His experience and poise have been instrumental in Mansfield Summit's deep playoff runs. Brannan's combination of skill, intelligence, and competitiveness makes him a top-tier point guard in the 2026 class.   Translatable Skills ✅ Court Vision ✅ Leadership ✅ Perimeter Defense     Foster plays with an advanced poise and mature floor presence. He handles pressure well, distributes effectively, and shoots with confidence from deep. His ability to read the game is impressive for his age, rarely forcing the action and making smart, team-first decisions. On defense, he stays in front and contests without fouling. Foster has all the makings of a true lead guard at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Basketball IQ ✅ Shooting Consistency ✅ Lead Guard Mentality     Irvin is a young but promising big with natural tools and flashes of brilliance. His length and timing make him a shot-blocking presence inside. Offensively, he's still refining his touch, but shows soft hands and finishing ability around the rim. He runs the floor well and plays hard, which is key to early development. Irvin is a long-term investment with high upside.   Translatable Skills ✅ Rim Protection ✅ Mobility for Size ✅ Rebounding Potential     Baker is a veteran guard who plays with poise and precision. He shoots it well off the catch and bounce, and he doesn't shy away from physical drives. Defensively, he uses his strong frame to contain dribble penetration. Baker brings experience and composure, making him a valuable backcourt leader. His presence stabilizes any lineup.   Translatable Skills ✅ Shot Making ✅ Physical Guard Defense ✅ Leadership Under Pressure     Curtis is a budding forward with size, strength, and a feel for the game beyond his years. He finishes well in traffic and doesn't shy away from physical play inside. He rebounds in and out of his area and consistently makes winning plays. As his range continues to expand, he's becoming a real stretch-four threat. Curtis' upside is immense and his current production is already impactful.   Translatable Skills ✅ Paint Presence ✅ Physical Rebounding ✅ Finishing Through Contact     Langley is a long, athletic forward who makes his mark as a slasher and rim protector. He gets out in transition well and thrives as a lob threat or trail finisher. His shot-blocking instincts stand out, and he uses his wingspan to change shots without fouling. His upside as a two-way player is intriguing. If his jumper continues to develop, watch out.   Translatable Skills ✅ Rim Running ✅ Shot Blocking ✅ Slashing     Donaldson is a well-rounded combo guard who scores in bunches and competes hard defensively. He's shifty off the bounce and can create separation with ease. His mid-range game is mature, and he has the confidence to take over stretches. Defensively, he uses his strength to stay in front and challenge shots. Donaldson is a two-way guard who brings toughness and scoring.   Translatable Skills ✅ Shot Creation ✅ Defensive Toughness ✅ Mid-Range Game     Brown is a wing with an excellent blend of strength and finesse. He bullies his way to the rim but also has the touch to float it in or step out and shoot. He competes on both ends and uses his length well to contest shots. Brown plays with edge and never backs down from a challenge. His versatility allows him to fit into multiple lineup combinations.   Translatable Skills ✅ Physical Driving ✅ Shot Contesting ✅ Positional Versatility     Gatewood is an exciting point guard who thrives with the ball in his hands and plays with a confident swagger. He has the ability to score at all three levels and creates offense both for himself and others. Whether initiating from the top or attacking off the wing, he reads defenses well and makes sharp, instinctive plays. Defensively, he moves well laterally and excels at guarding in space, keeping his man in front while anticipating help rotations. Gatewood's blend of IQ, aggressiveness, and playmaking makes him a valuable backcourt weapon.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Facilitating ✅ Perimeter Defense

This past weekend at the RYSE Energy StarCenter in Farmers Branch, the gym was packed with energy, talent, and next-level performances. From unheralded prospects making a name for themselves to known names cementing their status, the tournament delivered solid competition from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Here is the second installment of standouts from day 2.