Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds: Day 1 Ballers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds tipped-off yesterday at 8:00 AM in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stomping Grounds is a smaller-sized tournament, but there is definitely no shortage of midwestern talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this initial post, Prep Hoops will look at the obvious standouts that I saw live that come to mind, before going back on the film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a quick-hitter of 10 prospects at the tournament that caught my eye. I will be mentioning as many standouts as possible throughout the week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2475034"],"_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-6829b5d6290f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zak is putting on a show at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds. The 15U guard from [program_tooltip program_id='2337876' first='James' last='Valley Thunder'] is quite possibly the best athlete at the tournament. He has a crazy vertical, but he also has a full-package of athleticism. He has quick-twitch defensive insticts, in which he can make sudden plays on the ball for steals. He has been blowing by defenders in the half-court, and if he gets going in the open court, then it's pretty much game over for the opposing team. He has been catching designed alley-oops for easy dunks and knocking down threes when he decides to shoot them. He's been a load to handle for defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2475033"],"_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-6829b5d62916f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The backcourt of Zak and Weber is causing a lot of problems for their opponents. I mistakenly moved back Weber down the South Dakota 2028 rankings because he had a quiet high school season at the varsity level. Well, he's back in the top 10 conversation in an incredibly deep South Dakota 2028 class. He's not as explosive or the high-flyer that Zak is, but Weber is a baller and a playmaker of all sorts. It's looking like he's going to be able to translate to a true point guard for the next level. A great feel for the game and makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He's tough to contain off the dribble and is a knockdown shooter as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2723975"],"_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-6829bc5b191a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This was my first time seeing Blake live and close-up. He's playing up a division as a 2028 playing with [program_tooltip program_id='2250291' first='Hoop' last='City South Dakota'] 16U-Joey. He'll for sure be entering the top 10 in the 2028 class in the next update. He has some work to do offensively, but he is probably the best rim-protector and shot-blocker in the class. A great length and vertical combination. Great motor and high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2277844"],"_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-6829bc5b191fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brady has possibly rose his stock more than anyone so far at Stomping Grounds. I was finally able to see him up-close and live, and he's the real deal. Top 20 prospect that has [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] 2027 2-0 right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2495317"],"_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":2865521,"_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-6829be4ac1ebf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Oniya looked to be one of the top individual playmaking guards in the 16U division. He was lethal with the ball and could score from all levels. I've seen him live in the past, but he looks improved and more skilled and comfortable with the ball. He's a legitimate shotmaker and seems to be more accurate when he is on the ball, rather than in a catch-and-shoot. When he enters the rankings, he's top 30 in the 2027 class based off of pure talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1986901"],"_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-6829bc5b19240"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Skogsberg had a nice showing for Northwest Iowa Stars when I saw him play live. Bryson's 3-ball game hasn't quite evolved like I had hoped for, but his overall ability to score in other ways and be an aggressive scoring threat has exceeded expectations. When he gets going and gets on a roll, he can win games for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2429967"],"_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-6829c1f8132d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Juffer's stock is on the up and up, with him looking like his coordination skills and 3-point making steadily improving as the offseason keeps going. At 6'7” length as well, he's probably closer to a top 25 prospect than where he's currently at. He's a next-level talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2839883"],"_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-6829c1f813327"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't want to get into much detail on Schoenfeld right now, because he'll be featured as a stock-riser in the 2026 rankings update tomorrow. But I do want to mention that I found out that he's a fairly young 2026 prospect and he will turn 18 years old next May when he graduates. So, I believe that is noteworthy for college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539676"],"_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":2865537,"_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-6829c5f7c23d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reese put on a shooting display in the lone game I saw him play. I didn't get a total number of 3's made. He didn't just go on a streak of makes, he was consistently knocking them down throughout the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2250345"],"_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-6829c5f7c2430"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I thought Jake did a lot of good for his stock. This was the first time I caught him live, and he was way more dynamic offensively than I had realized. He was a creator and shotmaker that put forth a ton of energy and effort. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->