National Open Championship: Players To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>#PHNationals powered by VKTRY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When elite talent, packed crowds, and rows of college coaches all collide, you know something special is about to go down.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend, <strong>Indiana—specifically Lebanon and Westfield—becomes the center of the grassroots basketball world</strong> as the <strong>Prep Hoops National Open Championship</strong> tips off! Two premier venues, <strong>The Farmers Bank Fieldhouse</strong> and the <strong>Pacers Athletic Center</strong>, will set the stage for an unforgettable Live Period showdown. Expect an electric atmosphere, high-stakes matchups, and plenty of coaches lining the baselines to scout the next wave of stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With teams traveling in from across several states, the competition will be fierce, the styles will clash, and the sheer amount of talent on display will be nothing short of elite. <strong>Prep Hoops Dakotas</strong> is locked in and ready to soak it all up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, who's ready to make a statement? Dive into our <strong>Players To Watch</strong> as we spotlight the hoopers primed to turn heads and steal the show this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100","fontSize":"11px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:11px;font-style:normal;font-weight:100"><a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/07/national-open-championship-player-watchlist/">CLICK HERE </a>to see the Player Watchlist article about the same event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See below for player comments..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2906089,"width":"282px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_c1ae2c.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_c1ae2c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2906089" style="width:282px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2906091,"width":"282px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_549290.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_549290.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2906091" style="width:282px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2250240"],"_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-6877b886ea391"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nuttbrock is a potent offensive weapon. Colby is a skilled scorer from every level. Colby beats defenders to the rim with his athleticism and shoots over the smaller D with his length. He is a mismatch nightmare and an athletic finisher. Look for Nuttbrock to be a major scorer in Indy, PHD is excited to see him ball out at Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2828901"],"_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-6877e3139ef10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with MXTE Premier 16U Ulrich. Lowe has led this team in scoring the past two years. He consistently makes shots against tough defense and contested hands. Davion is a three-level scorer who loves when the pressure is on. He steps up in big moments and enjoys defending the opposing team's top player. He throws elite transition outlets passes. Lowe is also top 2 on the team in assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591735"],"_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-6878037769340"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilkey is a versatile and tough wing-forward who does a little bit of everything. He defends multiple positions, scores while getting to the basket, finishes through heavy contact, and hits mid-range pull-ups. Antwan is also scrappy inside the paint to rebound, block shots, collect a bunch of steals, and seems to always grab the 50/50 ball. Gilkey is averaging 15 ppg for [program_tooltip program_id='2144495' first='Team' last='Elevate'] this spring and summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2434650"],"_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-68780377693af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Havvard is a unique wing forward who has the strength to play inside at his size but has the skill of a guard to play on the perimeter. Ashton sees the court well and shoots the three at a high clip. He rebounds well and plays multiple positions on D.  Havvard averages a Double-Double, 10 ppg and 11 rpg. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2510497"],"_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-6877d3e011159"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is a physical wing who is tough to handle when he gets going downhill. This, combined with a solid mid-range jumper, makes Jerome a scary offensive threat. Devin hoops with high effort on the defensive end. He seems to always step up big in crucial situations. He is a gamer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2606561"],"_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-6877b886ea3ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I watched some of his film at the GPA in St. Cloud and Eric was impressive. PHD is high on Van Berkom's game, his future looks bright. I like his feel for the game, craftiness, skill, and the way he carries himself on the court. Eric is excellent on blocking/altering shots, he is a real deal rim protector. He is also an adept finisher and smooth/accurate three-shooter. PHD will be keeping a close eye on Van Berkom in Indy, we are expecting good things for the Blue Jay.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2146237"],"_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-6878037769445"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haslerig is a dynamic scorer! He gets downhill with his quick first step and noteworthy length. Jeremiah has a tight handle and gets to his mid-range jumper with ease. He uses his length defensively, playing the passing lanes for dunks and layups. He's a must-watch baller for Indy. Haslerig is averaging 19 ppg this spring and summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2828894"],"_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-6877e3139f01d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with MXTE Premier 16U Ulrich and goes to high school at Eastmoor Academy. As a 6'2" PF, JD is an undersized post player, but he hoops with heart and defends anyone. He is an unselfish teammate who can put the ball on the floor and create shots for himself and others. Broomfield always keeps possessions alive with his eye for the ball off the rim and his aggressive offensive rebounding. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1736172"],"_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-68780377694b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keegan is a true two-way player with good size and a polished skill set. He controls the tempo with ease and is rarely rattled. He plays with a calm, steady presence. Colter consistently makes high-IQ decisions as a passer, finding cutters, hitting shooters in rhythm, and keeping the offense flowing. He scores it at all three levels—knocks down open threes, pulls up confidently in the mid-range, and finishes through contact at the rim. Keegan's consistently a Top Performer/All-Tournament player. He is averaging 18 ppg, 8 rpg, and 3 apg this spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2442680"],"_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-6878037769503"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He typically runs with Bears Tail but is hooping with Pack in Indy. KHB and Bears Tail finished the club season with a 21-4 record, so this kid is no doubt a winner! I watched Keller player a handful of time this sping and summer, he is loaded with potential. KHB is long, an impressive athlete, has great effort, boards hard, and has high upside as a defender. I am interested to see how he fits in with Pack. KHB and Booth will be a problem on the interior, that's for sure!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2849453"],"_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-6877e3139f0a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lachlan runs with MXTE Premier 16U Ulrich. He is one of the leading scorers on his team. Singletary has looked good all season. He is a lead guard who has stepped up his on-ball defensive game this season. On offense, Lachlan keeps the squad in games with his 3-shooting. Singletary lets it fly with a quick release and he has no trouble getting it off vs. bigger/taller defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2423561"],"_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-6877d3e011238"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gogin is a knockdown perimeter deadeye. Max is shooting 47 3FG% with over 80 attempts. He is physical for his size/height and plays bigger than what you see on the roster. Max has been playing tough off-the-ball defense and is forcing many steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2106993"],"_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-6877b886ea43c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't often get the chance to see Nelson play live during the high school season since he's in a different region, so being in Indy is the perfect opportunity to watch this long, skilled Dragon in action—multiple times. DeCoteau does good work on the glass, he always finds a way to come up with multiple offensive rebounds per game. He is a sure-handed forward and a reliable finisher. PHD is high on Nelson's upside. Let's see what sort of production DeCoteau will have in the Hoosier state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2414753"],"_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-6877d3e011303"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Waterman is a versatile wing with quality length and size. Rigg is shooting an impressive 45% from the three-point arc; he has 80+ attempts this season. Obviously, this kid is a shooter! Waterman is also a lockdown perimeter defender with a gift for creating steals. Rigg is rebounding well as of late, he recently had a game with 16 boards!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2146238"],"_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-68780377695c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vu is an undersized scoring lead guard. He scores with pull-ups from mid-range and deep threes from long range. He shoots with a super quick trigger. Victor changes speeds well to keep defenses off balance. He is a pest on the ball defensively and brings great energy to the court. He also makes his teammates better. Vu recently dropped 29 points in a single game this past tournament. He is averaging a cool 16 ppg this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1758925"],"_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-687803776960e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Busalacchi is a point-forward type of player with a good frame who can shoot the three-pointer. He is a very good rebounder in his area and will score with offensive rebound put backs. Vincent plays the game from the neck up and sees the court like a PG. He is averaging 9 ppg, 10 rpg, and 3 apg. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2906092,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_7fddc1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_7fddc1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2906092" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->