Skills Summit: Upperclass Stock-Rising Wings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TUSTIN, Calif. — The sixth Hoops By Ugland (yes, me) Skills Summit brought together 145 prospects from across Southern California and beyond Sunday at Tustin high school. There was a mix of highly-touted, under-the-radar and unknown prospects all of whom got to showcase their abilities in front of many of the region's top scouts and media. Below we break down the upperclass wings - 2026 and 2027 prospects - who raised their stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2530698' first='Elijah' last='Sumi-Scruggs'] | Apex International Sports Academy</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sumi-Scruggs' game is underscored by his long, wiry frame, bouncy athleticism and the ability to get out in transition and cover ground. The 6-foot-4 wing was an elite transition finisher with explosive vertical pop off the floor that allows him to elevate quickly to nullify any rim protecting defense. Sumi-Scruggs also used his physical tools to impact the defensive side of the floor with numerous tips, deflections and steals in passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Esten Wilson | 2026 | St. Anthony</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What jumped out most about Wilson throughout this event was how hard he played in games and drills. The 6-foot-5 wing was all over the floor grabbing offensive rebounds, defending every position, running the floor and finishing in transition an all that production was based simply on effort, energy and hustle. Wilson was best as a slasher and finisher who used his combination of strength and athleticism to score through contact around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2953224' first='Jackson' last='Burnham'] | 2026 | Laguna Hills</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When his feet are set and is given time and space, you can file Burnham under the "dead-eye" category of shooter. The 6-foot-4 senior will be one of the top perimeter shooters in Orange County this season as his fundamental mechanics and high release point allow him to get his shot off in a variety of situations. Burnham is a consistent deep ball shooter from multiple spots and distances behind-the-arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Kevin Keshishyan | 2027 | Los Altos</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keshishyan is an interesting long-term prospect because of his versatility on the offensive end. At 6-feet-7 with a long, wiry frame, the senior is a knock down three-point shooter whose ability to pull bigger defenders away from the basket opened up scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates on drives. Keshishyan also showed the ability to put the ball on the deck and go by defenders closing out where he got into a balanced mid-range jumper. Another interesting fact about Keshishyan is he doesn't turn 16 until September 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2423634' first='Lamar' last='Smith'] | 2027 | San Diego</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith was a surprise performer at the 2024 Skills Summit and made sure to have a repeat performance in 2025. Smith is a quick twitch and bouncy vertical athlete but also one that uses his long strides to cover ground and close on the rim quickly in transition offense. Smith's ability to put pressure on the rim, and finish over any rim protecting threat, made him one of the more efficient transition scorers in the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2953233' first='Owen' last='Saukkola'] | 2026 | Newport Harbor</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saukkola was a late addition to the event who ended up really helping his recruiting stock. The 6-foot-6 wing is a smooth perimeter shooter who also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create for himself and others. Saukkola brought a balance and high IQ approach to the camp games where he allowed the game to come to him, capitalized on his open looks and flashed a pop of athleticism on a put-back dunk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2436283' first='Tre' last='Cradle'] | 2027 | Sage Hill</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cradle as among the top three basketball athletes in the gym on Sunday. The 6-foot-3 junior has added a ton of good strength to his (previously) wiry frame and that, combined with his length and vertical athleticism, resulted in countless transition and half-court dunks throughout the event. Cradle is an intriguing upside prospect who can defend multiple positions and rebound in and out of his area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->