Needle Moving 2028s looking to turn heads at the Soph Showcase

We're two days out from Sophomore ID Camp at Gold Crown on Sunday, September 7th. This is a chance for the top prospects in the 2028 & 2029 classes to go at it and prove that they belong amongst the top prospects in their respective classes. Rankings will be updated by the end of the month using what we see at the event as a key baseline for players we're familiar with, and add new names to the list that we have not seen, so now is a great opportunity to see these players compete. These players took advantage of the opportunity and will be heading to Gold Crown for the Sophomore showcase. Here's what we expect to see when they step on the floor.   If you still plan on getting out to the event, we will be accepting walk-ups at the event and encourage all 2028s to get out to the event.    What we know:    We know that Desmond was one of the best freshmen in the state a year ago before he went down with an injury. He showed himself as a balanced guard with good size, a scorer who can put the ball in the basket, and a playmaker who sets up teammates. You put the ball in his hand,s and good things happen.   What we'd like to see:    I want to see if he's still that guy and can get back to that player, and more. I want to see if that was just a minor setback or if he improved as a shooter and ballhandler without being able to play. This is our first time seeing him since he got back, but we've heard great things from coaches on him returning to form. We want to see how he competes and pushes himself against the top players in the state, and if he separates himself. Excited to see what he looks like.     What we know:    What we know is that Williams loves to compete. We have seen him multiple times this summer as he takes advantage of every opportunity to make a name for himself, and while he isn't ranked as of right now, that changes on the next go-round. We like what we've seen of him as a balanced two-way guard that shows athleticism. He gets to the rim and finishes, plays off the ball for finishes, and also rebounds and starts the break. This gives us another change to see how he looks against other top talent but in his class.   What we'd like to see:    What we'd like to see, we're getting the chance to this weekend. We want to see how he looks not only against varsity talent, but with the best players in his class. We've seen him in spots where he's comfortable and the core piece for his team, but now he's in a spot that he has to go make things happen for himself and stand out not as the focal point of the offense. I like to see what type of player that guys turn into when they have a chip on their shoulder of proving themselves. Will it be a lockdown defender, do they take control of the offense, do they do the little things that lead to winning, This showcase gives us those answers, so I am excited to see which J'Rell we get.     What we know:    What we know is that he's an athletic guard with size that can play both on and off the ball, and he's able to score in bunches. He gets hot and takes over in games and is a downhill finisher that cannot be denied. He also is a player capable of defending multiple positions and is willing to make the extra pass. This is about putting that all together and showing that he's a player that should be taken more seriously.   What we'd like to see:    We'd like to see that on display. With his size and explosiveness, he stands out on that alone. Couple that with his ability to work, and he becomes a player with a higher ceiling. We want to see him just make plays. He should be providing a bit of everything: cutting, rebounding, shot-making, just making winning plays. We want to see that he's able to keep up and stand out. That he's not overwhelmed with the pressure and that he's a defender that communicates and makes the switch onto top players. He's a player we've been wanting to see more of, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to show all that he's been working on.     What we know:    What we know about Tremell is that his athleticism and ability to score in the open court is what makes him dangerous. He gets inside of the defense on isolation baskets, makes timely cuts to the rim and is at the basket for his finishes. He also uses the screen on plays to attack in different ways.    What we'd like to see:    I'd like to know how Tremell looks in a setting where he has to prove himself. Right now, he's No.26 in the class, and I know that he wants to rise. It's about competing and standing out amongst the top players. Make some defensive stops, slow down some of the top guards, and prove that he belongs with the best of them. This is a showcase that we're not only looking for scoring but wanting to see what else players bring to the table. This is a great spot to show that he's capable of doing the little things.     What we know:    We just finally got to see Tisean in the Grandview fall league this week. We're impressed with his ability to play hard the entire time, overwhelm guards with his length and activity and not be sped up. We want to see more of that. I want to see if there is more to his game and if he's able to bring that intensity in a spot where there are other top player.     What we'd like to see:    We'd like to see more of him, honestly so him coming to the event is a positive. This is a great spot to get in front of our scouts and make plays happen. This is a place where other players will know who he is, what he brings to the table and have expectations of what he can be so it is about proving exactly who he wants to be. Showcases allow players to explore their game a bit all while making plays that propel him. I want to see if he's able to score, rebound and start a break. See if he's winning to box out and grab boards or make the extra pass. This is where he will make a ton of first imporessions so staying true to who he is and showing us what he will be at South can go a long way.      What we know:    We know that Tristan is a player who will be allowed to make plays happen this year for Creek, and I am expecting him to have a big year. He's going to be tasked with locking in defensively and also providing relief as a primary ballhandler as well while also doing all of the small things that separate him. Tristan plays with the top team for this age group in the state, and he's able to make plays that lead to wins. He's a solid passer, finisher, and shooter who spaces the floor, and we want to see more of that.   What we'd like to see:    We'd like to see Tristan be a defensive menace no matter who's in front of him. He's a high-IQ defender who can impact the game with his physicality on that end of the floor. He plays the passing lanes well, baits guards into bad passes, and defends without fouling. I want to see more of that while also being able to take on ball-handling duties and show he can make plays for others. Him looking like a true combo-guard is what we'd like to see. Easy enough.

We're two days out from Sophomore ID Camp at Gold Crown on Sunday, September 7th. This is a chance for the top prospects in the 2028 & 2029 classes to go at it and prove that they belong amongst the top prospects in their respective classes. Rankings will be updated by the end of the month using what we see at the event as a key baseline for players we're familiar with, and add new names to the list that we have not seen, so now is a great opportunity to see these players compete. These players took advantage of the opportunity and will be heading to Gold Crown for the Sophomore showcase. Here's what we expect to see when they step on the floor.