CBG x ASSIST Juco Prep Showdown: Standout Available 2026s

The CBG x ASSIST Juco Prep Showdown has become a routine stop for me every October due to the wealth of talent ranging from several states and the reach of high school, prep, and JuCo programs in attendance. The Saturday slate delivered as expected and for this article, we'll look at the unsigned 2026 prospects who put together standout outings.    Parlow seems to be putting things together quickly since the beginning of fall. He's stepping into a primary role with this year's Mt. Zion team and his overall sense of confidence has risen to the calling. The 6-foot-3 guard is a lethal long-range shooting threat that can knock down shots in a variety of ways off the move. He started Mt. Zion's first game in typical fashion where he buried a three from the top of the key off a pindown screen. Parlow's awareness on relocations around the perimeter as guards penetrate resulted in a bevy of catch-and-shoot opportunities where his shot preparation consisting of footwork, balance, and a strong base were all evident. Parlow was key in both of the Warriors wins on the day with the first coming against The Skill Factory and the other against Combine Academy. More to follow on Friday regarding Parlow's recruitment in my weekly recruiting notebook.     It was good seeing Kodi take advantage of the stage yesterday and he did so by priding himself in all of the small things that impact winning. Highland's roster overhaul from last season is significant, but what head coach Logan Miller has this season is a underclass-heavy rotation ready to soak up any coaching thrown their way. For Kodi as one of the few seniors, he'll lead by example and his effort on the offensive glass, mucking things up defensively with his length and later in the day, knocking down his share of catch-and-shoot three's should help colleges get a feel for how he translates at the next level.     Bethel Academy had a strong showing as a team yesterday and much of that success stems with their backcourt of Toatley and 2027 Kye Gray. There's been good progression shown by Toatley being more of a floor general who is focused on showing his worth as a creator for others while by living with two feet in the paint. Quick from the point of attack, Toatley didn't waste much time or movement in exposing driving lanes. Whether it was in space, ball screens, or off quick swings, Toatley used his burst to gain the advantage as a driver where he forced the defense to collapse and quickly found open teammates. When the opportunity called, he showcases his soft-touch floater, range when the defender closing out was late, and some creativity on his layups to avoid rotating shot blockers.     It's fun to watch the duo of Owinje and 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2139297' first='J'Lon' last='Lyons'] when this Clinton Grace team is rolling. The chemistry between the two are clear and surfaced regularly in their showings yesterday as Lyons broke his defender down off the dribble before zipping passes to the 6-foot-6 shooter in the weak side corner or on the wing after timely lifts. His hot start from outside the catalyst in getting off to a dominant 21-0 lead to start their day against The Skill Factory. They'd finish 2-0 on the day after picking up a nice win against Spire Academy (OH).     Carter put together a strong month of September as college coaches made their way to fall workouts as the 6-foot-6 hybrid forward picked up offers from Holy Cross and UMass Lowell. He's a versatile piece at both ends of the floor who can use his length and athleticism to leave his fingerprints on the effort. Hargrave manufactured an impressive performance against a scrappy Petersburg (VA) bunch in a group effort, but Carter's hardhat approach on drives, second-chance opportunities, or runout in transition resulted in scores around the rim as well as trips to the charity stripe. Carter showed some ability as the lead man on the break as well as he kept his eyes up and found streaking teammates, headlined by a nice lob to [player_tooltip player_id='1370507' first='Shane' last='Pendergrass'].     Now playing for Mt. Zion Prep, Popotte had many moments yesterday that caught my eye and it starts with his explosiveness at the rim. In the matchup against Combine, Popotte got a switch on a high ball screen and waved off the screener to expose the mismatch against the opposing big where he blew by him before raising up and nearly putting another opposing forward in the rim. Popotte didn't finish the dunk, but he drew the foul and took care of business at the line. This was just one of the many examples that we saw from the 6-foot-1 lead guard. He handled against pressure well and constantly checking in with head coach Rod Harrison on the sidelines as he quarterbacked the offensive in the half court.     It was another showing for Byrd handing out buckets in bunches as the dynamic lead guard essentially got to wherever he wanted before scoring in a variety of ways. Using a mixture of change-of-pace dribbles combined with the gravitational pull that he demands with his extended range, Byrd relentlessly attacked his defender to get to his spots in the mid-range. He plays with great balance and strength within his base as he stops on a dime. If a help defender steps up in time, he has the burst to get all the way to the rim and initiate contact that forces a ref's whistle. Byrd plays with a great understanding of maturity, control, and balance when it comes to getting his own. S3 finished 2-0 overall on the day.

The CBG x ASSIST Juco Prep Showdown has become a routine stop for me every October due to the wealth of talent ranging from several states and the reach of high school, prep, and JuCo programs in attendance. The Saturday slate delivered as expected and for this article, we'll look at the unsigned 2026 prospects who put together standout outings.