Noble Classic Tip-Off: Day 1 Standouts (Pt.1)

The Noble Classic brought together some of the region's most competitive programs and emerging talent. Several players used the spotlight to elevate their stock, proving they're ready to make serious noise this year. Here are the standouts who left a clear impression at the Noble Classic.    [player_tooltip player_id='2198596' first='Jake' last='Pope'] proved to be a knockdown jump-shooter from all over the floor. He showed a smooth lefty elbow stop-and-pop in transition, and anytime he got to the right side of the floor he was almost sure to rise for the pull-up. His release is pure, an effortless flick of the wrist with locked-in concentration on all catch-and-shoot actions. [player_tooltip player_id='2198596' first='Jake' last='Pope'] showed the ability to hit difficult shots from multiple angles, from fadeaways to runners. He consistently kept the ball tight in his pocket where defenders couldn't reach it as he rose into his motion. Pope played with strong pace and control, never allowing himself to be sped up, often snaking or dragging his dribble into space. As a playmaker, he displayed impressive instincts, reading defenses, dictating flow, and facilitating evenly, always trying to get everyone involved.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556765' first='Justin' last='Harper']'s catch-and-shoot jumper didn't need much space, as he always seemed unbelievably calm against closeouts and defensive pressure. Shooting a nearly set shot, his mechanics were impeccable and clean enough to knock down three-pointers from well beyond the arc with a high arch and a release defenders simply couldn't contest. He was hitting deep bombs from each wing, showing both confidence and repeatable form that traveled.     Thad Young Jr. was an active defender with quick hands, constantly swiping at the ball and generating deflections in the passing lanes and even on inbounds throws. Offensively, Young got downhill consistently, blowing by defenders with a quick first step and penetrating the lane like a stampede. When Young attacked, he collapsed the defense in a hurry and forced rotations.     [player_tooltip player_id='2198609' first='Mekhi' last='Connor'] put points on the board with one of the smoothest pull-ups and catch-and-shoot releases on the court. His base is always balanced, allowing him to stop on a dime, elevate cleanly, and release with picture-perfect form and no wasted motion. Everything Connor shot came out fluid, always under control, always in rhythm.     [player_tooltip player_id='2557138' first='Julian' last='Martinez'] was always in the right spot at the right time due to his precise floor spacing, especially in fast-break and transition situations where he found openings for corner threes or positioned himself perfectly for a drop-pass layup. Martinez consistently created passing lanes, scoring angles, and rhythm opportunities through instinctive spacing and timing. He has a good feel for the game, always looking to make the right play on each possession, especially when the ball was in his hands. [player_tooltip player_id='2557138' first='Julian' last='Martinez']'s quick trigger from the outside was also on full display as he let it fly with zero hesitation.     Mekhi Penelton changed the game as a massive interior presence with a powerful frame that allowed him to penetrate traffic, anchor position, and carve out space near the basket. His physicality alone tilts matchups, creating deep seals, second-chance opportunities, and high-value shots around the rim.

The Noble Classic brought together some of the region's most competitive programs and emerging talent. Several players used the spotlight to elevate their stock, proving they're ready to make serious noise this year. Here are the standouts who left a clear impression at the Noble Classic.