Scholastic Series Preseason Invitational: Breakout Stock Risers

The Scholastic Series Preseason Invitational served as the perfect stage for players to set the tone heading into the 2025-26 season. From dynamic guards controlling tempo to versatile wings impacting both ends, this event offered an early look at who's poised to make serious noise this year.    Crafty ball-handler, showing creativity as a passer and dribbler as he sliced and diced defenses with wraparound and drop off passes. Every move he made led him downhill where he played with excellent instincts for when to put up a soft touch floater or swiftly kick. His touch around the rim allowed him to be unfazed by rim protectors and shot contest whether he was on or off balance. Defensively, Hooks was phenomenal at sparking fast breaks with his active hands and knack for creating turnovers on the ball as well as in the passing lanes, deflecting passes to teammates, tipping overhead throws, and even being the first to floor for loose balls.     [player_tooltip player_id='2557183' first='Da'Shawn' last='Love'] played with a great feel for the game on both ends of the court. Defensively he was in lockdown mode getting multiple deflections and steals in the passing lanes through sheer effort. Love also brought energy and a competitiveness that made him stand out as a tone setter. Relentless on-ball pressure, elite lateral quickness, and hand activity. His ability to mirror dribble moves, slide through screens, and anticipate passing lanes made him one of the most effective defenders in the building. He hounded ball-handlers baseline to baseline, wearing his opponents down.     [player_tooltip player_id='2555400' first='Chrishun' last='Smith'] played with a high motor and relentless competitiveness, impacting the game with sheer effort as much as skill. He chased shots all the way to the basket, crashed the boards, sprinted the floor hard in transition, cut with force, and did every little thing needed to swing momentum. You name it, he did it, as his activity level remained elite from start to finish.     [player_tooltip player_id='2636779' first='Dylan' last='Matlock-Reed'] was a lights-out three-point specialist. The lefty sprinted around the perimeter with his hands ready, catching and shooting with a quick rise and zero wasted motion. He consistently executed offensive actions that freed him for three-point opportunities, whether in half-court sets or baseline-out-of-bounds plays. Dylan knocked down jumpers from multiple areas, making him the type of shooter who must be accounted for at all times, any lapse in coverage turned into an automatic three points for the Allen Eagles.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556469' first='Jacob' last='Walker'] instantly showcased elite balance off the dribble, attacking hard left before spinning on two feet back to his right for a tough, controlled layup. Walker's footwork and body control allowed him to score through traffic and maintain poise in tight spaces.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556722' first='William' last='Langrum'] displayed a fluid takeoff, getting off the ground with ease for touch finishes even when off balance. Langrum's ability to elevate cleanly and adjust in midair gave him a smooth, effortless scoring presence around the basket.

The Scholastic Series Preseason Invitational served as the perfect stage for players to set the tone heading into the 2025-26 season. From dynamic guards controlling tempo to versatile wings impacting both ends, this event offered an early look at who's poised to make serious noise this year.