Thanksgiving Hoopfest: Standout Performers

The Thanksgiving Hoopfest delivered one of the premier stages for high school basketball in the country, showcasing next level talent, national matchups, and the kind of intensity usually reserved for playoff time. From nationally ranked programs to breakout statewide standouts, the event packed gyms with college coaches, scouts, and fans ready to see who could rise to the moment.    A bucket by nature with natural scoring instincts. Chris Hunt Jr. wasted no time finding his jumper, getting to his spots, or attacking the rack as he read defenders off the catch, creating a lethal first step, a quick pull-up, and an electric jab from triple threat. Hunt played with rare shot-making ability, consistently knocking down heavily contested attempts, needing almost no space thanks to his combination of elite elevation, quick-trigger mechanics, and off-balance shot creation that very few guards can replicate. Hunt also showed off his athleticism with high-flying transition slams, often finishing over or through shot blockers who simply couldn't match his lift. Anytime he made a play, it injected immediate energy into his team.     Ogden's jump shooting was a lethal threat all game. He came off screens catching and shooting with exceptional footwork and rhythm, maintaining perfect balance into his release. The way he squares up and gets into his mechanics on the move will translate seamlessly to the next level.     Textbook shooting form, catching and rising in a single fluid motion. His elevation allowed him to remain completely unfazed by closeouts as he shot over contests with ease. Mitchell was automatic from the corner, graciously knocking down kick-outs with poise and consistency every time the defense collapsed.     A high-motor, down-low contributor who hunted loose balls, blocks, and rebounds relentlessly. Harris blocked shots high and low with a perfect blend of timely swipes and explosive upward extension, making opponents hesitant to even challenge him on fast breaks. His interior activity alone changed the energy of the game.     Jaiden hall thrived in tight spaces, his ability to absorb contact, keep his dribble alive, and finish creatively made him a problem downhill. He's a crafty, creative bump-and-contact scorer at the rim. Instead of shying away from defenders, he initiated the contact, using subtle shoulder bumps, angle changes, and body control to dislodge contests and carve out finishing space where his hang time propelled him.     Ventura's wet jumpshot splashed through the net off his quick-trigger release from behind the arc. He drilled multiple three-pointers in the first half, especially off second-chance opportunities as he spaced the perimeter and stayed ready for the kick-out. Ventura's shooting form was pure, catching and rising in a single fluid motion.     High-level two-way prospect playing with a natural feel for the game that keeps him fully engaged in every possession on both ends. His active hands and nonstop motor defensively consistently produced turnovers as he read the next pass before it happened, jumping lanes and sparking fast breaks for easy points. Offensively, he was a strong attacker with polished 1–2 step footwork through traffic, utilizing high pickups into spin moves, cross-steps, and euro steps for soft-touch finishes. He also scored off two feet with power and control, finishing through one-on-one contact with ease. As defenses began sending two or more bodies at him on the drive, he punished them by finding backdoor cutters with timely drop-off bounce passes, showing real creation ability.

The Thanksgiving Hoopfest delivered one of the premier stages for high school basketball in the country, showcasing next level talent, national matchups, and the kind of intensity usually reserved for playoff time. From nationally ranked programs to breakout statewide standouts, the event packed gyms with college coaches, scouts, and fans ready to see who could rise to the moment.