Day 1 + Day 2 Favorites from the 2025 Bojangles Bash

USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   The 2025 Bojangles Bash began on Thursday, December 11th, at Ridge View High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Prep Hoops SC was in attendance for Days 1 & 2 of the event, checking out three in-state teams and four national powerhouses across the first four games. Although there will be several highly-ranked prospects that take the four throughout the event, there were a few lesser-known names that really caught my eye. Check out my Day 1 and Day 2 Favorites from the 2025 Bojangles Bash.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Sometimes, The Bash has a way of lifting a good player to stardom. If the first two days were an indication, [player_tooltip player_id='1848083' first='Talan' last='Staley'] is that player in 2025. He well outplayed his ranking, putting up 18 points in a win over C.A. Johnson and 20 points in a loss to Dynamic Prep (TX). He had his fingerprints all over both games, turning up the defensive pressure to create havoc while also displaying a much-improved perimeter shot with 8 3PM across the two games. The only hint of a weakness shown by Staley was in the turnover department, but if this is how he will shoot it the rest of the season, his recruitment is about to blow up.     It was truly a tale of two days for Wylie on Thursday and Friday. Other than a few highlight plays on the defensive end, he struggled before eventually fouling out in game one. However, he clearly put it in the rearview mirror and erupted for a 24-point performance in game two. It was a remarkably efficient game for DJ, connecting on 9-12 FG and 4-5 3FG. That type of shooting on a consistent basis would be the icing on the cake for Wylie as a prospect, because he is a special athlete who makes plays above the rim on both ends of the floor.     This was my first time checking in with Gray Collegiate in the 2025-26 season, and Makhi was a surprise start for the War Eagles. He paid it off with an excellent start to the game, displaying some of his exciting potential. He was very active on both ends of the floor for the first several possessions, including a nice layup off a drive, a trip to the free-throw line, and some strong defensive work. Tyler did a great job of blocking and contesting shots at the rim, even if he was at a size disadvantage playing the five. Makhi tallied 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in just 11 minutes in the win.     Hunter is a Columbia-native who played with a bit of an edge in his return home. He changed the game with his defensive intensity, particularly in the second quarter, which Dynamic Prep won 28-14. He didn't record any steals, but he forced several dead-ball turnovers and in general, made life difficult for the Ridge View ball handlers. On the offensive end, McGraw shot the ball well from three while playing more off the ball than I have seen from him, finishing with 12 points on 3-5 3FG.     Nicholson was a bright spot for The Burlington School, going for 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks despite the Friday loss. He is a very intriguing big man who could be a late-bloomer and become a key piece for a college program down the line. I especially loved Kamari's defensive work, with fast feet to switch onto guards or cover ground in rotations to protect the rim. Along with some great length, Nicholson has the tools to be an elite rim-protector and anchor for the Spartans' defense. On the offensive end, they ran a few sets through Kamari outside the arc, which displayed some of his potential as a passer.     Rounding out my favorites from Days 1 and 2 of the Bojangles Bash is Montverde's Javion Tyndale. Tyndale might not be the name people come to see for the Eagles, but he is as important to winning as anyone on the roster. He popped off the bench with lockdown defense when matched up with an elite playmaking Point Guard for Cats Academy (MA). Javion immediately stopped the flow of their offense by cutting off penetration and making passes from the perimeter more difficult to make. He is also a terrific passer who has tremendous open-floor speed, comfort throwing live-dribble passes with either hand, and great vision despite his size. Tyndale had 7 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal in the EYBL Scholastic win for Montverde.

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