Mercer Tournament: 2026 standouts (First Round)

The 55th annual Mercer Invitational Tournament kicked off on Thursday at Hill School with eight high-level prep and post-grad programs from across the region comprising one of the event's stronger fields in recent memory. After taking in the entire first round of action, we'll start coverage with a handful of seniors who stood out throughout the day.    Among the leading individual scorers on the day, Natal shook loose for 24 points as Hill pulled away late for a double-figure win over Kiski. The York native and 2024 state champion was nearly perfect from the field, working his way to the rim seemingly on command with a deceptive handle and impressive skill as a finisher in the lane. Kiski had no answer for him when he decided he wanted to attack the cup. Natal is clearly one of the most dynamic downhill threats among unsigned guards in the region.     The highest-regarded prospect in the event, Thompson wasn't at his best but nonetheless made the difference as Western Reserve cruised to a first round win over a feisty Dexter Southfield team. Despite being relatively quiet for much of the game, the five-star Ohio State pledge scored a game-high 20 points thanks in large part to a second-quarter stretch of four consecutive 3s that ballooned the margin up near 20 points. He flashed his playmaking ability and interior scoring in the second half to help shut the door when things got within striking distance later in the game. The ceiling for Thompson is undeniable as he continues learning to tap into his best effort with greater consistency.     A native of New Zealand who's spent the past couple seasons in Virginia, Rillstone was instrumental in establishing NMH early on the way to a first round win over Millbrook (NY). The wing forward stood out with his blend of size and fluidity, particularly in the open floor. He streaked down court for a number of transition finishes with impressive body control and athleticism near the rim. He's flown a bit under the radar but could be a sneaky late option for scholarship-level programs looking for help on the wing.     Moore has long been known to be solid as a rock at the point guard spot, and things appear no different despite a change in location for the Bullis (MD) grad. The DMV product was key in leading NMH to a decisive first round win over Millbrook (NY), getting to his spots with consistency off the bounce and showing his typical comfort making plays from the middle of the lane. A former Stonehill commit in the 2025 class, Moore should be attracting attention from similar levels as he continues to impact the prep school level after a standout career in the high school ranks.     Formerly committed to NAIA program Southeastern (FL) in the 2025 class, Conlon instead opted for a post-grad year at Hill in hopes of securing D1 and/or D2 recruitment. The Devon Prep (PA) grad appears on his way to making that a reality, continuing a strong start to the year with a well-rounded 16-point effort in Hill's first round win. Conlon impressed with his versatility and IQ, playing both inside and out with a diverse offensive skillset. He showed toughness near the rim while also stepping out for a pair of 3s, a key step to track in his development. He should be a popular name among high-academic scholarship-level programs.     Griffin was the driving force behind the upset of the opening round, scoring 20 points as Peddie knocked off a talented Westtown group in come-from-behind fashion. The Bishop Shanahan (PA) grad and Navy pledge scored 14 points after halftime, showing the inside-out ability offensively that's become his calling card. He knocked down a pair of 3s while also showing strong touch inside after carving out space within the defense. Griffin's game isn't the sexiest but he fits the mold of forwards who have gone on to have success in the Patriot League in years past.     A new prospect to the region, Stanton is settling in as a post-grad at Millbrook School (NY) after a prep career in Illinois. Despite a first round loss at the hands of Northfield Mt. Hermon, Stanton displayed an enticing long-term skillset to go with his towering size in the middle. The emerging post showed natural touch and an unblockable high release with range out to the 3-point line. His touch was effective near the rim as well to go along with solid hands, though he has to improve at playing through physicality in traffic. He's a bit robotic at times, but changed ends fluidly and showed consistent engagement as a rim protector on the defensive end. His best basketball is still likely a ways away but Stanton's upside could be worth the investment for a high-academic scholarship-level program looking for frontcourt depth late in the cycle.

The 55th annual Mercer Invitational Tournament kicked off on Thursday at Hill School with eight high-level prep and post-grad programs from across the region comprising one of the event's stronger fields in recent memory. After taking in the entire first round of action, we'll start coverage with a handful of seniors who stood out throughout the day.