National Hoop Fest: Sunday's 2027 Eye-Catchers (Pt. 1)

The 18th annual National High School Hoops Festival took place at it's usual stomping grounds on campus at DeMatha Catholic (DC). It was another event loaded with the top high school talent from around the country and on Sunday, I was fortunate enough to take in a slate of games and compile a part one of this series highlighting the 2027 eye-catchers who took advantage of the stage.    Mitchell has officially put himself on national radars with his body of work over the last week. It started with his showing in a win against Archbishop Stepinac (NY) in a game that was televised on ESPU where the 6-foot-3 guard went for 18 points on four three's and pulling down eight rebounds. He parlayed that outing with two very impressive showings at National Hoop Fest where PVI finished 1-1 with a win over Archbishop Spalding (MD) and a loss to Prolific Prep (FL). Mitchell's efficiency from deep, two-way versatility, and toughness as a connector took center stage. Add the number of averaging an alarming 27.5 points per game this weekend and it's only a matter of time before we see his recruitment take off.     Playing on a roster constructed with some of the biggest names in high school basketball, it's easy for Ona Embo's production to take a backseat to others. However now that we have a decent body of work this season, it's impossible to ignore the further depth, stability, and consistency that he provides now coming off the bench for Prolific. One of the more prized prospects out of Belgium, Ona Embo brings a high-level of feel for the game and a willingness to play on or off the ball while remaining impactful. He was outstanding in Prolific's blowout win against Bishop McNamara yesterday and was a catalyst for their lopsided lead heading into halftime in a matchup that he'd win MVP honors after tallying 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals.     Another DMV guard who continues to rise his stock is Dixon, a 6-foot-2 smooth shooting guard who has formed a formidable backcourt tandem with [player_tooltip player_id='2252287' first='Darius' last='Bivins'] as O'Connell looks to make some noise in the WCAC. Dixon responded to a standout performance on Saturday in a win over Imhotep Charter (PA) where he finished with 20 points with another 20-point outing that resulted in a victory over Sidwell Friends (DC). Dixon was the definition of efficiency yesterday as he scored his 20 off eight total shots from the field while cashing in on 5-of-6 beyond the arc. He can make his defender pay with the slightest of hesitations on a closeout, regather his balance well playing off the bounce in high ball screens for pull-ups, or attacking said closeouts with 1-to-2 dribbles and calmly knocking down looks from the mid-range. Dixon also contributed seven rebounds and three steals in yesterday's win.     The top-ranked 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2407095' first='Zion' last='Green'] finished Mt. Zion's game yesterday with a respectable stat line of 21 points and six rebounds. He shot 50 percent from the floor, going 9-of-18 overall and showed off his offensive versatility throughout despite a tough loss to a really talented CIA Bella Vista (AZ) team. Bella Vista had a few tenacious rim protectors and Green did a nice job of switching up his approach and doing damage from the mid-range when he didn't have a clear path to the rim for lay-ups or dunks.     There's a reason why Osaruyi is considered the top prospect in his class for the state of AZ and he showed the DMV faithful why in emphatic fashion around the rim. He's a commanding paint presence with exceptional length, power, and athleticism around the bucket that surfaced in rim-rocking dunks, violent blocked shots, and rebounds being ripped down at their peak. He walked away with MVP honors in the win over Mt. Zion Prep Academy yesterday after finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds.

The 18th annual National High School Hoops Festival took place at it's usual stomping grounds on campus at DeMatha Catholic (DC). It was another event loaded with the top high school talent from around the country and on Sunday, I was fortunate enough to take in a slate of games and compile a part one of this series highlighting the 2027 eye-catchers who took advantage of the stage.