Wings Make Their Mark at the Hays Hawks Christmas Tournament

During the Hays Hawks Christmas Tournament, the wings and forwards quietly dictated outcomes throughout the two-day event. Length, versatility, toughness, and skill were on full display as several perimeter-to-post weapons consistently impacted winning across multiple games. The following group stood out for their ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor and project as difference-makers as district play ramps up.    Veal is a high-level prospect with a complete, modern forward skill set. He can stretch the floor with range beyond the arc, attack off the bounce, and finish with length and touch in the paint. His first step is quick enough to create advantages, and he consistently finishes over defenders. On the glass, he's active and physical, capable of emphatic put-backs in traffic. Defensively, Veal anchors the front line, blocking shots, altering drives, and igniting transition opportunities. Houston Christian will be a tough out come playoff time, and if Veal's growth continues on its current path, he has a clear trajectory toward a high-level college program.     Carpenter continues to establish himself as the steady, do-it-all cornerstone for an excellent Westwood group. He fills the stat sheet in every category. rebounds, blocks, finishes at the rim, knockdown shots from distance, and timely assists. Offensively, Carpenter is comfortable scoring over either shoulder in the post through contact, while also spacing the floor with a reliable midrange jumper and three-ball. What really stands out is how well he runs the floor; he's a consistent transition finisher who can elevate above the rim. Defensively, he protects the paint and has the mobility to guard multiple positions. Carpenter's versatility is a major reason Westwood will be a tough out in district play, and his game continues to trend upward.     Right now, Onwe thrives as a high-impact role player—but that label may not stick for long. He's a relentless worker in the paint, battling for rebounds, contesting shots, and finishing strong around the rim. He runs the floor hard in transition and is often rewarded for it. What separates Onwe is his motor. He plays with consistent effort and embraces the dirty work that leads to winning. There are flashes of developing off-the-dribble skill and midrange touch that hint at a broader offensive ceiling. He's exactly where he needs to be in his development curve and is a name worth tracking closely this season and beyond.     Marquardt is another young piece in Antonian's growing pipeline, and his foundation is solid. He's a long wing with good hands, sound footwork, an emerging shooting touch, and a willingness to rebound and defend. His game is trending in the right direction as he gains experience and confidence. As his skill set continues to mature, Marquardt projects as a player who will grow into a primary contributor. His long-term upside makes him one of the more intriguing 2029 prospects in the area.     Arriaga's combination of size, perimeter skill, and defensive versatility makes him a true matchup problem. He can score inside or out, finish through contact, and knock down jumpers with confidence. Defensively, his length and mobility allow him to impact multiple positions, and his feel for the game shows in how he adapts to different roles within the lineup. Arriaga is a key piece of a strong Houston Christian squad, and his stock continues to rise as his all-around game becomes more consistent. The future is bright.

During the Hays Hawks Christmas Tournament, the wings and forwards quietly dictated outcomes throughout the two-day event. Length, versatility, toughness, and skill were on full display as several perimeter-to-post weapons consistently impacted winning across multiple games. The following group stood out for their ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor and project as difference-makers as district play ramps up.