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Houston Heat Check: Primary Contributors Making Huge Impacts

Houston Heat Check: Primary Contributors Making Huge Impacts
Thomas Hofler III
Thomas Hofler III April 22, 2026 @ 08:43 PM
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In this article:

Craig Thomas
Craig Thomas 5'10" | PG/SG | 2028
TX
Craig Alexis Thomas
Craig Alexis Thomas 5'11" | PG/SG | 2028
TX
Uriah Mcpherson
Uriah Mcpherson 5'7" | 2027
IN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Houston Heat Check was a fantastic opening tournament in Houston, where many talented players showcased their skills and aimed to enhance their reputations. Held at the MI3 Center, these players made significant contributions to their teams, demonstrating their abilities and potential. Let's look into the standout performances of these five players!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":3601826,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Luke Merrill","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Klein Oak High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Houston Hype","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e9793e796ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Luke Merrill is a guard for the Houston Hype 15U team that was frequently utilized in shooting play call situations, where he was strategically positioned to take open shots from the perimeter. Despite the pressure, he consistently demonstrated his shooting skills by confidently shooting from various spots on the court, including the mid-range. Occasionally, he would drive to the basket, creating numerous opportunities for his front court teammates. In the pick and roll, he would pass the ball to them as they rolled towards the basket. The game-winning free throws were a testament to his clutch performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":3601833,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Reece Leuenberger","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Klein Oak High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Houston Hype","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e9793e79793"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reece Leuenberger was a standout player from the Houston Hype 15U that demonstrated his shooting skills during the game against the GCPC Stars 15U. He consistently hit standing three-pointers from the perimeter, showcasing his precision and accuracy. Leuenberger's ability to position himself effectively in catch-and-shoot situations allowed him to create multiple scoring opportunities throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":3601830,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ja'Michael Hubbard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"CE King High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Houston Hoops","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e9793e7981c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jermichael Hubbard was a standout guard for Houston Hoops 15U Northside that showcased great pace throughout the game, skillfully maneuvering through defenders with his dribble penetration in the open floor. When dictating the pace, he made the offense run smooth with some good possessions being executed. As a true guard, he effectively set up his teammates for paint points and shooting opportunities in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3575375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e9793e7986b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3575385' first='Craig' last='Thomas'] was a key scorer for the Waco Kings 17U team that showcased his perimeter shooting skills during the game against Pro Skills Dallas 17U. His quick release on his jumpshot from various spots on the floor made him a formidable player. Additionally, Craig contributed to the team's defense by playing physical defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2471067"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e9793e798b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Uriah McPherson, the primary ball handler for Pro Skills Dallas 17U, had a remarkable performance in the game against the Waco Kings 17U. Despite initial struggles offensively, he emerged as a pivotal figure in their comeback victory. As the game progressed, Pro Skills Dallas 17U found themselves trailing significantly. Uriah's aggressive downhill drives and active defensive play were instrumental in turning the tide of the game. His ability to persevere and fight through adversity, even when the team was down, showcased the qualities that scouts value in players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The Prep Hoops Houston Heat Check was a fantastic opening tournament in Houston, where many talented players showcased their skills and aimed to enhance their reputations. Held at the MI3 Center, these players made significant contributions to their teams, demonstrating their abilities and potential. Let's look into the standout performances of these five players!

Luke Merrill

Luke Merrill

HEIGHT 5'11"
POS SG
CLASS 2029

Luke Merrill

School: Klein Oak High School
Club: Houston Hype
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Reece Leuenberger

Reece Leuenberger

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS SF
CLASS 2029

Reece Leuenberger

School: Klein Oak High School
Club: Houston Hype
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Ja'Michael Hubbard

Ja'Michael Hubbard

HEIGHT 5'6"
POS PG
CLASS 2030

Ja'Michael Hubbard

School: CE King High School
Club: Houston Hoops
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Craig Alexis Thomas

Craig Alexis Thomas

HEIGHT 5'11"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Craig
Alexis Thomas PG/SG
Class
2028
Height
5'11"
HS
Waco University
|
TX
Houston Heat Check: Primary Contributors Making Huge Impacts
Craig Thomas was a key scorer for the Waco Kings 17U team that showcased his perimeter shooting skills...
Written by Thomas Hofler III
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Craig Alexis Thomas

Instagram Twitter
State: Texas
School: Waco University
Club: Waco Kings
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Uriah Mcpherson

Uriah Mcpherson

HEIGHT 5'7"
POS N/A
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Uriah
Mcpherson
Class
2027
Height
5'7"
HS
Wayne
|
IN
Houston Heat Check: Primary Contributors Making Huge Impacts
Uriah McPherson, the primary ball handler for Pro Skills Dallas 17U, had a remarkable performance in the game...
Written by Thomas Hofler III
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Uriah Mcpherson

State: Indiana
School: Wayne
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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