PA 2028s to Watch During the Spring AAU Sessions

These 5 players were on the rise during the 2025-26 high school season. I expect them to have huge AAU sessions this spring. Here's why:    Demario Smith is a player to watch during the spring AAU sessions because he has size, shot versatility, transition feel, and real upside. He boasts a quick release and can score off the dribble, especially in transition. He had a huge JV year for Cathedral Prep last season and by the looks of it, he should carry that momentum into the spring sessions. Smith always gives 100% on the floor and can use this spring AAU season to begin to take on more of a leadership role.     [player_tooltip player_id='2492448' first='Ashton' last='Wilbur'] is a Western PA 2028 to watch during the spring AAU sessions because he can create off the dribble and score at all three levels. He also takes pride in his defense and can lock down both guards and bigger forwards. Wibur was rewarded with D10 second team honors after last season. Wilbur has the first-step quickness to get defenders off balance, the handle to create separation, and the touch to finish once he gets into the lane. He plays with craft. The pull-up game, floater, and improved three-point shooting are what raise his ceiling. If defenders sit back, he can shoot it. If they crowd him, he gets into the paint. If the floor opens up, he has the feel to create his own look or make the next read. The fact that he also brings defensive activity and on-ball toughness only strengthens the profile.     [player_tooltip player_id='3038791' first='Jeremiah' last='Nixon'] is a Western PA 2028 to watch this spring on the AAU circuit because he already plays with the command of a leading point guard. He was a crucial part of a team that reached the District 10 Class 4A title game during the high school season. In the championship against Cathedral Prep, Nixon still finished in double figures. Nixon handles the ball well, sees the floor, creates for teammates, and plays with tempo. The production is there too. He averaged 15 points per game during the 2025–26 season. That is a strong number for any sophomore guard, but it is especially impressive given that his game is not built around forcing shots. He scores within the flow while still carrying lead-guard responsibilities. This says a lot about how he handles pressure for a player this young.     [player_tooltip player_id='3028906' first='Brady' last='Focht'] boasts a complete offensive foundation. While he is an excellent shooter, his game goes far beyond that. He moves well without the ball, creates space, finishes through contact, and has the footwork and balance to score over bigger defenders in the lane. He is a polished three-level threat. Last season, Focht shot 50% from beyond the arc. He runs the floor well, processes the game quickly, and doesn't make mistakes when the ball is in his hands.     [player_tooltip player_id='3438177' first='Xavier' last='Barto'] has the size and shooting ability to be a force on the offensive end of the floor. He is the type of player where defenders need to know where he is on the floor at all times. Barto shot over 50% from 3pt last season. However, what I like to see is that his game is growing beyond just setting up outside the 3pt line. He is getting more and more confident with the ball in his hands and is beginning to score on all three levels. The spring AAU sessions will show that he is primed for a breakout season.

These 5 players were on the rise during the 2025-26 high school season. I expect them to have huge AAU sessions this spring. Here's why: