Prep Hoops The Stage Friday Night Standouts

Prep Hoops The Stage always brings together a loaded mix of high-level talent, and this weekend is no exception. With a blend of rising prospects, skilled shot-makers, and high-motor competitors, there's plenty to keep an eye on across the floor. From guards who control tempo to versatile forwards impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Here are the Friday Night Standouts from the Prep Hoops The Stage at the Pacers Athletic Center:   Jackson Rogers | 6'1” | Guard | 2027 | Westside Warriors 17u   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6592-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776472355.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6592-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776472355.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594627" /></a></figure>     Jackson Rogers is a smooth offensive player that plays at his own pace and was impactful in so many ways in his team's win on Friday night. Confident shooter with a smooth stroke, he does a good job getting himself open running off screens while also showing the ability to get downhill and create for himself as well as his teammates.   [player_tooltip player_id='2843192' first='Jayon' last='Gardner'] | 6'5” | Forward | 2028 | OTD 16u   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6595-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776475572.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6595-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776475572.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594679" /></a></figure>   Physical forward out of Michigan that impacted the game on both ends of the floor with his size and athleticism. Versatile defender that moved his feet well guarding on the perimeter while being a big time rebounder and paint presence defensively blocking and altering shots. Showed the ability to drive from the perimeter and finish in a variety of different ways. Showed nice touch in the midrange on his floater and also finishing through contact at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='3594696' first='Nolan' last='Ward'] | 6'4” | Forward | 2028 | Fire Basketball Club 2028 Orange   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6597-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776476503.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6597-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776476503.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594699" /></a></figure>   The 6'4” Forward kept his team in the game in the first half with a solid stretch of play. He's versatile on the offensive end showing the ability to play with the ball in his hands as well as off the ball all over the floor. Really good in the mid-post where he was able to face up and drive his matchup. Was also excellent as the screener in the pick and roll game. Has good hands and good footwork that goes up strong around the basket. Good defender that moves his feet well while being a solid rebounder on both ends   Mahmoud Suleiman | 6'5” | 2027 | Wing/Forward | Westside Warriors 17u   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6594-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776478338.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6594-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776478338.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594728" /></a></figure>   A versatile wing/forward out of Arizona that got going in the second half of his team's win on Friday night. Good defender that was able to guard multiple positions. Always seemed to be in the right place on rotations and rebounded at a high level with the ability to push in transition. In the half court, he picked his spots well and didn't force the issue. Heavy right hand driver that absorbed contact well and was able to finish in a variety of different ways. Also showed nice court vision and playmaking ability when putting the ball on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='3594753' first='Quelaun' last='Sowell'] | 6'1” | Guard | 2028 | Fire Basketball Club 2028 Orange   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6598-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776479452.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6598-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776479452.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594756" /></a></figure>   Another player from Fire Basketball club 2028 Orange that was able to keep his team in it with a strong start to the second half. Impacted the game on both ends. Was able to get going with a steal and converting in transition at the rim. Shortly after was able to knock down a right wing three shooting it with confidence. Also shown the ability to get downhill in the half court and finished over length.   [player_tooltip player_id='3588222' first='Kyle' last='Himes'] | 6'0” | Guard | 2028 | OTD 16u   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6596-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776481093.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6596-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1776481093.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594788" /></a></figure>   Michigan native [player_tooltip player_id='3588222' first='Kyle' last='Himes'] was the most explosive player I saw on Friday night at Prep Hoops The Stage. The lightning quick combo guard was able to get to any spot on the floor while playing unselfish and under control. Was comfortable playing on or off the ball where he was a confident playmaker and scorer in both positions. Does a good job getting himself open reading screens to get into his shot. Most comfortable off the catch on the wing and going iso without a screen. He was electric in transition doing a good job balancing his scoring and pushing the ball up the floor by the pass. He was a scrappy defender with active hands that looked to turn defense into offense in a hurry.   Benjamin Ortiz | 5'10” | Guard | 2028 | Westside Warriors 17u   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6593-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1776483220.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_6593-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1776483220.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3594819" /></a></figure>   The quintessential point guard that played at his own pace leading his team to a win on Friday night. The tempo pushing guard was brilliant on the offensive end getting his teammates involved. Operated in the pick and roll with patience and was aggressive coming off looking to make the right play. Really good passer that saw the floor and made passes right on time and on target. Was able to guard his position. Opportunistic when playing the passing lanes. Did a good job staying in position and was really good in help side.

Prep Hoops The Stage always brings together a loaded mix of high-level talent, and this weekend is no exception. With a blend of rising prospects, skilled shot-makers, and high-motor competitors, there's plenty to keep an eye on across the floor. From guards who control tempo to versatile forwards impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Here are the Friday Night Standouts from the Prep Hoops The Stage at the Pacers Athletic Center: