Summer Stock Risers for Your Radar: Grassroots HTX Watchlist

Plenty of players are making their mark so far this summer in a grassroots season filled with highlights, upset victories, and several offers stacking up for key upperclassmen. I have been able to witness some solid tournaments in Houston so far, such as GASO 2 Cities, Battle of The Brands, and the OTR Spring Extravaganza. These platforms give hoopers a stage to gain exposure for themselves and put on a show for fans, media, and even opposing teams. Let's examine some prospects who I have been able to watch closely at the beginning of this summer and have made their way onto my radar watch.    [player_tooltip player_id='2252214' first='Jonathan' last='Cayetano'] is one of the best post players I have watched this past year in terms of paint footwork and shooting touch under the basket. He uses a unique style of bully ball to force his way into the paint and either draw fouls or convert for an easy two points. He has the ability to spot up for mid-range or long jumpers, and this gives him flexibility to stretch the defense out and allow his teammates opportunities to create their own shots. I first started keeping tabs on Jonathan last year and he continues to excel every time he steps on the court; colleges may want to start looking at him before it's too late.     Jenkins is one of the hoopers who has the ability to showcase himself as a dual threat on both sides of the ball. He excels in a half court setting, usually beating his defender either to the rim off a screen or creates his own shot from midrange or three-point land. His explosiveness out of the triple threat allows him to gain the first step on opposing players and open up opportunities for his team to score. He plays defense with great hustle and intensity, especially when guarding the ball. Mackell has a bright future ahead of him playing at Atascocita High School.     Jayden shows off a versatile skillset as a multi-tool guard who can score or function as a playmaker. He uses a long wingspan to play passing lanes and allow himself space to shoot the ball over closing out defenders. His long strides to the basket give him opportunity for either quick layups or opportunities at the free throw line. His perimeter defense is helped by good fundamentals and quick instincts to hustle for loose balls and make winning plays. Jayden looks to raise his stock this summer as he is playing with [program_tooltip program_id='2075483' first='FYN' last='All Stars'].     Braylon is one of the most dynamic players on the Miles Select 17u team that I have been able to watch in person. He is deceptively quick on offense, using a variety of dribble moves to get to the rim and he is capable of knocking down open midrange jumpers as well. His tenacious defense is infectious to his team as he is vocal on that end of the court, and this leads to opposing turnovers and fastbreak opportunities for his squad. Braylon is coming off a strong stock rising season at Shadow Creek and looks to be one of the senior leaders for the Sharks next season.

Plenty of players are making their mark so far this summer in a grassroots season filled with highlights, upset victories, and several offers stacking up for key upperclassmen. I have been able to witness some solid tournaments in Houston so far, such as GASO 2 Cities, Battle of The Brands, and the OTR Spring Extravaganza. These platforms give hoopers a stage to gain exposure for themselves and put on a show for fans, media, and even opposing teams. Let's examine some prospects who I have been able to watch closely at the beginning of this summer and have made their way onto my radar watch.