The Stage: 15 Must Watch Ballers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <a href="https://x.com/PHCircuit" id="https://x.com/PHCircuit">Prep Hoops Circuit </a>is rolling at full speed, and all eyes now turn to one of the premier stops of the spring—<span style="text-decoration: underline">The Stage</span>. Set for April 17–19, this <span style="text-decoration: underline">marquee event</span> will take place at the <span style="text-decoration: underline">Pacers Athletic Center</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline">The Farmers Bank Fieldhouse</span>, two outstanding venues that always provide the perfect backdrop for must-see competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With top talent from multiple states and across various age groups in the building, this weekend is loaded with players worth keeping tabs on. <a href="https://x.com/DaksHoops" id="https://x.com/DaksHoops">@DaksHoops</a> will be there taking it all in, getting eyes on the matchups, the moments, and the names that stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this preview, we highlight <em>The Stage: 15 Must Watch Ballers</em>—a collection of players you won't want to miss. From established names to emerging prospects, these are the ballers who bring excitement, production, and impact every time they step on the floor. Take a look below for more noteworthy players and reasons to tune in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3592684,"width":"361px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/TheStage_Flyer-crop-951x625-1681917189-crop-640x421-1776342432.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/TheStage_Flyer-crop-951x625-1681917189-crop-640x421-1776342432.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-3592684" style="width:361px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Must Watch Ballers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140312"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952bc4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hoops with Multiplier Basketball in club ball. Aidan is now up to 6'4". He is a must-watch wing. This baller has elite body control and is a fantastic finisher. Aidan is a late bloomer but is coming on strong. He has a methodical but deliberate game that is Luka-esque! He is also a Rockstar offensive rebounder. Aidan is the leading scorer and rebounder on his Multiplier squad. Fans, scouts, and coaches will love this kid's game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3038275"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e14196b4bf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2076451' first='D1' last='Indiana'] 16U P32. and is an intriguing baller. It sounds like he is up to 6'7", so this kid is long, and he will be a matchup problem. Aiden is great at running the floor and he finishes well around the basket. He is also a stout defender. Look out for Makun this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3554951"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952c92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is a talented guard for Hoop Smart. He is an extremely quick and strong player. He is a talented shooter from 3-point land. Amijay creates his own shot and sets up others for clean looks. He is also a pest in the passing lanes and anticipates like a scrappy corner in football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140168"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e0dde81528f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mirgon is an elite pass-first playmaking point guard. He can shoot with the best of them and should be one of the top marksmen at the event. Ben currently has several Mid-Major offers. He is absolutely a baller to watch this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2442329"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e0dde8152e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with Michigan Unified Basketball Club 15U. Varrie is a combo-guard with great size. He scores from all three levels and defends extremely well. Ben is a talented up-and-coming two-way player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2888486"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952d24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hoops with Griffin Elite 15U and is up to 5'11". Hobson has exciting potential on the court. He has a smooth feel for the game and is a natural playmaker. Cam has a "dog mentality" and the will to work. If Hobson can grow into his frame, he will be one heck of a player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2950496"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952d74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weaver is now up to 6'2" and has shown great potential. This talented youngster is playing up two age divisions! Conner is a crafty shooting guard who is elite without the ball. He also finishes well at the rack. Weaver played varsity on a very good squad in Indianapolis. He is the best defender on his Multiplier team. His coaches believe Weaver could pick up some offers this summer. Conner has started the year hot, averaging 15.1 ppg. He has the potential to be a Top 10 player in the 2029 class in Indiana. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3555154"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952dce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with Hoop Smart. Derrick is an extremely quick guard who creates for himself and others. He puts a ton of pressure on the defense. When the ball is in Owusu's hands, good things happen for his squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2538870"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e14196b4d1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2076451' first='D1' last='Indiana'] 16U P32. Don is now up to 6'5". He is a standout wing who slashes extremely well and makes a ton of plays at the rim. Bowling also has a great mid-range game. This kid is the real deal!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2894790"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952e3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is up to 6'3" and runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2076451' first='D1' last='Indiana'] P32. The best part of his game is his ability to lead. Johnson is a strong guard with noteworthy size, which allows him to get to his spot on offense and make a difference. Elijah is versatile; he can effectively defend 1-4. Johnson is an interesting prospect as he continues to improve offensively and continues to grow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3549216"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e0dde81532e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hoops with RYZE Athletics 14U and is a young talent to watch. Louie is a force on the block and a problematic matchup on the perimeter. He gets to his spots with purpose and efficiency. Thomas cashes in by attacking with the dribble or stepping out and drilling the jumper. He is also an elite rebounder and an excellent on-ball defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2957220"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e0dde81536d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with Michigan Unified Basketball Club 15U. Westerdale does a great job of running the show at the PG position. Max is a talented lead guard who scores the rock at all three levels. This baller stands out with his jumper, he cashes them in from deep with consistency. </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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Riley New","_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":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Perry Meridian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='2076451' first='D1' last='Indiana'] P32 15U","_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e1625952f4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The best part of his game is his ability to score. Riley is an athletic guard with length to disrupt on defense. He does good work getting to the rim on the offensive end. New has high upside if he continues to expand his 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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tidiane Faye","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Scott County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Griffin Elite UA Grind 17U","_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e14196b4e9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year, he came to Kentucky from France. Faye is an explosive player with a high basketball IQ. Tidiane is a combo guard who shoots the 3-pointer well. He is versatile and makes positive plays as a PG. Faye is a shot creator. College coaches will like his length and athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3405439"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e0dde8153aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hoops with RYZE Athletics 14U and is a young hooper to know. Ryan is a versatile multi-level scorer with a knack for getting to his spots for scores. A nightmare to stay in front of, consistently creates separation via the bounce. Tommy also takes pride in his defense by bringing intensity and high-end effort. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3515759,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Players-To-Watch-1-crop-823x540-1684173631-crop-728x478-1722322016-crop-637x418-1771866678.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Players-To-Watch-1-crop-823x540-1684173631-crop-728x478-1722322016-crop-637x418-1771866678.jpg?w=636" alt="" class="wp-image-3515759" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->