Bash In The Desert: Versatile Prospects (17U)

In this article, I feature five very versatile forwards in 17U who drew the plant of attention with their playmaking skills and overall athleticism.    DeMarcus Henry was one of the more notable prospects in the gym at the Prep Hoops Bash in the Desert. He is a talented and instinctual forward who imposes his size and physicality to put defenders on their heels. He is also capable of shooting right over most defenders, and he is certainly a threat to rise up and throw down a dunk. On the defensive end, he is not an easy player to get around, and his wingspan helps him contain opponents and limit their production.     Shalen Shepherd caught just about everyone's attention in the gym with his versatility at the Prep Hoops Bash in the Desert. His height automatically makes him noticeable, but I was also impressed with how efficient he was with his movements and how quick he could be at times. He made a big impact in the paint on both ends of the floor, and I liked how he elevated for dunks whenever the opportunity presented itself. He also utilized that vertical to block shots and be disruptive defensively. Considering his next-level tools and physical attributes, his ceiling appears to be incredibly high.     I was a fan of the way [player_tooltip player_id='2039513' first='DJ' last='Spencer'] played at the Prep Hoops Bash in the Desert a few weeks ago. He picks his spots well and doesn't force the issue offensively, waiting for the right moment to attack. He also does a nice job of drawing the defense before kicking it out to open shooters. On the other end, he makes opponents uncomfortable and stays locked in defensively. Look for him to continue being a difference-maker for Vegas Elite throughout the upcoming AAU season.     I believe the last time I saw [player_tooltip player_id='2758274' first='Mateen' last='Cleaves Jr']. play was back at Border League in 2025, but it looks like he has continued to take the next step as a prospect. He simply knows how to get a bucket, and he has some nice touch to go along with his offensive skill set. He also has the size and length to really crowd opposing players defensively, and overall, he possesses some intriguing skills to pair with his 6'4 frame.     [player_tooltip player_id='3028449' first='Isaiah' last='Akwue'] is a dynamic forward who can score in a variety of ways. He is lighter on his feet than he may initially appear, and he can elude defenders with his quick and deceptive movements. I also liked the way that he attacked the basket at times. On the defensive end, he worked hard and did not allow his matchup to gain ground easily, while also routinely coming down with rebounds.

In this article, I feature five very versatile forwards in 17U who drew the plant of attention with their playmaking skills and overall athleticism.