Bill Hensley Run N’ Slam Under the Radar Performers

Day one of the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam always delivers star power—but it's the under-the-radar prospects who quietly steal the show. While college coaches and media eyes naturally gravitate toward the nationally ranked names, Night One proved once again that some of the most impactful performances come from players still carving out their reputation. Whether it was guards making winning plays down the stretch, wings knocking down timely shots, or forwards controlling the glass and defending at a high level, a new wave of talent made its presence felt across gyms. These are the names that might not headline the event—yet—but based on their production, poise, and upside, they're quickly forcing their way into the conversation.    My first time having eyes on [program_tooltip program_id='2075630' first='Martin' last='Brothers'] 17u UAA 6'4” Point Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2419854' first='Drew' last='Fischer'] and I couldn't have been more impressed. Smooth guard that was able to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He plays at his own pace and never got sped up. He's a confident shooter with good elevation, but thrives on getting paint touches where he's good with the floater as well as having sneaky bounce to finish above the rim. Really nice court vision when attacking and making good decisions.     Not often you have a player with seven Division I offers and still under the radar, but on a loaded [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] 2027 EYBL roster, [player_tooltip player_id='2539851' first='Peyton' last='Kemp'] is a bit underrated, but it doesn't seem to make a difference to him. He goes out each and every game and makes winning plays just as he did on Friday Night at Run N' Slam. The 6'2” guard was brilliant all game long getting to the basket and setting up teammates for scores. He's high IQ that plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor. He's a big reason why [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] is one of the top teams in the country.     Big [player_tooltip player_id='2882227' first='Tomislav' last='Kostelac'] for [program_tooltip program_id='2400000' first='Indiana' last='Elite Team Indiana'] 17u isn't going to be real flashy on the court but he is productive. At 6'10”, he's a big bodied forward that moves well for his size being able to impact the game inside the paint on both ends of the floor. Strong rebounder that outlets well. He runs the floor hard and fights for position. Has a nice soft touch over his left shoulder and has shown the ability to knock down a perimeter jumper off the catch.     When combining skill and production, [player_tooltip player_id='2419840' first='Cayden' last='Larson'] was as intriguing of a prospect as I got to see on Friday night. At 6'8”, he was polished offensively with the ability to score in a variety of different ways. Was really good in pick and pop situations where he was able to knock down multiple 3's. Showed the ability to drive closeouts and finish with a soft touch with either hand around the basket. Not the quickest or most athletic player, but played with a good motor and competed on the defensive end.     Big time 6'4” sharpshooter for Breakaway 3SSB got going in the second half and put on an impressive shooting performance. Good positional size with a quick release and deep range. Does a good job getting himself open. Knows how to read screens and always seems to be in balance when getting into shot. Also showed the ability to play off the dribble and get into the midrange as well as all the way to the basket where he's a crafty finisher.     The athletic wing/forward was really good on both ends of the floor for Indiana Jammers 17u in Friday night's loss. He's a physical prospect that knows how to use his body to his advantage. Has improving perimeter skills to go along with his high motor around the basket. Capable shooter from the perimeter with the ability to put the ball on the floor. Big time rebounder and versatile defender that will do whatever it takes to get his team a win.     A versatile wing with intriguing size and athleticism to go along with his skill set. Heavy downhill driver that uses his body to his advantage while being able to play through bumps and finish at the rim. Capable shooter off the catch but thrives putting it on the floor. Really good defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. Rebounds well for his position and plays well in transition as a play finisher.

Day one of the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam always delivers star power—but it's the under-the-radar prospects who quietly steal the show. While college coaches and media eyes naturally gravitate toward the nationally ranked names, Night One proved once again that some of the most impactful performances come from players still carving out their reputation. Whether it was guards making winning plays down the stretch, wings knocking down timely shots, or forwards controlling the glass and defending at a high level, a new wave of talent made its presence felt across gyms. These are the names that might not headline the event—yet—but based on their production, poise, and upside, they're quickly forcing their way into the conversation.