Prep Hoops Circuit Watch: Prospects Trending Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The early stretch of the Prep Hoops circuit provided fresh matchups, and competitive players looking to elevate their stock through consistent production and impact. Whether it was improved skill development, expanded roles, or simply performing at a higher level against strong competition, these are some prospects who have been trending upward and making a case for a move up the board.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2801149"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3627333,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69fa4c590aef8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2801149' first='Ashton' last='Martinez'] was completely unfazed by bumps and contact, absorbing it with strength, balance, and body control while still powering through to the rim, playing through physicality without getting knocked off his line, while maintaining focus and touch on finishes. Anytime Martinez attacked downhill, you felt his presence, initiating contact and dislodging defenders, making him a tough cover in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048875"],"_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-69fa4c590af41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matthew Cook's ability to light it up beyond the arc in catch-and-shoot situations is a tough skill to match, particularly in strong-side drive-and-kick actions where he consistently makes defenses pay. He's been a deadly corner three-point marksman with textbook shooting form and well-aligned mechanics. Not only does Cook spot up effectively, but he also slides into the catch on two feet with balance, allowing for a quick and fluid release with no wasted motion, making him a constant spacing threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2801427"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3627334,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69fa4c590af90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An effective glue guy who consistently made the right play with the ball, surveying the defense out of triple threat or on the dribble drive to find cutters with pinpoint passes that hit them right in their pocket, allowing them to catch and go straight up into a shot. He scored within the offense well, knocking down open three-point attempts and finishing cuts with layups, showing efficiency and discipline. Exceptional fundamentals, good pivot footwork, and instinctive swim moves to protect the ball from defenders, maintaining control in tight spaces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2833696"],"_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-69fa4c590afc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jett Curtis is a guard with a knack for getting it going early, coming out aggressive and setting the tone from the start. He also proved to be a clutch performer, knocking down multiple big-time three-pointers in key moments whether to tie the game or take the lead, excelling in late game situations with the confidence to deliver when it matters most.</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":"Isaiah Gutierrez","_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":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dickinson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Gulf Coast Blue Chips Gold","_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-69fa4c590b031"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Isaiah Gutierrez operates as a 3-and-D lead guard capable of being a perimeter shooter who can knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers or pull-ups three-pointers in transition allowing him to play on or off the ball, keeping the defense honest. On the defensive side of the ball, Gutierrez is a relentless on-ball pest, picking up full court, crowding space, and generating steals with quick active hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->