Steve's Standouts from Night 1 at Prep Hoops Live

The opening night of the Prep Hoops Live in Batavia brought plenty of energy, shot-making, and breakout performances as some of the Midwest's top young talent put together impressive outings under the bright lights. From explosive scoring guards to versatile forwards and high-motor playmakers, Friday night was loaded with talent across multiple classes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2532341' first='Keyae' last='Lacy'] — Geek Squad 2027   Few players were tougher to contain on Friday night than [player_tooltip player_id='2532341' first='Keyae' last='Lacy']. The lengthy 6-foot-3 combo guard was in full attack mode from the opening tip, pouring in 17 first-half points before finishing with a game-high 35 points. Lacy showcased his wiry frame and above-the-rim athleticism throughout the night, consistently getting downhill and creating his own offense off the bounce. Whether it was attacking gaps in transition, elevating at the rim, or knocking down perimeter jumpers, he looked comfortable scoring from all three levels. He has a clean shooting stroke from deep that added another layer to his offensive arsenal, while his rangy defensive activity disrupted opposing ball handlers throughout the game. The scoring instincts and ability to create separation off the dribble continue to make Lacy one of the more intriguing backcourt prospects in attendance.   Jayden McGraw — 937 Hoopdreams 2027   Jayden McGraw delivered one of the most productive frontcourt performances of the evening, finishing with 34 points while battling against a pesky Geek Squad squad. The active 6-foot-4 forward showed a polished blend of strength, touch, and footwork around the basket. McGraw scored in a variety of ways — finishing off cuts, converting through contact in the post, cleaning up offensive rebounds, and even stepping out to knock down a wing three. His physicality and patience on the block stood out, especially when isolated one-on-one near the paint. McGraw consistently created second-chance opportunities and made smart reads when double teams came, kicking the ball out to open shooters. His ability to impact the game inside while still showing flashes of perimeter skill made for an impressive overall showing.   [player_tooltip player_id='2369858' first='Jonny' last='Udoiwod'] — YnR 2029   Udoiwod brought energy and pace every time he touched the floor Friday night, finishing with 24 points in an electric performance for YnR. he slippery ball handler excelled operating in ball-screen action, using his change-of-pace quickness to keep defenders off balance. Udoiwod was equally effective as a scorer and facilitator, creating opportunities for teammates while still hunting his own offense when lanes opened up. Defensively, he was a major problem near half court, creating steals that quickly turned into transition layups. He also knocked down four triples, proving he can stretch the floor while attacking downhill. His combination of speed, activity, and feel for the game gave YnR a spark throughout the night.   [player_tooltip player_id='2394774' first='Corey' last='Griffin'] — YnR 2029   Griffin continued the offensive fireworks for YnR with a strong all-around scoring performance, finishing with 16 points. The physical guard was aggressive from the start, knocking down shots from all over the floor. Griffin connected on perimeter jumpers, hit pull-ups in rhythm, and attacked the rim with strength and confidence. His ability to score from all three levels made him difficult to defend, especially when he got downhill with momentum. On the defensive side, Griffin's activity level stood out just as much as his offense. He consistently applied pressure, created havoc in passing lanes, and brought toughness on every possession.   [player_tooltip player_id='2853757' first='Case' last='Cosme'] — Pure Hoops 2028   Despite standing just 5-foot-2, Cosme proved that toughness, confidence, and skill can outweigh size disadvantages. The energetic guard played with tremendous confidence all night, drilling four shots from behind the arc en route to 14 points. Cosme consistently spaced the floor and showed no hesitation pulling the trigger from deep. Beyond the shooting, he made smart decisions with the basketball, attacking closeouts, touching the paint off the dribble, and finding teammates when help defenders collapsed. His motor and fearless approach helped set the tone for Pure Hoops, embodying the “heart over height” mentality every time he stepped on the floor.

The opening night of the Prep Hoops Live in Batavia brought plenty of energy, shot-making, and breakout performances as some of the Midwest's top young talent put together impressive outings under the bright lights. From explosive scoring guards to versatile forwards and high-motor playmakers, Friday night was loaded with talent across multiple classes.