Big Miller Team Camp Early Reads

This edition of Big Miller Team Camp coverage takes us through eStem, Searcy, Hot Springs, Nettleton, and Jacksonville, and a few of the guys from each group who are making noise. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.   eStem - Jaxsen Wesley, [player_tooltip player_id='2966630' first='Holden' last='Kirk'], [player_tooltip player_id='2976780' first='Dawson' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='2841220' first='Zhion' last='Harris']   Watching eStem, you can see this group starting to settle into who they are, and the roles are becoming clearer. Jaxsen Wesley has fit in nicely on the wing. He shot the ball well from three, especially when defenders sagged or tried to cheat under screens. His willingness to take those rhythm looks gives their offense a needed spacing element. [player_tooltip player_id='2966630' first='Holden' last='Kirk'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2976780' first='Dawson' last='Young'] continue to contribute as leaders for this squad. Kirk brings that solid frame and uses it well. He's a shooter first, but he impacts the game with his rebounding and passing just as much. Young has taken a noticeable step forward compared to last season. He's giving them consistent minutes, consistent effort, and now consistent production. The game is slowing down for him, and it shows in the way he competes possession to possession. [player_tooltip player_id='2841220' first='Zhion' last='Harris'] is the young, long guard who's still growing into the full scope of his game. You can see him learning how to balance playmaking and scoring responsibilities, figuring out when to attack, when to facilitate, and how to use his length to his advantage.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Searcy - [player_tooltip player_id='2393254' first='Trelyn' last='Shepard'], [player_tooltip player_id='2423024' first='Maddox' last='Ball'], [player_tooltip player_id='3139549' first='Jordan' last='Nicholson']   The first thing that jumps out is how seamlessly [player_tooltip player_id='2393254' first='Trelyn' last='Shepard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3139549' first='Jordan' last='Nicholson'] have meshed since being added. Years of playing together from elementary ages through AAU help them understand each other's game. Shepard brought the same toughness and playmaking he's known for, consistently getting downhill, absorbing contact, and finishing or creating advantages. His ability to pressure the rim changes the tempo of their offense. Nicholson looks noticeably stronger and is adjusting well to the pace and physicality of 5A. He's stepping into a new role where he's allowed to handle the ball more, initiate actions, and still hunt his own shots. [player_tooltip player_id='2423024' first='Maddox' last='Ball'] continues to be the steadying forward presence with a true three‑level skillset. His footwork and touch around the rim stood out, and he knocked down spot‑up looks when the ball swung his way. The versatility fits perfectly with the guard play   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Hot Springs - [player_tooltip player_id='2885505' first='Judah' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2820907' first='Jaylon' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='3157636' first='Tony' last='West']   Hot Springs continues to show real growth, and the biggest storyline right now is the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='2885505' first='Judah' last='Johnson']. The confidence, the leadership, the physicality, all of it is trending upward. Johnson played with power, driving with force and finishing through contact. His second‑jump athleticism is improving, and he's becoming a reliable rebounder who also makes timely help‑side defensive plays. He looks like a player who understands his impact and is leaning into it. [player_tooltip player_id='2820907' first='Jaylon' last='Walker'], the Maumelle transfer, is already making a difference. His quickness and ability to hit tough shots off the dribble give Hot Springs another late‑clock option and good floor spacing guard who can handle the ball under pressure. [player_tooltip player_id='3157636' first='Tony' last='West'] is the long‑term piece with real upside. At 6'6", he passes the eye test immediately with his length, frame, and athleticism. He's showing flashes at the rim, and he even knocked down a three. The potential is obvious, and as his motor and confidence catches up to his physical tools, he becomes a very intriguing prospect.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Nettleton - Te'Jay Daley, [player_tooltip player_id='3033820' first='Lamarian' last='Rogers'], [player_tooltip player_id='2752775' first='Callen' last='Ellis']   Nettleton brought energy, and the tone was set early by Te'Jay Daley, who continues to prove he's one of the top dogs in the entire state. Daley is a statement‑maker who plays electrifying, emotional, and relentless. He attacked nonstop, and the deep‑ball was falling too. He hit multiple shots well beyond 30 feet, forcing defenses to stretch out. When he's in that mode, and his emotions are in check, he controls the gym. Rogers gave them strong, steady production in the frontcourt. He was effective in pick‑and‑pop actions and knocked down set shots from the perimeter. Defensively, he rebounded with discipline using good box‑outs and protected the rim by altering and swatting shots. His presence inside gave Nettleton a reliable anchor on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='2752775' first='Callen' last='Ellis'] handled the guard duties with poise. He was the agile connector piece, setting others up, keeping the offense organized, and creating or knocking down open shots when the ball swung his way.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Jacksonville - [player_tooltip player_id='3026258' first='Davyon' last='Parker'], [player_tooltip player_id='2947654' first='Elijah' last='Span'], Montrez Williams   When you look at it closely you can see the foundation forming with the trio of [player_tooltip player_id='3026258' first='Davyon' last='Parker'], [player_tooltip player_id='2947654' first='Elijah' last='Span'], and Montrez Williams. [player_tooltip player_id='3026258' first='Davyon' last='Parker'] is the guard who already understands how to create offense for others. He attacked closeouts well, made the right reads, and showed a reliable jumper when defenders gave him space. [player_tooltip player_id='2947654' first='Elijah' last='Span'] is the high‑upside prospect with the most versatility on the floor. He checks almost every box: size, length, decent speed, athleticism, some ball‑handling, the ability to play through contact, rebound, and defend multiple spots. He covers so much ground and impacts so many areas that he becomes the glue piece by default. Span looks like a very well‑rounded prospect whose ceiling rises as his skill continues to tighten.

This edition of Big Miller Team Camp coverage takes us through eStem, Searcy, Hot Springs, Nettleton, and Jacksonville, and a few of the guys from each group who are making noise. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.