Summer Improvement Showing for 2029s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group is trending upward across the board, and their summer growth is starting to translate into higher ceilings. Check out these prospects and keep an eye on their growth this season. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2840821' first='Daveion' last='Barnett'] - Daveion's versatility has shown this summer. He's approaching the game faster and sliding between wing and forward responsibilities. The defensive growth stands out he has become better with angles, anticipation, and more confidence switching onto smaller guards on the perimeter. Offensively, he's becoming a piece who can finish and show his footwork in the paint. His ability to impact the game in multiple roles is becoming a strength he can lean on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2821329' first='Michael' last='Booze'] - Michael's summer work shows up in how confidently he creates offense off the bounce. His handle is getting tighter, his pace changes are there, and he's getting to his pull‑up spots with more consistency. He's also learning to manipulate defenses with hesitations, head-fakes, and angles to create openings for mid‑range looks and drives. The shot‑creation skill is now becoming a reliable weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3156813' first='Jay' last='Smith'] - Smith spent the summer attacking gaps quicker, finishing through contact more often, and showing better balance when he gets bumped. His first step has improved, and he's learning how to use his body to shield defenders at the rim. The aggression is still there, but now it's paired with better control, helping make him a consistent paint‑touch guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2430456' first='LeDarius' last='Haywood'] - Haywood's speed has always been a difference‑maker, but this summer he's learned how to weaponize it on both ends. Defensively, he's blowing up actions with quick rotations and ball pressure. Offensively, he's pushing pace, beating defenders down the floor, and turning transition chances into easy points. His two‑way motor is becoming a defining trait, as he changes the rhythm of the game the moment he checks in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2423550' first='Patrick' last='Johnson'] - Patrick's strength and athleticism have become far more functional this summer. He's finishing stronger at the rim, absorbing contact without losing control, and rebounding more. Defensively, the added strength helps him hold ground and contest without fouling. His athletic tools now show up in game actions like second‑jump rebounds, physical drives, and finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3603046' first='Tre' last='Williams'] - Tre's playmaking has taken a step forward. He's seeing the floor earlier, anticipating cutters, and delivering passes that create rhythm for teammates. His handle looks more confident, allowing him to handle pressure and keep plays organized. The summer reps have helped him with decision‑making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->