Fall Open Gym Tour Vol 1: Wings to Watch

Open gyms provide an early look at which players have expanded their games, grown physically or found a better fit in new surroundings. Throughout my early fall tour across New York and New England, these wings stood out through their combination of size, skill and two-way versatility.    After missing a good portion of the high school and club seasons with various injuries, it was good to see Leese back on the floor and looking healthy. A skilled 6-foot-6 wing, his shooting touch allows him to score from beyond the arc or around the rim. Leese was also a factor on the glass and gives Nobles even more size and skill to put on the floor this season.     The talented wing shooter is making the move from Georgia to CATS Academy and will reclassify to 2028 in the process. At 6-foot-5, Lee has ideal size on the perimeter and a smooth shooting stroke, something he displayed during both the program's fall showcase games in Philadelphia and its open gym. The move is designed to benefit his development and recruitment. If the early returns are any indication, it should pay off in a major way.     A talented prospect who has largely flown under the radar, Price looks like an important piece for a Cushing team that will rely on its depth and balance to win games. At 6-foot-6, he possesses a smooth shooting stroke and can get his shot off over defenders. His combination of size, length and perimeter skill gives the Cougars another versatile option to utilize this season.     Powe is another wing who has emerged as a potential Division I prospect in recent months. The son of former Celtic Leon Powe, the California native looks ready to play a significant role in Newman's perimeter attack this season. At 6-foot-5, he has ideal size on the wing, can space the floor as a shooter and has shown the ability to attack closeouts. College programs are beginning to take notice, and it will be interesting to see where his recruitment ultimately leads.     he South Carolina transplant has a chance to become one of the best defenders in New England's 2028 class and beyond. Choosing Woodstock Academy should only help him refine that part of his game. Caughman is a big guard who can handle the ball and initiate offense, but it is his willingness to defend and consistently do the little things that separates him. That approach, combined with his scoring ability, should help Hellstar Elite contend in the new-look Overtime Elite League.     Finlayson continues to make steady improvements throughout his game. His improved handle and decision-making stood out immediately, but it was the leadership he displayed throughout St. George's open gym that made the strongest impression. Clearly more confident, he was vocal on both ends of the floor while also showcasing his bruising offensive game. Look for Finlayson and the Dragons to make real noise this winter.     La Salle has a good one coming in Magna. A confident shooter from beyond the arc, he has worked hard to expand his game off the dribble over the past year and will likely spend time at both guard spots for the Royals this season. The New York City Catholic League is more open than it has been in several years, and it is clear that the senior guard is motivated to capture a championship before heading to college.

Open gyms provide an early look at which players have expanded their games, grown physically or found a better fit in new surroundings. Throughout my early fall tour across New York and New England, these wings stood out through their combination of size, skill and two-way versatility.