National Prep Championships: First Round frontcourt standouts

With 18 of the nation's premier prep school programs assembled under one roof to compete for a national championship, there were sure to be a large handful of standout performances. After taking in a full day of opening round action, we take a look here at some of the top performing unsigned frontcourt prospects we evaluated on the day (listed in alphabetical order).    One of the premier glue guys you'll find across the entire class, Davis stepped out from his junkyard role for a highly-productive effort to lead an opening round win. Davis imposed his will up front against a thin opposing frontcourt, banging inside to carve out position for seals or offensive boards before finishing under control amid congestion. He showed his expanding skillset as well by stepping out to knock down a corner 3. His game will never be the sexiest, but the rugged, team-first approach Davis brings to the frontcourt should be a valued commodity for scholarship-level coaches.     Boasting a unique blend of physicality, IQ, and athleticism, George more than did his part to help an undermanned IMG team nearly pull a first round upset. He let his perimeter players get going to start the game, chipping in with scrappy dumpoff finishes or second chance points. Later in the game he would take over for stretches as a finisher and playmaker out of the short roll, also flashing his ability to pull opposing bigs away from the rim with his shooting range. Defensively, the Dutch forward offers an interesting look as a small-ball '5' with his strength, mobility, and positional smarts. It's easy to understand why George is in the process of setting visits with multiple strong mid-major programs.     Despite a narrow upset loss, Ibe showed the high-level combination of rim protection and interior finishing that have made him a hot commodity among top-end programs at the next level. A mountainous presence up front, the Nigerian big man's massive standing reach and quick lift off the ground made for a nightmarish experience for any opposing drivers looking to finish inside. Ibe runs the floor well for his size and shows capable hands and touch on the offensive end. While he's a bit limited away from the rim, his skillset and physical tools should translate smoothly within the right high-major system when the time comes.     Coming off the bench in limited minutes behind an older, productive front line, Kalonji helped to swing a first round win with his nonstop energy and high-level athletic tools. The Congolese rim-runner has come along slowly but steadily in his first year in the U.S. with physical gifts and an approach that can't be taught. In a hard-fought second half against Darrow, he made a sizable impact as a bruiser inside, clearing the glass consistently and finishing with pop around the rim. The ceiling is evidently high for Kalonji as he continues acclimating to the speed of the game.     Among the more skilled and productive frontcourt prospects in prep school, Pagonis also showed his toughness, shaking off an abrasion on his chin to key a tight win. Struggling to get going with the skilled perimeter game for which he's become known, the Greek import showcased a hard-nosed interior skillset with the game hanging in the balance. He also impressed with his ability to move his feet defensively on the perimeter and keep opposing guards in front. Having adapted quickly to the speed and style of the American game, it's hard to believe more mid-major programs haven't begun prioritizing Pagonis heading into the spring.     As has become customary for Register over the course of his post-grad year at SPIRE, the rugged lefty went for a tough and productive outing, despite coming in a narrow loss. He showed his ability to step away from the rim as a shooter, but really helped get his team back in the game using his blend of skill and physicality to assert himself inside. Still new to focusing full-time on basketball and with limited high-level experience, Register shows a really impressive natural feel to go with an unwavering competitive spirit. Even in the era of transfer portal recruiting, it's a wonder he's still without a D1 offer.     Shedding a walking boot just minutes before pregame warmups, Sanders put up a heroic effort as his shorthanded IMG team almost pulled off a first-round upset. He came out aggressive, showing his inside-out scoring versatility to present a consistent matchup problem for opposing defenders. With natural ball skills and mobility in a big, robust frame, Sanders has elevated himself in his post-grad year with the addition of a reliable jumper out to the arc. His motor and two-way versatility at the forward spot should be coveted at the mid-major level into the spring signing period.     Playing limited minutes as part of a loaded Putnam frontcourt platoon, Tambedou came off the bench and immediately flashed the extensive ability that's already caught the attention of high-major programs. A native of Senegal, he brings a rare intersection of elite twitch, strength, and mobility to go with a developing offensive skillset and a basic feel for the game. Tambedou shows great versatility defensively, never letting his foot off the gas while sliding fluidly with smaller players and recovering back to impact plays at the rim. The floor-spacing he's started to incorporate in the halfcourt is just the cherry on top, as the motor and athletic gifts that Tambedou possesses will be where he hangs his hat at the next level.

With 18 of the nation's premier prep school programs assembled under one roof to compete for a national championship, there were sure to be a large handful of standout performances. After taking in a full day of opening round action, we take a look here at some of the top performing unsigned frontcourt prospects we evaluated on the day (listed in alphabetical order).