Breakout Basketball Prospects of the I-20 Region

While many players traveled out of state to compete, the talent along the I-20 corridor was on full display in Ruston and West Monroe. It's always exciting to hunt for emerging prospects, especially when you stumble upon players who might be hard to see during the school season. Some are young and haven't yet broken into their high school lineups due to depth on their team, while others may have dealt with injuries. Whatever the reasons, AAU provides a stage to shine—and these players seized the moment, proving they're ready to make some noise.    Antonio Buggs is a shifty guard who excels at changing pace and playing with high energy. He's equally effective at facilitating or scoring, using his quickness to create scoring opportunities and open teammates. During his 17U game, Buggs shifted the entire mood of the game with his energy and playmaking ability. Confident and poised, he demonstrates a strong grasp of pace and transition. His ability to explode to the rim and change speeds makes him a difficult matchup for defenders. A confident playmaker with high motor, Buggs has the potential to develop into a special player in Arkansas and could be a varsity starter as a freshman.       Michael Kelly is a traditional post player who embraces the physical side of the game, dominating inside on both ends of the floor. He works tirelessly around the rim, rebounding aggressively and finishing with both hands, while intimidating smaller defenders with his physicality. Kelly's blue-collar effort and toughness are evident as he consistently outworks opponents and controls the paint. His energy and relentless motor make him a key interior presence, and his consistency and effort will surely attract college interest.     Marcus Bolden is a good-sized guard with a lengthy wingspan, using his size to frustrate opponents on defense and contest shots. He scores efficiently with a smooth mid-range game and a reliable three-point shot. Bolden's basketball IQ and ability to work to his spots facilitate his scoring, and he demonstrates a high level of maturity and poise. Expect him to make a significant impact during his upcoming junior season.     Small is a true game-changer on the court, confidently controlling the action with a natural presence. He's a wizard with the basketball, displaying college-level IQ and making complex plays look effortless. Excellent in pick-and-roll situations, Small's feel for the game and ability to make the right play set him apart. His handle is flashy yet fundamentally sound—precise and reliable. An elite shooter with an old-school form, he stretches defenses and scores from all three levels. Small plays with fearless control, demonstrating the ability to do nearly everything on the floor. He's a clear stock riser and a player with high college potential.     Terrell is a long, athletic wing with guard skills that make him a versatile offensive threat. He handles the ball well, uses his length to create scoring advantages, and is a consistent scorer from mid-range and at the rim. Terrell plays smart, leveraging his athleticism and basketball IQ to make multiple positive plays offensively. He moves well without the ball and creates advantages for himself and teammates. His ability to stretch the floor and score in bunches makes him an exciting prospect with next-level potential.    As the AAU season winds down and summer school ball approaches, stay tuned to Prep Hoops for in-depth positional evaluations and spotlights on Louisiana players who have earned scholarship offers from programs across the country.

While many players traveled out of state to compete, the talent along the I-20 corridor was on full display in Ruston and West Monroe. It's always exciting to hunt for emerging prospects, especially when you stumble upon players who might be hard to see during the school season. Some are young and haven't yet broken into their high school lineups due to depth on their team, while others may have dealt with injuries. Whatever the reasons, AAU provides a stage to shine—and these players seized the moment, proving they're ready to make some noise.