Upperclassmen Wings Taking a Leap

Every year there are a few players who flip the switch and elevate their games when it matters most, and this season's group of upperclassmen wings was no exception. These prospects have taken noticeable strides in their skill sets, showing more polish on the perimeter, versatility as defenders, and confidence as go-to scoring options. With size, length, and athleticism already in their favor, their growth as impact players has them primed to make the biggest leap in their high school careers and college coaches should be paying close attention.    [player_tooltip player_id='2673471' first='Zion' last='Ibekwe'] is an electrifying wing who's all burst and body control, combining speed, explosiveness, and finesse into a dangerous offensive package. Ibekwe thrives pulling up in the mid-range off the dribble, rising quickly into a jumpshot that defenders struggle to contest due to his elevation and release point. In the lane, Zion is fearless, using acrobatics, hang time, and creativity at the rim to convert through contact or explode for highlight-reel finishes. His tight handle allows him to carve through defenses, change directions with precision, and navigate traffic with ease, making him a tough cover in both isolation and transition.     [player_tooltip player_id='1560934' first='Gilbert' last='Aluga']'s a true pass-first point forward who operates as the connective tissue of an offense, using his size and vision to orchestrate rather than dominate with scoring. Aluga thrives initiating sets from the wing, high post, or in transition, reading defenses delivering precise passes to cutters, shooters, or rolling bigs. His unselfish approach fuels ball movement and keeps teammates engaged, while his ability to handle the rock against pressure adds versatility to lineups. [player_tooltip player_id='1560934' first='Gilbert' last='Aluga'] plays with a steady tempo, manipulates defenses with his eyes and body language, and serves as a secondary floor general who elevates an offense with flow, spacing, and chemistry.     [player_tooltip player_id='2476666' first='Aeneas' last='Alexander']'s offensive game is built on strength, power, and versatility at the forward spot. Alexander thrives as a face-up scorer, using his strong frame, quick first step, and ability to put the ball on the floor to create mismatches against bigger defenders. He's as dangerous as they come attacking downhill with bully drives, finishing through contact, or creating separation for his mid-range jumper with pro hops and fadeaways. He's also developing well into a three-level scoring threat, capable of stepping out beyond the arc as a pick-and-pop shooter, even spacing the floor off the catch.     At 6'10” with length, [player_tooltip player_id='2555146' first='Shaqere' last='Kizzee'] proves to be a vertical lob threat with the ability to rise above defenders and finish cleanly. While on the perimeter, Kizzee's a standstill catch-and-shoot specialist, spacing the floor as a reliable kick-out target without the need to be a dynamic shot creator off the dribble. A sharpshooter with legitimate range from deep, showing comfort stepping into threes with both left and right foot lead-ins, giving him versatility in how he gets into his jumper. A terrific hybrid between a stretch big and a vertical spacer, punishing defenses either by pulling bigs away from the rim or sneaking behind the defense as a lob outlet. Defensively, he leverages his length and active hands to generate deflections, tips, and turnovers. He has a knack for disrupting passing lanes on the perimeter, and his activity often fuels transition play, turning defense into immediate fast break opportunities.     [player_tooltip player_id='2454449' first='Lance' last='Williams'] is a fluid hybrid forward at 6'10” who runs the floor with ease, showing impressive end-to-end mobility for his size. He has the ability to initiate the break as a primary ball handler or fill lanes as a secondary handler, keeping pressure on defenses in transition. Offensively, he stretches the floor as a catch-and-shoot threat from three, particularly effective when stepping into rhythm shots. His mechanics are built on a balanced, wide base with clean footwork, giving him consistency and repeatability in his high unblockable release. With his size, skill, and shooting foundation, he projects as a high-level shooting forward with significant upside.     A three-level shot creator and playmaker, he possesses the remarkable combination of size, poise, and IQ that allows him to dictate the game's tempo. Offensively, [player_tooltip player_id='1804624' first='Elijah' last='Hayeems'] has elite touch against contact, able to absorb physicality and still finish or draw fouls. Off the dribble, he plays off his instincts with craft and patience, using change of pace, stride stops, and body control to create driving lanes and scoring opportunities. Hayeems' playmaking skillset is advanced, with the ability to manipulate defenders, make cross-court reads, and deliver passes on time and on target. As he alreadh holds multiple Division 1 offers, [player_tooltip player_id='1804624' first='Elijah' last='Hayeems'] looks prepared to take his game to another level as his stock continues to rise.

Every year there are a few players who flip the switch and elevate their games when it matters most, and this season's group of upperclassmen wings was no exception. These prospects have taken noticeable strides in their skill sets, showing more polish on the perimeter, versatility as defenders, and confidence as go-to scoring options. With size, length, and athleticism already in their favor, their growth as impact players has them primed to make the biggest leap in their high school careers and college coaches should be paying close attention.