Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase: Standouts - Part 1

The annual Prep Hoops Arizona Freshman Showcase brought together some of the state's top up-and-coming talent, giving the Class of 2029 a chance to make their mark early. From high-motor guards to versatile Bigs, the gym was loaded with players looking to prove themselves and set the tone for their high school careers. Here's a look at a few standouts who caught my eye in Part 1 of my recap.    He had the ball on a string, creating separation with ease and scoring it off the dribble with crafty finishes. He showed the ability to generate his own shot, knocking down threes and mid-range looks with confidence. Without question, he was one of the top 2029 prospects at the camp.     He was scoring it on all three levels—knocking down mid-range shots, hitting from deep, and attacking downhill with force. He also rebounded the ball extremely well and consistently slashed to the basket, finding ways to impact the game beyond just his scoring. On top of that, he protected the rim effectively in transition, using his timing and effort to take away easy baskets.     He brought a relentless defensive presence, staying in his opponent's chest and setting the tone with nonstop energy. His motor never dipped, and he communicated well on that end, directing traffic and making sharp reads. Offensively, he showed his versatility—knocking down shots off the catch and attacking downhill with toughness, finishing plays through contact.     He showcased a really clean release, shooting it well both off the dribble and the catch. Along with that, he flashed some solid ball-handling ability and stayed active without the ball—constantly moving, cutting, and sprinting the floor in transition to create opportunities.     He knocked down shots from deep, attacked confidently off the catch, and consistently finished through contact at the rim. With his ability to get downhill and apply pressure, he forced defenses to stay locked in on him every possession.

The annual Prep Hoops Arizona Freshman Showcase brought together some of the state's top up-and-coming talent, giving the Class of 2029 a chance to make their mark early. From high-motor guards to versatile Bigs, the gym was loaded with players looking to prove themselves and set the tone for their high school careers. Here's a look at a few standouts who caught my eye in Part 1 of my recap.