The Next Wave: Future Impact Sophomores

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028: The Next Wave</h3>   The Class of 2028 represents Arkansas's next wave of impact talent. Check out these five sophomores who are poised to help fuel their programs. Get a closer look at each prospect, what they bring now, and the future impact coaches should expect as they develop into core contributors. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.    Scouting Snapshot: [player_tooltip player_id='2194551' first='Owen' last='Stewart'] is a smart, floor general point guard who controls tempo with advanced spacing awareness and strong balance through contact. He runs offenses with steady ball security, sharp passes at times, and a knack for converting opponents' overplays into downhill drives or on the dime stop and pop shots in the mid-range. Defensively, he uses active hands and angles to force turnovers into transition chances.   Future Impact: An immediate varsity contributor who becomes a primary floor commander by mid‑high school, valued most for decision‑making, leadership, and playmaking growth.     Scouting Snapshot: [player_tooltip player_id='2382039' first='Connor' last='Fretheim'] is a lanky guard whose hustle and vision give him the foundation to grow into a true hybrid wing who can play on or off the ball. He shows natural creation instincts in pick-and-rolls and late drives, while his catch-and-shoot mechanics and spacing promise reliable floor spacing as his shot becomes more consistent. Defensively, he has the length and ability to switch onto multiple positions between 2-guard and 4-man.   Future Impact: An immediate rotational varsity guard who, with added strength and a tightened three-point stroke, can develop into a primary two-way wing and multi-positional matchup problem by mid to late high school.     Scouting Snapshot: [player_tooltip player_id='2775285' first='Maurice' last='Phillips'] is a multi-sport athlete whose football explosiveness translates directly to the basketball court in burst, physicality, and competitive toughness. His blend of long strides, interior finishing, and lateral mobility allows him to be aggressive on defense, secure rebounds, and finish through contact with a post anchoring presence. On defense, he uses his motor and instincts to block or change shots and run the floor to stop opposing breaks.   Future Impact: Role player with varsity impact as a versatile piece who can turn into a two-way inside-out forward with an increased focus on offensive skill work.     Scouting Snapshot: [player_tooltip player_id='2951517' first='Trey' last='Holcomb'] is a high-effort combo guard who brings steady playmaking, outside shooting, and a willingness to learn. Offensively, he provides timely scoring, provides efforted defense, and dependable ball security with the fundamentals and motor to expand his role. Defensively, he uses active hands and quick feet to disrupt passing lanes and defend guards across the perimeter.   Future Impact: Current impact as a trusted rotational guard who, with continued skill refinement and increased aggressiveness, can grow into a consistent varsity starter by mid‑high school.     Scouting Snapshot: [player_tooltip player_id='2837777' first='Abe' last='Cooper'] is a leadership-minded lead guard who impacts the game from the PG/SG spots through steady playmaking, calm decision-making, and vocal on-court callouts. Those skills most likely come from spending a ton of time as the starting QB on the football field. He manages tempo with dependable ball security, delivers timely pocket passes, and creates easy offense by reading help and attacking seams.   Future Impact: An immediate varsity rotational piece who becomes a primary floor leader early in high school, expanding his playmaking range and late‑game trust as his shooting consistency improves.