Peaking Right on Time: January's Late-Month Standout Performers

Several prospects across each grade ended the month playing at a high level, whether it was scoring in key moments, getting hot and scoring in bunches, or leading with poise, these ballers used January to remind everyone why they stocks should be on the rise. Here we take a look at the recruits who helped define the month and set the tone heading into the final stretch of the season.    This freshman point guard has been spectacular throughout the season, improving each performance with his feel for the game and basketball IQ. Jones has become one of, if not the most reliable player on the floor, someone you trust in the biggest moments to make a play or the right decision with the ball. Jones capped off January with game-winning downhill finishes in consecutive clutch victories, highlighting his maturity, poise, and killer mindset. [player_tooltip player_id='3346656' first='Ajani' last='Jones'] broke defenders down with a fluid, shifty, and controlled low dribble, keeping his handle tight and in his pockets with each move he strings together. Whenever he attacked, he fully committed to getting deep into the lane, finishing through traffic, bumps, and contact with touch and toughness.     Jordan Weiland currently sits as one of the nation's top senior scorers and three-point shooters, averaging 31.4 points per game with 115+ made three-pointers on the season. Weiland lights up the scoreboard night after night with elite efficiency, and he closed the month with one of his best performances of his senior campaign. He delivered a dynamic season-high 49-point outing, knocking down 7 three-pointers, converting 14 free throws as he applied constant pressure on the defense at all three levels.     [player_tooltip player_id='2558486' first='Jace' last='Sullivan'] exploded for an insane 47 points, showcasing high-level shot making and creation while scoring at will. Sullivan played with remarkable shooting touch from all three levels of the floor. He pulled up confidently in the mid-range with burst and elevation, getting clean looks even when contested. From deep, any space was enough, whether in transition or creating separation off the bounce, he made defenses pay. When penetrating the lane, he drove with force, initiating contact to bump defenders off their line or draw shooting fouls. He consistently got downhill using sharp behind-the-back dribbles and timely spin moves to create advantageous finishing angles.     This 6'9” ultra-athletic forward wasted no time putting his tools on full display, finishing baseline out-of-bounds lobs with flair, authority, and ease. His high-flying bounce immediately jumped off the screen, showcasing fluid, effortless elevation on his explosive two-foot lift. Spears proved to be a constant vertical threat around the rim and a nightmare to account for both in space and around the post.     [player_tooltip player_id='2767889' first='Alex' last='Alexander'] crashed the boards through traffic with force and physicality, never shying away from bumps or blows down low. Alexander made his presence felt on both ends, delivering contact in the post while battling for position. He showed smooth footwork in congested paint situations, stepping through defenders for hard-fought finishes through pressure. His ability to high-point entry passes stood out, allowing him to score at the rim or facilitate over the defense once he established position.     Rylan [player_tooltip player_id='2854586' first='Austin' last='']'s hesitation blow-bys were extremely difficult to contain in space, consistently creating advantages as a true paint-touch guard. Once he got into the teeth of the defense, he became unpredictable, capable of making the right read on the fly, whether it was a drop-off, a spray-out to shooters, or a tough finish against defenders.     A constant threat off the catch with a quick trigger and deep shooting range. Buckley's ability to let it fly from well beyond the arc forced defenses to extend coverage and stay attached at all times. His gravity stretched the floor consistently, opening lanes and creating clean spacing advantages for his teammates within the halfcourt.

Several prospects across each grade ended the month playing at a high level, whether it was scoring in key moments, getting hot and scoring in bunches, or leading with poise, these ballers used January to remind everyone why they stocks should be on the rise. Here we take a look at the recruits who helped define the month and set the tone heading into the final stretch of the season.