Prep Hoops Live: Parham’s Best in Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hardboards were packed this past weekend at the Prep Hoops Live event, featuring some of the Midwest's premier grassroots talent. With scouts and onlookers watching closely, several prospects separated themselves from the pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a breakdown of the top performers from each graduating class, along with an impressive unsigned senior who forced his way into the conversation in Plainfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2030: [player_tooltip player_id='2886530' first='Brysen' last='Morris'] (Royalty Hoops)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choosing the top spot for this class was arguably the toughest evaluation of the weekend, with Morris narrowly edging out a fierce competitor in Robert Smith Jr. However, the 6-foot-4 soon-to-be freshman was simply impossible to ignore. Morris possesses legitimate, varsity-ready size paired with an advanced handle that allows him to create his own shot at will. While he proved he can knock down shots from beyond the arc, he was at his most effective operating off the bounce. Morris utilized slick drives to carve up defenses, routinely putting opposing players in a blender and living at the free-throw line. Beyond his scoring, he is a highly intelligent passer who showcases an impressive basketball IQ, particularly when dissecting defenses in pick-and-roll action. He has all the tools to develop into the premier prospect of this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2029: [player_tooltip player_id='2369858' first='Jonny' last='Udoiwod'] (YnR)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Udoiwod put together a solid weekend overall, but it was his spectacular performance on Sunday that officially sealed his placement on this list. The 6-foot-0 guard was absolutely lethal from the perimeter, putting on a shooting clinic by pouring in five triples in a single contest. Udoiwod possesses a long, rangy frame that suggests he still has plenty of growing left to do. He is a slick ball-handler who can consistently win his matchup off the bounce and convert tough finishes at the rim using excellent body control. What makes him dangerous is his ability to make quick, accurate passes off live dribbles while on the move. Whether asked to act as a primary playmaker or a lethal floor-spacer, Udoiwod is highly effective in either role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2028: [player_tooltip player_id='3597945' first='Damarion' last='Taylor'] (Royalty Hoops)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor put on an absolute scoring clinic this weekend, hanging multiple 30+ point games to establish himself as the undisputed king of the sophomore class. He played with a relentless motor and was in attack mode from the opening tip to the final buzzer.&nbsp; Taylor used his explosive quickness off the bounce to execute devastating, straight-line drives to the right. He lived at the rim all weekend, routinely finishing through contact with superb body control. However, labeling him as just a driver would be a mistake; he kept defenses honest by knocking down multiple threes in several viewing sessions. To top it off, Taylor brings immense energy to the defensive end, using his on-ball pressure to completely shift the momentum of a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2027: [player_tooltip player_id='2532341' first='Keyae' last='Lacy'] (Geek Squad)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lacy played with an elite level of comfort this weekend, getting whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. The long and rangy guard was a true three-level scorer, utilizing a feathery pull-up mid-range game, deep range from beyond the arc, and pure athleticism to finish with ease at the cup. Whether he was attacking gaps in transition, elevating above defenders at the rim, or knocking down perimeter jumpers, Lacy looked entirely in his element. He boasts a clean, effortless shooting stroke from deep that adds a dangerous layer to his offensive arsenal. Defensively, his length and active hands completely disrupted opposing ball-handlers throughout the tournament. Lacy's advanced scoring instincts and elite ability to create separation off the dribble made him one of the most complete players in the building.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2026: Tony Salemi (CBG)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salemi put together a masterful offensive weekend, once again proving why he deserves a lot more attention on the recruiting trail. The unsigned 6-foot-3 senior guard is highly skilled and presents a massive matchup nightmare because of his versatility as a scorer. Salemi can punish defenders from deep or attack effectively off the bounce, always playing under control with impressive pace and deceptive changes of speed. He utilizes his strong upper body exceptionally well when driving to the basket, allowing him to absorb contact and consistently keep defenders off balance. For college programs looking for a polished, tough, and ready-to-contribute guard, Salemi is a name to call immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->