Dario makes the move from Manual to St. X after running the point for the Crimson last year. Harper may not start for the Tigers but he should have a chance to make a major impact for the likely preseason top team in Kentucky.

If you’ve read any of my evaluations thus far, then you know I’m a big fan of Dario and for good reason. In today’s game, he is the definition of a point guard in terms of production. He knows his team’s offensive scheme and makes it his mission to execute it by setting his teammates up for success. Only then does Dario choose his spots and score the ball as needed. He did just that in Ambition 16U’s first matchup of the weekend during which he prioritized facilitation yet proved his worth as a bucket getter.

Dario Harper Dario Harper 5'8" | PG St. Xavier | 2028 State KY hasn’t taken as many attempts as others on this list, with 99 on the season, but he’s made the most of them, knocking down 51 for an efficient 51.5% while averaging 1.9 threes per game. That ability and efficiency were on display Feb. 17 against Seneca, when Harper went 4-for-5 from deep. In January, he also shot 4-for-7 from beyond the arc against both Fern Creek and Ballard. Harper moves well without the ball, attacking passes instead of waiting on them, and pairs that with a quick release.

Harper was the most consistent and arguably the most valuable player on the floor on Friday night. He controlled the tempo as Manual’s lead facilitator and executed the pick and roll to perfection throughout the game. He also gave his squad huge scoring sparks, showcasing his abilities to finish at the rim and knock down long range shots. He finished with a team-high 18 points in addition to grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing 4 assists in the win for the Crimsons.

Harper is leading one of the most impressive sophomore campaigns in Kentucky this year. As the sole true floor general for a really good Crimsons squad, he’s made a tremendous leap in his production since last season. Averaging 11.8 PPG with impressive 58/54/73 shooting splits, expect Dario to both run the show for Manual tonight and showcase his scoring abilities.

Quietly having one of the best Sophomore seasons in the city of Louisville, Harper is the only 2028 getting major clock at Manual this season and he’s making the best of it. Averaging 11 points per game with remarkable shooting splits of 61/55/77, Dario is trending awfully close to the 50/40/90 club. Coming off an 18 point game in a narrow loss to Ballard, Harper is trending up as the season heads into the second half.

Harper was a new name to me on Sunday and he left me with a good first impression. Both quick and fast with the ball in his hands, Dario was able to penetrate the defense all afternoon long and showed he’s a capable finisher with either hand. Harper pushed the pace when he had the ball and was very competitive on defense.