Jalen is the final player we needed to mention. Was honorable mention all state last year but has had a really big spring and summer with PAC.

The 6’5 200 pound guard moved at the rim to score, he shot the ball well scoring for his team, and was just an all around producer that should take a big step into his senior season.

Batiste averaged 15 points, six rebounds and four assists a game as a junior with the versatile contributions.

Jalen had variety of timed finishes this weekend that really caught the eye. His full speed completions at the rim caught the eye the most…..it was like a Ferrari at full speed taking the place of the mail man and gently delivering with success.

More importantly though, the perimeter jumper was on for four threes in one of the games. Found his way to score and make plays reguarly.

Jalen came off the bench as a ball handler and I thought the timing of his first pass, and the ball movement of the halfcourt offense was really good with him making the first reads. When Jalen and Walsh were together, Batiste handled allowing Walsh to get open off ball, and Jalen put Walsh in position to have space on a make.

Defensively what really caught my eye was the work that Jalen did off the ball blocking his man from making easy cuts and easy runs to the ball. He was an alert defender at all times that made things tougher on his man off the ball which made the timing of things for the opponent tougher once they got to the ball. His hands are up to deflect and Batiste’s deep stance and alert reactions put him on the ball quickly when closing out.

So alert on D all the time, the chances he took led to turnovers from the backside and led to a lay-up for him, and a lay-up for another. Based on this game, he is a guy I am guessing his coaches let take chances on defense.

Finished the game with four points on three shots, three boards, three assists, a couple steals and was a late game defensive specialist.

It’s becoming more interesting why Batiste hasn’t drawn more attention from next-level programs yet. He presents the profile of a big lead guard who can see over defenses and process the floor. While he is capable of playing off the ball, it’s evident that he is most comfortable operating as the primary initiator and running the offense for Maize South this June.

Batiste is active off the ball as well, relocating quickly and effectively to create clean looks as a shooter. He frequently moves the ball and repositions himself to get it back in open space, allowing him to maintain rhythm as a perimeter scorer. He is also highly effective in ball-screen situations, where he makes quick reads and finds space as both a scorer and facilitator.

As a playmaker, Jalen leads teammates into advantageous spots on the floor, keeping the offense organized and defenses in constant rotation. His combination of size, vision, and decision-making continues to stand out, and his recent play should carry over into July and the upcoming winter season as his role and recruitment continue to grow.

Batiste, another rising name, should be interesting to follow this coming weekend. Jalen looked promising in Detroit as a physical and deceptively quick perimeter player. He’s initiated and finished through contact well this spring and continues to look bigger and stronger, along with a much more decisive and quicker handle that has been throwing primary defenders off balance. He definitely doesn’t lack confidence and plays with a chip on his shoulder — something that gives him an edge at times. With his ability to handle the ball and knock down timely perimeter shots, he should have more than enough opportunities as he hits the floor in Tulsa at the Pro16 Live Period and NXTPro Live Period.

There may not be a more improved lead guard in the state this season than Batiste, especially when you consider everything he’s done to enhance his body and explosiveness. That improvement was seen firsthand against Derby, where he served as the other side of the Mavericks’ attack, perfectly complementing Stucky. Batiste played with a consistent edge throughout the game, using his size and strength to attack the paint and absorb contact. He generated timely offense and made plays with the ball in his hands, while his outside shooting came through when it mattered most. And, as always, his vision and passing ability were on display, creating opportunities for his teammates and keeping the Derby defense off balance.

Jalen took major steps forward this summer, developing into a strong, long lead guard with an improved physical profile. He’s excellent at navigating the paint, using a variety of footwork and angles to get to the rim and finish with either hand. Batiste is also a reliable shooter from deep, consistently knocking down perimeter shots with confidence and efficiency. In transition, he thrives — pushing the pace, reading the floor, and creating high-level looks for teammates with impressive vision and a creative passing arsenal. With his blend of size, skill, and feel, Batiste is evolving into a dynamic two-way guard with real playmaking upside.