The lanky still growing Gaines would be an intriguing prospect based only on his measurables. Add in that he’s one of the best shooters in the class, and he should become a popular target for D1 programs in the region. The youngster does appear to be starting to fill out and is less gangly in his body. He’s dunking everything around the rim, and similarly is a rim deterrent on defense with his long arms. Has transferred to Vici and should put up video game like numbers with full stat lines this winter. But before that, he’ll have a chance to draw the attention of college coaches next month with AB Elite on the Nike EYBL Circuit. Where one game with a few three pointers and tough plays on defense should be enough to turn him into a priority for low to mid-major programs.

Gaines opened the game with a pair of dunks, which exhibited the improvement in his transition speed and verticality. Overall his movements are still a bit gangly when it comes to agility but that comes with the territory of a still growing forward prospect. He’s pushing a solid 6 foot 8, which given his shooting skillset makes him very intriguing. For his high school team, he’s the clear center of attention, which makes his role slightly different than his likely next level role. As such, he’s finishing through contact and scoring tough buckets around the rim. Along with peppering in good passes. Very intriguing sophomore prospect, who had 23 in a win over a ranked 4A foe.

Watching players grow over the course of a grassroots summer is one of the most fascinating parts of this job. At the first EYBL stop, Gaines looked a step off the pace. The next one, he settled back in and his prolific shooting ability was on display. This time, he still hit from distance while overall looking fully comfortable and being a bright spot in a loss. He’s currently skinny, but has some toughness when it comes to battling around the paint. The Woodward Boomer continues to make impressive all around steps as one of the better players in what appears to be a deep Class of 2028 in Oklahoma.

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The still growing northwestern Oklahoma standout is known for his outstanding shooting ability. He slots into a role to highlight those strengths with his grassroots team, while working on expanding his all around game for his high school program. Starting to look more coordinated and stronger, evident with his transition dunks. Along with the ability to get to the 8-12 foot range in the mid-range. His shooting touch and ability to be a movement shooter will always be at the top of his scouting report. But the strides he’s making by working on his handle, defensive impact and more will help him carry the load for the Boomers as they try to make noise in Class 4A.

Gaines is the type of shooter that once the first one goes in, the next ones are likely to follow. Has a definite next level role with his combination of size and always being ready to shoot mentality. Along with the floor spacing, has a mid-range off face up attacks. Or backing down and draining turnarounds. Small town sniper, who is also getting national reps with Nike EYB this spring and summer.

After a rocky first weekend of EYB action, Gaines settled in and was a pivotal depth piece for LeGYnds 15U’s team. Got into a rhythm early from three, and kept hitting throughout the game. Connecting on three triples. It was a launching point to a productive weekend for the western Oklahoma prospect. His ability to shoot, at his size will always make him an intriguing college prospect.

Shooter with ideal size. Impressed at an in person viewing at a scrimmage in November. Then by tracking stats and highlights, he backed it up with a strong start to his high school career. Equally dangerous in the mid-range and from beyond the arc. Regularly made it rain from deep with multiple games of over three made three pointers. Smart mover off the ball to open shots, even comfortable backpedaling to the three point line and getting into his shot in one smooth motion. Very intriguing prospect thanks to height and shooting ability, a national schedule this summer will indicate a lot about where he is at physically when it comes to next level development.

As a freshman, Kadon led his team at Dodge City High school with a Double-Double scoring 45 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. He hit 7 three pointers and shot over 60% from the field. He also added 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Another player on this list with an impressive basketball pedigree and son of a coach, Gaines also appears to among the top shooters in this class. Looks very good as a catch and shooter, complete with movement shooting, or putting the ball on the floor one or two dribbles and shooting. Starting to tap into more athleticism with impressive transition finishing. Huge potential for Gaines to mature into one of the best all around scorers in this class.

Impressive starting skill level for the western Oklahoma freshman. Smooth one-two dribble pull up moves in the mid-range and beyond the arc. Good movement shooter, who maintains fundamentals and gets into his shots quickly. Still coming into his own physically, but did get in transition and throw one down with authority. Promising entry for a youngster with basketball pedigree, and has obviously spent the time in the gym to be able to blaze his own path.