12.8 pts 5.3 rebs 2.0 ast

The Crusaders sophomore played a huge role during their run to a fifth-place trophy, playing the second most minutes in the tournament (119). He’s a two-way threat and stepped up in a big way to end the tournament, leading the team with 22 points in their trophy game matchup with Bellarmine Prep. McNeal sunk a deep 3-pointer with time winding down in the first overtime to take the lead before an unlucky tip-in sent the game to another overtime. He showed off all tournament how physical he can play on both ends and the potential to keep growing offensively.

One of the most athletic prospects in his class, McNeal has a chance to make some real noise this winter after a big summer. He should get to be a more integral part of their offense, but he’s still also a player who can contribute without the ball and having plays run for him. He has continued to get better shooting from distance and working off the dribble, while bringing consistency on the glass and on the defensive end.

McNeal continues his ascent up the 2028 class rankings and has notably picked up several Division I basketball offers this summer to add to his growing list of D-I football offers. While his athleticism and fluidity get a lot of hype on the court, he’s also a kid with a smooth shot from 3-point range, and some great lateral quickness that is starting to open up a more varied shot profile for him. He should be an even bigger producer for the Crusaders this winter.

McNeal is a true dual-sport threat, garnering division-one offers from high major schools in football, and proving to be a real factor in basketball, already slipping into the starting five and contributing in a big way at Eastside Catholic. He’s a legit athlete who attacks the glass, can get the board and handles well enough to push it himself at times, and has that ready-made toughness and physicality to get buckets inside. He should continue to develop more wing skills, already showing a solid stroke in the midrange and the ability to take defenders off the dribble with quick bursts.

McNeal is a fantastic athlete who has added a big presence around the paint for the Crusaders with his ability to fly around. His agility, burst, and aggression inside have made him a big factor rebounding, blocking shots, and getting down the court to finish plays in transition. He pairs really well with their other big man, Yeabsera Aklog Yeabsera Aklog 6'11" | PF Eastside Catholic | 2026 State #105 Nation WA , providing great floor coverage and some high-flying impact plays.

McNeal is a real athlete who’s also a D-I football recruit. He has the size and athleticism to be a factor out of the gates for the Crusaders. He can guard multiple positions, handles the ball well enough to be an attacking threat from the perimeter, and his athleticism makes him a factor around the rim on both ends. He’s a high-effort kid who should be a key guy off the bench this winter.