The Arizona Basketball Coaches Association (ABCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing basketball development throughout Arizona, held the Section 7 tournament – a tournament that derives its name from Section 7 of the National Federation of State High School Associations, which includes Arizona. Held this year at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona, top high school teams from Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Florida, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico competed in high-intensity environments with over 300 NCAA coaches in attendance during this live period.
This concentration of talent and coaching attention created an atmosphere where future collegiate and professional basketball players could emerge and showcase their abilities on a significant stage. Teams from California dominated this event, with Bishop O’Dowd, Branson, Crean Lutheran, Crespi, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), Salesian Prep, Sierra Canyon, and University winning championships and going undefeated. For Arizona, Millennium also went 4-0, defeating Owyhee (ID) in their championship game.
With 16 games running simultaneously, it was impossible to witness everything, but through observations and conversations, here are some of the players who created buzz:
Top Player:
Maximo Adams 6’8 Forward Sierra Canyon Class of 2026
Maximo scored 29 points in the championship game victory for Sierra Canyon. Throughout the tournament, he showcased himself as a true hybrid forward, dominating inside in the post while scoring efficiently from mid-range. A good athlete with solid size, he was a load for defenders to handle on the offensive glass. From the wing, he effectively used pump fakes to get to the rim and finish strong, demonstrating an ability to finish plays through contact. Defensively, he took ownership and competed hard, securing defensive rebounds, rotating as a help defender when necessary, and using his athleticism to stay in front of ball handlers.
NaVorro Bowman Jr 6’2 PG Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) Class of 2027
NaVorro, son of the former star 49ers NFL linebacker, scored 31 points against Santa Margarita in his head-to-head matchup versus top California senior Kaiden Bailey. He showcased elite speed and athleticism, using a quick Tim Hardaway-esque UTEP two-step crossover to blow by opponents. His vertical explosiveness allows him to elevate around outstretched arms of post defenders to score. When his outside shot is falling—as it was against Santa Margarita—he’s nearly impossible to stop. Defensively, his quickness forces opponents to know his whereabouts at all times, as he can play free safety, intercept long passes, and double-team ball handlers for steals. Had a tremendous four-game performance at Section 7.
Jomar Bernard 6’8 Forward The Villages Class of 2027
With more highly rated seniors on The Villages roster, Jomar operates as a secondary option. He possesses good length and fluid body mechanics. A hybrid forward who plays mostly power forward at this level, his most likely position moving forward is small forward. A solid rebounder, he scores most of his points around the rim but flashed some self-creation and shooting ability with four three-pointers and 16 points against eventual tournament champion Salesian Prep, known for their defense. A willing passer who makes quick decisions with the ball,the next step in his development will take place as a senior as the featured player. Defensively, he can guard both wings and post players at this level.
Toni Bryant 6’10 PF/C Zephyrhills Christian Academy Class of 2026
Toni is an athletic post player with a strong frame who has intrigued scouts for several years with his ability to run the floor and finish plays with powerful two-handed dunks. He’s quick-twitch off the ground in the dunker spot and needs no momentum for explosive finishes. Slightly older for his class, he’s lost some recruiting luster as critics note his limited development over the past 18 months. His footwork and jump shot remain inconsistent. Nonetheless, he’s an excellent pick-and-roll option and can protect the rim with his length and athleticism. In his head-to-head matchup with top center prospect Cam Williams at Section 7, there was a clear distinction in terms of high-level prospect status – while Toni held his own offensively, Cam’s length and scoring versatility were more noticeable.
Adan Diggs 6’4 SG Millennium Class of 2028
Adan appeared to transition smoothly from Williams Field to Millennium, playing alongside top Class of 2026 prospect Cam Holmes. He’s a three-level scorer who can attack the rim with athletic finishes and catch-and-shoot from long distance, but his separator is his proficiency on drives with jump-stop mid-range jumpers. He scores efficiently from mid-range at the baseline and both elbows. On fast breaks, he runs lanes and finishes with highlight-reel dunks. Generating Power 4 conference offers throughout the weekend, he created significant buzz as one of the top-tier players at the event. Playing with a more seasoned program seemed to allow him to play a more efficient brand of basketball. This is a pivotal season for Adan and Millennium—with Perry’s departures, they’re state title favorites, and he was the missing piece they added. Given his age, there’s potential for reclassification to the Class of 2027, which could change the perspective on this upcoming season.
Devaughn Dorrough 6’7 Forward Coronado Class of 2027
An uber athletic forward who is best running the floors down the lane and finishing off plays. Dorrough has some potential to eventually become a wing but needs to work on his handles as they can get loose and become more consistent with his outside shot. His natural ability and physical nature allows him to get points around the basket with pure hustle and will. Defensively he has a long wingspan that allows him to get deflections, block shots, and steals.
Eric Fiedler Forward 6’7 Forward Regis Jesuit Class of 2026
Eric was the talk of Section 7’s first day with his 50+ point performance at an efficient rate. Along with Joe Sterling, he was one of the tournament’s two best shooters and possesses ideal forward size. He’s automatic from the free-throw line and beyond the arc in catch-and-shoot situations with space. Even after word spread about his shooting ability, teams couldn’t stop him from scoring. Unfortunately, his team lacks talent, and he plays center and power forward for them. He lacks ideal athleticism and needs to improve flexibility to transition from playing the 4/5 to the 3/4. A high-IQ player who reads the game well and uses intelligence to find catch-and-shoot opportunities, he struggles with screening off-ball and lacks the stamina ideal for an elite shooter. Colorado schools and New Mexico were heavily represented at his games.
NJ Gray 6’2 PG The Branson School Class of 2027
NJ led Branson to a 20-point championship game victory and perfect 4-0 weekend. While not the tallest or biggest, he may be the shiftiest player in high school basketball. His ability to slither past defenders with either hand is beautiful to watch. Observing him get downhill and shed defenders with his combination of wiggle, change-of-pace dribbles, decelerations, euro steps, and jump stops is entertaining. He can absorb contact and create space at the rim, possessing deceptive athleticism that allows for occasional dunks. A good free-throw shooter with all the makings of a quality outside shooter, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he moved up rankings significantly by spring 2027.
DeMarcus Henry 6’7 Forward Mater Dei (transferred to AZ Compass after event) Class of 2027
DeMarcus didn’t play to his full potential at Section 7 but still demonstrated why he has so much intrigue among scouts. At 6’7 with a chiseled body and long frame he has ideal length as a small forward. He handles the ball well for his size and is able to both post up and score and to dribble, drive and find creases in the defense to score. A good athlete he can dunk it from the dunker spot with no step momentum. He still needs to add to his range.
Cameron Holmes 6’5 Wing Millennium Class of 2026
The southpaw has good positional length and strength for a wing. His consistency and confidence have grown throughout his high school career, and coaches now know what to expect from him. He shoots consistently from three in catch-and-shoot situations and shows secondary creation ability, driving from the catch on the wing to create for himself or others. He has good court feel, is a willing passer, and demonstrates strong intangible leadership qualities. He finishes with two-handed dunks on fast breaks, half-court cuts, and offensive rebounds. He shows willingness to defend and has the length and strength to switch onto bigger players.
Josh Irving 6’11 Center Pasadena Class of 2026
Josh is a late-blooming center whose body has matured and filled out. At 6’11” with a long wingspan and athletic build, he was on scouts’ short lists as a potential future NBA player. A gifted athlete for his size, he excels at running lanes and finishing with dunks. Despite adding strength and weight, he’s maintained his rim agility and is nearly unstoppable in the post at this level. He showed some post footwork and a developing hook shot. His perimeter shooting remains inconsistent, but he’s a solid lob threat on pick-and-rolls and doesn’t shy away from physical play. Defensively, he’s an excellent rim protector and strong rebounder.
Boss Mhoon 6’4 PG The King’s Academy Class of 2028
Boss played early on the second morning and was the main reason scouts and NCAA coaches arrived at the gym early. He has great positional size and is built like a safety—a true menace for opponents bringing the ball up court. His physicality and quickness disrupt defenses, causing deflections, turnovers, and transition buckets. Offensively, he’s an excellent mid-range and free-throw shooter. He lacks explosiveness at the rim but compensates with jump stops, pump fakes, footwork, and using his body to create space. Given his athletic limitations, he’ll need to become as proficient from three as he is from mid-range.
Gene Roebuck 6’5 Wing La Miranda Class of 2027
Gene is a professional scorer with remarkable self-creation ability. At 6’5″ with point guard handles but lacking point guard quickness, he’s a master of deception. He hides the ball well, has excellent change of pace, and possesses a spin move that fools opponents as he often slows down or dribbles away from the basket before spinning toward the hoop. He did better at Section 7 passing the ball and letting the game come to him compared to EYBL Session 1. His body and body language have matured significantly from previous tournaments. A solid shooter who sometimes makes questionable shot selections, he took quality shots at Section 7. Defense will always be challenging for him as an average athlete, but he competed on that end and had a productive talent showcase.
Shalen Sheppard Brentwood C Class of 2028
A quick glance at Shalen reveals a young body with likely transformation ahead. When moving up and down court, he displays excellent body control and fluid lateral movement. Physical in the post, he battles for position and has great hands when receiving the ball. He showed a nose for the ball on both ends and was comfortable making passes against help-side double teams. His shooting needs work, but he has solid mechanics and great defensive instincts as a help defender. He plays for Oakland Soldiers in EYBL.
Cameron Williams 6’11 Saint Mary’s Class of 2026
Cam had all the top schools watching, with Duke and BYU (head coach front and center) most prominently present. In a class where the top 5 remains fluid, there’s a scenario where Cam moves up significantly in rankings. Always long, tall, and athletic with outside touch, he’s added consistency and now believes in his potential. He’s as fluid as any center in the 2026 class running the floor and moving laterally. Due to previous strength limitations, he’s always favored facing up and handles the ball well for his size. He has self-creation ability and could play the 4 as much as the 5 at any level. He’s proficient from the corners in catch-and-shoot situations, as well as from the wing and free-throw line extended. His passing has improved, and he can create for others in certain situations. With added strength and maturity, he’s gained post confidence and is now a legitimate threat there. While he occasionally gets unbalanced, these moments are rare. Previously inconsistent with great games followed by disappearing acts, his play has become more consistent entering his senior year. Defensively, he was Section 7’s best rim protector – his length and mobility separate him from others. His growth in consistency and strength has been monumental in just one year, and while further development is needed, scouts are monitoring his progress closely.
Five Honorable Mention:
Kayden Allen 6’5 Wing Zephyrhills Christian Academy Class of 2026
Kaiden Bailey 6’3 PG Santa Margarita Class of 2026 (wrote about him recently in Pangos article here)
Aaron Britt 6’1 PG The Villages Class of 2027
Hurly Brutus 6’7 Forward The VIllages Class of 2026
SJ Madison 6’4 Wing Redondo Union Class of 2026 (wrote about him recently in Pangos article here)
Five Bigs:
Chadrack Mpoyi 6’11 Crean Lutheran Class of 2026
Chadrack, who sat out last season due to international transfer rules, helped lead Crean Lutheran to a perfect 4-0 at Section 7. A solid rim protector and defensive rebounder, his presence alone deterred opponents from attacking the rim. Not a fluid lateral athlete, he’ll face switching difficulties at higher levels but doesn’t shy away from physical play. Offensively, he’s a willing screener who’s best finishing around the rim and has a strong motor.
Jonas Oware 6’9 PF/C Long Beach Poly Class of 2026
Jonas, a good student with high basketball IQ, lacks vertical power but runs the floor fluidly and can maneuver around opponents with body control and quickness. Somewhat undersized, his lack of strength and power sometimes accentuates those missing inches. He battles on both boards and has good touch around the rim. He made solid decisions when the offense ran through him and shows passing potential. Though a senior, his body appears to have maturation room—his 18-month progression will be interesting to monitor.
Milton Phinnessee III 6’10 Liberty (AZ) Class of 2027
Milton, an AZ Factory product, is this article’s rawest and most unknown player. At 6’10” with a long wingspan, he requires continued monitoring. With broad shoulders, good strength, and fluid floor running, he’s very new to the game. Consistently catching the ball cleanly and maintaining balance and control offensively are still developing. His shooting mechanics were solid but inconsistent, and he can finish with strong two-handed dunks.
Kyle Sanders 6’11 C Campbell Hall Class of 2028
Kyle, a recent Campbell Hall transfer, looks like a top-level center. He’s tall, long, filled out, and runs the floor well – attributes that make him an ideal long-term shot blocker. Just entering his sophomore year, the game can come fast on both ends. As he matures, the game should slow down and he can become more dominant. Currently, he’s a load to defend on the offensive glass and is a pick-and-roll lob threat. He has post potential as he strengthens his core and learns to absorb contact better.
Darius Wabbington 6’10 C Sunnyslope Class of 2027
Darius is considered an elite Class of 2027 prospect and post player, having participated in Team USA camps since his freshman year. Each viewing shows him slimmer, indicating body maturation and conditioning work. The loss of baby fat has added quickness, though he wouldn’t be considered a top-level athlete. He absorbs contact well, creates space with his body, and has great balance when decelerating, allowing him to score effectively on both sides of the block. He needs work on his turn-around in the key, where he settles for inconsistent push shots instead of utilizing his soft touch on hook shots. He has potential as an offensive hub, showing patience in play development. As a shooter, he can face up and make shots with space, though his release is somewhat slow. In victory over Harvard Westlake, he stretched the floor with three three-pointers. His size provides crushing screens and he’s a willing setter. Defensively, his size alone commands the paint, and he has strong instincts for clogging lanes and rotating. His athletic limitations make him hesitant to fully close out, but he’s an extremely strong rebounder.
Five Underrated:
Andrew Hillman 6’4 CG Archbishop Riordan Class of 2026
Andrew has had a successful high school career as a key contributor on a top Northern California team and is a starter for the U17 Oakland Soldiers EYBL team. A true combo guard with elite vertical ability and good strength, his rim-finishing ability among guards is top-level. With a quick first step and good strength, once his shoulders pass the defender, recovery is unlikely. At Section 7, he showed ability to score away from the rim with one-dribble jump-stop mid-range jumpers at an efficient rate. Defensively, he can guard wings and any point guard with his length and athleticism. Coaches and scouts want to see continued long-distance consistency and playmaking development. If coaches believe he can lead their offense at 6’4″, he has great size, length, and athleticism for the top level.
DeMarco Hunter 6’7 Forward Archbishop Riordan Class of 2026
DeMarco transferred from Santa Cruz High School, which has had tremendous success in their division over the past two seasons. Like Hillman, he’s an Oakland Soldiers U17 EYBL starter. A good athlete who excels defensively as a help-side shot blocker and rebounder, he moves his feet well on pick-and-roll switches. Offensively, he’s a strong rim runner and rebounder with high energy. He shoots well from long distance, creating mismatches for longer, slower defenders. He’s a good passer, particularly as the high man in high-low sets. At 6’7″, he’s short for a power forward and needs to develop his handles to transition from 4/3 to 3/4 at higher levels.
Mason Magee 6’0 PG Basha Class of 2026
Mason has been one of Arizona’s better players, leading Basha as one of the state’s top teams yearly. Playing U17 for Compton Magic in the Adidas circuit, he’s a dynamic point guard with great athleticism who can lead breaks or run lanes and finish with dunks. A true floor general in half-court sets, he excels at team management. In self-creation opportunities, he uses pick-and-rolls to get downhill and utilizes elite athleticism to finish. At Section 7, he adapted by playing more off-ball given other talented guards on the team. Off-ball, he was proficient in catch-and-shoot threes and creating mid-range opportunities with one dribble. Defensively, he competes full-court, pressuring opposing point guards. While lacking height, he doesn’t lack heart.
Landen Northrop 6’5 CG RIchland Class of 2026
Landen demonstrated elite ability to get his shot off efficiently at Section 7. Not an elite athlete, he showed great footwork, change of pace, and head fakes to create shooting opportunities. He flashed good ball-handling with either hand and is adept at shielding defenders to create space. On several occasions, he made outside shots while getting fouled.
Rider Portela 6’6 Wing Sunnyslope Class of 2026
Rider, a coach’s son who plays for Compton Magic on the 3SSB circuit, had an excellent Section 7. Previously showing grit and confidence without always having efficiency or execution, he put it all together and was clearly his team’s best player across four games. A slasher who finished wing cuts with two-handed rim-rocking dunks, he’s always quick to attack downhill but showed more patience in play development, leading to increased efficiency. He forced defenses to close out from long distance, making catch-and-shoot threes at a solid rate. More of a 3 than a 2 with no clear elite skill but well-rounded across all areas, he needs to continue developing his shooting.
Five Arizona Players:
Viktor Babic 6’7 Forward Perry Class of 2028
At 6’7″ and a true forward, Viktor has great positional size. He’s best facing up in triple threat with fluid outside shot mechanics and skilled passing. He can handle the ball some and understands how to play. At this stage, he needs to add strength, adapt to physicality, and better absorb and play through contact. He has some quickness and length but lacks power, though his interesting skill set should translate as his body matures.
Maurice Carter II 6’0 PG Willow Canyon Class of 2028
A blur on the court, Maurice gets downhill quickly at will. His quick between-the-legs crossover from left to right puts defenders on their heels. He has a quick release on his jump shot that keeps defenses guessing. His scoring ability at that size is impressive. Despite his lack of size, he finishes among trees and when penetrating and drawing defenses, he kicks out to teammates for catch-and-shoot threes (often to Jaydon Hayes). Defensively, his lack of size requires full-court pressure and using his quickness to disrupt offenses. Led by Maurice, Willow Canyon is a must-see Arizona team – their high-octane offense and intense ball pressure make games fast-paced and entertaining. He played for AZ Unity U15 this spring/summer.
Jakyi Miles 6’3 PG Mesa Class of 2028
Jakyi “Kyi Kyi” Miles is consistently ranked among the top 2028 class players and was among Section 7’s most interesting prospects. With solid length and broad shoulders, he can overpower other point guards at this level with either hand. A fluid jump shooter with quick release, his shooting ability should transfer at all levels. Not blessed with elite athleticism, he excels at changing pace to reach his spots and in deceleration. He occasionally finishes plays (his first dunk came in January at the Nike Tournament) but is best leading fast breaks as a good decision-maker who keeps his head up. A high-IQ player whom teammates love playing with.
Kingston Montague 6’0 PG Basha Class of 2028
The Canadian Kingston is a waterbug scorer who, with Mason Magee, makes their guard play extremely difficult to defend. Blessed with good speed and shot-making ability, defenders struggle to stay in front of him. He’s a good self-creator who showed ability to take quick two-dribble backstep mid-range pull-ups, leaving defenders off-balance. He defers to Mason as the senior but demonstrates off-ball ability. Diminutive in size, he’ll need to constantly provide full-court pressure at the next level.
Kade Snyder 6’8 Forward Sunnyslope Class of 2026
Kade is a perfect complement to Darius Wabbington in the post. The Compton Magic product is an excellent athlete who runs lanes hard and finishes with fast-break dunks. In half-court sets, he excels on the offensive glass, getting putbacks and out-hustling opponents for offensive rebounds. He has physical presence and can maneuver around opponents on drives. He needs to improve his long-distance shooting, as he was inconsistent from beyond the arc, even from corners in catch-and-shoot situations. Given his athleticism, that area must develop due to his positional size. Defensively, he moves well laterally and uses athleticism and physicality to deter rim scoring.
Five California Players:
Isaac Hagens 6’6 Wing Long Beach Poly Class of 2027
Isaac showed ability to create for himself and score from mid-range and at the rim. He has good length and broad shoulders to fend off defenders. He played some 4 for Long Beach Poly but is a true wing. He’s excellent at playing through contact and was proficient from mid-range. He needs to become as comfortable from long distance as he is from mid-range for the next level.
Jeremiah Profit 6’5 Wing Rancho Christian Class of 2027
Jeremiah has a silky smooth jump shot and displays good quickness when putting the ball on the floor. At 6’5″ with length, he has good positional size. His ability to handle and shoot separates him from many at this level. He showed ability to avoid charges when attacking downhill with good euro step usage. His body still needs to fill out, but he’s viewed as one of California’s best Class of 2027 players. He scored 16 points including three threes against Zephyrhills Christian Academy.
Isaiah Rogers 6’3 CG Centennial Class of 2026
With Power 4 coaches watching attentively, Isaiah “Slim” Rogers displayed his scoring prowess in Mesa. A fluid guard with aggressive attack mentality, he constantly puts defenses on their heels while looking to get downhill. A good shooter and true three-level scorer, there are questions about his rim finishing at the top level and whether he can create for others as he creates for himself. Most view him as a combo guard rather than a point guard.
Joe Sterling 6’4 Wing Harvard Westlake Class of 2026
Joe and Eric Fiedler were Section 7’s two best shooters, and while Eric has better size, Joe excels at getting himself open for shooting opportunities. Off-ball, he’s constantly moving, rubbing off screens to find shooting opportunities. With the ball, he’s very crafty. Neither a good athlete nor possessing great size, he finds angles off pick-and-rolls to get shots off. A high basketball IQ player who knows how to use pump fakes and shield his body to find space for his fluid jump shot with quick release. Defensively, he’s somewhat of a liability on-ball but competes and is a good help defender. He scored 24 points including four threes against Sunnyslope.
Zach White 6’6 Wing Notre Dame Sherman Oaks Class of 2026
Zach is an excellent athlete who finishes plays strongly. He’s a menace running fast-break lanes and dropping to the dunker spot in half-court sets. He showed some three-point ability in catch-and-shoot situations, but his scoring isn’t usually self-created – it’s more reliant on others creating for him and then finishing with strong flushes. He’s an excellent defender who can stay in front of quick guards and switch to prevent taller post players from scoring by using his strength to push them away from the rim and his length and vertical ability to bother shots. On the perimeter, his length disrupts half-court offenses and causes deflections and steals. He scored 28 points in Notre Dame’s victory over Santa Margarita.
Note: Both Elias Obenyah (6’5″ CG, Salesian Prep, Class of 2026) and Josiah Nance (6’5″ CG, Notre Dame Sherman Oaks, Class of 2027) were not covered as they were unavailable for a portion of the tournament when their teams played.
Next Up (Class of 2028 & 2029):
Jaydon Hayes 6’3 CG Willow Canyon Class of 2028
While Maurice Carter gets most recognition on Willow Canyon, his teammate Jaydon is a strong prospect as well. The combo created an offensive perimeter juggernaut. Jaydon lets the game come to him more than Maurice and often played off-ball at Section 7 but can handle both roles. Taller than Maurice, he caught passes after Maurice broke down defenses for clutch perimeter shots. When Maurice was out, Jaydon ran the offense and created for himself and others. He has broad shoulders and good athleticism. As his body matures, it will be difficult for defenders to recover once his shoulders pass them. He was particularly proficient from mid-range.
Achilles Oriji 6’6 Forward Etiwanda Class of 2028
Achilles, having played JV as a freshman, is somewhat unknown but has real upside. At 6’6″ with a young-looking body and family members who grew to 6’9″ at later stages, he’ll likely follow the same trajectory. On one play, he caught the ball on the left wing, took two dribbles, was stopped by defense, and executed a jump-stop 15-footer fadeaway. Effective around the rim, he showcased good athleticism finishing plays and ability to create space against taller opponents. He lacks consistency, particularly defensively, but has tools to be effective on both ends.
Kainoa Patton 6’3 CG Centennial Class of 2028
Already built like a running back, Kainoa has elite guard athleticism. He runs the floor well and is always in attack mode, looking to finish with powerful dunks. He has good size and broad shoulders for his age and looks like a future elite point guard. His athleticism allows him to get downhill quickly and be a menace from the wing on offensive rebounds, finishing strongly at the rim. Defensively, he moves well laterally and has vertical leap to be an excellent help-side shot blocker.
Isaiah Rider IV CG 6’3 Higley Class of 2029
Only entering his freshman year, Isaiah (son of former NBA player and dunk champion) already has an advanced skill set. Playing lead guard for Higley, he was the team’s best creator. He possesses good strength for his young age and could get to his spots. As his body fills out, it will be difficult for defenses to handle his physicality. Unlike his father’s playing style, he’s quiet and even-keeled in games but has good athleticism and smooth jump shot development. He showed great maturity reading defenses, kicking to corners when help defenders cut him off, relocating for catch-and-shoot opportunities, and taking what defenses gave him. He looked comfortable creating and taking dribble pull-up jump shots while competing hard defensively. The team reminded me of Williams Field a year ago with talented freshmen (like Adan Diggs) but lacking upperclassmen to contend as a top state team. However, with him and freshman Marquise Pless, this should be a must-watch team for scouts this season.
Evan Willis 6’8 PF Mater Dei Class of 2028
Evan is an athletic big man and defensive enforcer with length and vertical ability to block shots. He moves well laterally and is particularly strong on rebounds. Offensively, he can beat post players down court and is adept at running lanes for fast-break dunks. His offense is still developing, but he’s very strong around the rim with a developing outside shot. With Mater Dei’s mediocre tournament performance and DeMarcus Henry’s transfer to AZ Compass, more pressure will fall on Evan for rebounding and scoring presence.
HM:
Joshua Agbo 6’4 SG Centennial Class of 2028
Carter Bagley 6’4 Wing Saint Mary’s Class of 2028
Terrance Byrd 6’5 Forward Sandra Day O’Connor Class of 2028
Jacob Coleman 6’3 PG Etiwanda Class of 2028
Will Conroy JR 5’10 PG Village Christian Class of 2029
Lleyton Leonard 6’4 Wing Basha Class of 2028
Jordan Mize 6’5 Wing Sierra Canyon Class of 2028
Donovan Palmer 6’8 PF Chandler Class of 2028
Marquise Pless 6’5 Forward Higley Class of 2029
Juleeyan Williams PG Monterey Trail Class of 2029
Two High Level Multi Sport Athletes:
Bentley Elrod 6’5 PF Saguaro Class of 2028
A highly rated baseball player who’s a good shooter but undersized power forward for basketball, lacking ideal athleticism for his positional size.
Daylen Sharper 6’4 Guard Brophy Class of 2026
Son of five-time Pro Bowler Darren Sharper, he’s a strong athlete with a solid frame on the basketball court. Strong as an ox for this level, he’s committed to Stanford as a wide receiver/tight end.
DESERT STORM SHOWCASE
With National Prep Schools not participating this year, a new event emerged at AZ Compass Prep Campus in Chandler, AZ, on June 20-21, with most games played after Section 7 events.
Top Five from Desert Storm:
Jalen Davis 6’2 PG Elite Prep Class of 2027
Just returning from EuroCamp in Treviso, Jalen was as good as any guard at Section 7 and would have been a top prospect there. He’s smooth with the ball, getting to spots with ease and sustaining pressure with either hand. He has great vision and a silky smooth jump shot, being a three-level scorer with all the makings of a professional scorer. Against ABC Prep, he scored 34 points with 8 assists, going 15-19 from the field and 4-6 from three. Against AZ Compass, he went 8-16 for 22 points. Defensively, he has quick hands and goes for deflections and steals.
Jimmie Haywood II 6’3 CG AZ Compass Class of 2027
This was Jimmie’s first appearance for his AZ Compass squad and he did not disappoint. Already well built for his age, he flashed some dynamic athleticism finishing strong at the rim, but what separated him from the rest of the field was his ability in catch-and-shoot situations from beyond the arc. When defenders would close out hard, he would pump fake and side step with textbook footwork before draining the long-distance shot. He finished with 23 points in his matchup against Elite Prep.
Vaughn Karvala 6’7 Wing Bella Vista Prep Class of 2026
Vaughn, who recently announced his transfer to Bella Vista Prep after showing out for Team Herro in the EYBL this summer, was still getting his bearings with his new squad. Lanky and more reserved on the court than the typical Bella Vista Prep player, he possesses sneaky athleticism and length that can surprise defenders with strong two-handed finishes. Most effective in triple threat on the wing, he has a crisp jab step and change-of-pace dribble that gets him downhill. Proficient from beyond the arc, he is a true three-level scorer.
Lyris Robinson 6’4 SG Bella Vista Prep Class of 2027
Canadian-born and son of a former college coach, Lyris has been a bit of a revelation this season on the EYBL circuit in U16s for AZ Unity. A great athlete, Lyris is extremely fluid running the lanes on the fast break and is an elite-level dunker. A solid shooter from the perimeter to complement his athleticism makes him an extremely difficult player to defend. Has the ability to put the ball on the floor from the wing and create for himself to get to the rim. While he lacks ideal length for a small guard, his athleticism more than makes up for it.
Jalen White 6’6 Forward Bella Vista Prep Class of 2027
Like Lyris, Jalen is an elite-level dunker hailing from Canada from the class of 2027. A little less fluid than Lyris but with much more power in his vertical jumps, Jalen has the type of explosion to dunk through contact when fouled. At this showcase he flashed some of that vertical power along with solid catch-and-shoot ability from the corner and wing. At this stage, projects more as a forward than a guard.
Honorable Mention:
Noah George 6’3 CG Bella Vista Prep Class of 2026
Rokiem Green 6’3 CG Bella Vista Prep Class of 2026
Walter Okwenelli PF Bella Vista Prep
Mamadou Sow 6’9 PF Bella Vista Prep Class of 2029
Elijah Summers 6’7 Forward AZ Compass Class of 2026
Malachi Kaffey 6’1 PG AZ Compass Class of 2028
