Prep Hoops Top 250: Names We Learned (Part 1)
The Prep Hoops Top 250 launched showcase season for the company on Sept. 19 in Orlando with 231 high school prospects. There was a ton of competition and hard play. Kids were playing together and really listening to our coaches…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Top 250 launched showcase season for the company on Sept. 19 in Orlando with 231 high school prospects.
There was a ton of competition and hard play. Kids were playing together and really listening to our coaches and making sure they made plays in front of the many media members in the gym.
Here is a look at some new names we learned.
DeAndre Newland DeAndre Newland 7'0" | PF Mainland | 2024 State FL | 6-10 | Mainland
It was difficult for Newland to go unnoticed. The near 7-foot 2024 prospect is a big body that certainly has a nice base in place with his basketball skill set. He is not overly skinny and has room to fill out with muscle and a bit quicker feet. I like his effort level and awareness inside on both ends of the floor. Newland is a freshman to monitor closely at Mainland.
Omar Baqai Omar Baqai 6'0" | PG Archbishop McCarthy | 2024 FL | 6-0 | Archbishop McCarthy
The younger brother of 2021 Pembroke Pines Charter guard Ismael Baqai Ismael Baqai 6'0" | PG Pines Charter | 2021 State FL , Omar has similar traits as a high IQ passer. The 2024 Baqai brother has plenty of time to grow and be a vocal presence, but for now, he’s simply an energetic and smooth presence and smart shooter at point guard. I expect him to get major minutes as a freshman for Archbishop McCarthy right out of the gates.
Josh Stallings Josh Stallings 6'3" | CG Providence | 2024 FL | 6-2 | Providence
Another 2024 prospect that stood out every time I saw him play at the expo was Stallings. A strong guard who certainly doesn’t look or play like your typical freshman balled out as an attacker and was super confident. At Providence, I fully expect him to develop into the next standout guard from the always successful Jacksonville program.
Seon Betton Seon Betton 6'4" | SF Mater Academy | 2023 FL | 6-4 | Miami Lakes
Playing in a full game and just under one half before suffering a leg injury, Betton was playing high-level basketball. The tweener who can serve as a shooting guard, wing or power player was making things happen on inside cuts, defensive blocks and overall reliable stretch play. His defensive prowess is a true asset. Miami Lakes has a good one once he returns from injury.
Zion Williams, Darian Frazier Darian Frazier 6'1" | SG Wolfson | 2024 State FL , Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 6'5" | PF Coral Springs | 2020 State FL & Lyman Starmer | Wolfson
A quartet of Wolfson players made noise on the day. Starting with Williams, the 6-3 guard/forward is a problem. He was getting in and out of small areas for finishes and had some well-timed 3’s that helped his side…Frazier, a 2024 6-1 combo guard plays with tons of intelligence and isn’t shy as an attacker…Starmer, a 2022 6-3 guard/forward simply finds ways to score and he did just that as a shooter and driver…Smith, a 2022 6-2 guard won’t try anything fancy but he plays steady ball and can shoot it a high clip.
Trent Jesionowski Trent Jesionowski 6'5" | SF Yulee | 2023 FL | 6-5 | Yulee
Transferring down from Indiana, Jesionowski is certainly a very good addition for Yulee. He’s a bit of a versatile prospect who can play both the wing or power forward. He likes to absorb contact, shoot the mid-range and play hard-nosed defense. With more strength and further improvement on his handle, the 2023 forward should be well on his way.
ICYMI:
Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: Best Overall Performers
Prep Hoops Top 250 Standouts: 2021-2022 (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Standouts: 2021-2022 (Part 2)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: 2023-2024 Standouts (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2023-2024 (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2023-2024 (Part 2)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2021-2022 (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2021-2022 (Part 2)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Craftiest Guards: Part 2
Prep Hoops Top 250 Top Lengthy Athletes: Part 1