Bash in the Desert: 2025-27 Standouts
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The Circuit came back to Arizona at the Phhacility in Phoenix/AZ for the Bash in the Desert. I focused primarily on the 16U Division and wanted to bring light to as many players as possible. I did watch some 15U on…
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Continue ReadingThe Circuit came back to Arizona at the Phhacility in Phoenix/AZ for the Bash in the Desert.
I focused primarily on the 16U Division and wanted to bring light to as many players as possible. I did watch some 15U on Sat-Sun and 17U on Friday night.
Here were some of the younger standouts I viewed:
Jeremiah ’JJ’ Profit SF 6’4 2027 Temecula International Academy/CA (Gamepoint Inland Empire 2025) (Pictured)
Some kids play a year up and hold their own, not many play two years up and are one of the best in the entire Division. That would be JJ. He is long and legit sized wing for his class. He handles the ball like a guard and can score it from all three levels. His length allows him to play the passing lanes plus rebound the ball effectively. He has a nice shooting touch to the three point line and gets to the basket.
Bonfas Loria Bonfas Loria 6'5" | SF West Fargo | 2025 State ND West Fargo/ND (Inspired Athletics 2025)
A long athlete flies on the break. He can throw it down and dunk the ball and uses his length and size to rebound. He moves well in space to defend on the perimeter. He can step out and hit the 3 and score it in the paint with straight line drives and put backs.
Carsten Hoff 5’11 CG/SG Moorhead/ND (Inspired Athletics 2025)
A dead-eye shooter has a clip. He has real range and lets it fly from anywhere beyond the arc. He squares to the basket like you should and has the confidence he will make every shot. He stays in motion and will make plays for others.
Xavier Ames Xavier Ames 6'8" | SF Fargo Davies | 2025 State ND Fargo Davies/ND (Inspired Athletics 2025)
A strong framed face-up four-man with strength and a sweet shooting stroke to the 3pt line. He rebounds at a high level with his length and size. He brings energy to the court, he throws around his build and plays with a high IQ.
Malachi Henningham Malachi Henningham 6'5" | PF Fairfax | 2026 AZ Chandler (AZ Gremlins 2025-1)
A powerful and athletic 8th grader is a paint beast. He rebounds the ball at a high level and scores it efficiently in the paint. He can flush it down above the rim. He can extend his shooting range long term but he carves out space so well and is hard to contain.
Brandon Stapleton Brandon Stapleton 6'4" | CG Chandler | 2026 State AZ undecided (AZ Gremlins 2025-2)
A long point guard with incredible court vision and a stronger build. He plays smartly off the pick and roll and gets downhill. He drives and kicks it to teammates and will score through contact. He is a mid-range and in type currently but the 8th grader was calm and collected for his age.
Shay Yarde Shay Yarde 5'11" | PG Perry | 2025 State AZ Perry (AZ Firestorm 2025-1)
Speed on speed for the talented point guard. He can shoot the three plus is tough on the ball defensively with his lateral quickness. The lefty guard has some flash in his game and competes at a good rate.
Zane Gaul Zane Gaul 6'10" | C Prescott | 2025 State AZ Prescott (New Mexico D1 2025)
The big man locally showed out for the New Mexico based team. He runs the floor, block shots and gobbles up all balls near him to rebound. He sets strong picks and scores it with hook shots and put backs.
Fresh Carter Fresh Carter 6'1" | SG Bella Vista Prep | 2025 State AZ AZ Compass Prep (AZ Firestorm 2025-1)
A scoring point guard with a sweet shooting stroke. He is very crafty with the ball and he can pull-up from mid-range or hit from the three. He plays at a good pace and has a smart floor game.
Lenny Washington Lenny Washington 6'4" | SG Organ Mountain | 2025 State NM Organ Mountain/NM (New Mexico D1 2025)
A long and graceful wing in the open court. He comes with a big wingspan and takes super long strides getting to the basket. He can hit the catch-3 with some consistency and he can be a star in transition in the near future. He physical gifts allows him to defend multiple positions.
Jayden Smith Jayden Smith 5'10" | PG Chandler | 2025 AZ Chandler (AZ Gremlins 2025-2)
An undersized pure PG has a real burst and will drive and kick it into a teammates shooting pocket. He has a tight handle and upper body strength to get downhill and score thru contact. He has long arms, quickness and speed to maneuver passed defenders.