ATL HoopFest brought out a deep pool of talent across every class and the competition stayed consistent all weekend. Guards controlled tempo, wings made plays in space, and athletes imposed their will above the rim. This was a setting where players had to produce and separate, and a number of them did just that. The pace was high, the intensity was real, and the shot making showed up when it mattered. Multiple players made statements and proved they belong in serious conversations moving forward. This weekend was about impact, and the ones who stepped up made it clear.

Xavier Barber | Norcross Heat | 2028
Barber is one of those under the radar guards who pops once you really watch him. He has high level athleticism and a lightning quick first step that consistently puts defenders in recovery mode. Barber gets to the rim with ease and finishes creatively around traffic. He plays with confidence and does not need much space to make something happen. His ability to break defenders down makes him a problem.

Gabriel Fowler | Norcross Heat | 2028
Fowler is a shooter first but his game is more complete than that. He picks and chooses his spots and understands when to be aggressive. Fowler can score off the bounce and operates well in the midrange. He plays under control and does not force the issue. When he finds rhythm he can stack buckets quickly.

Kharmelo Morgan | Norcross Heat | 2028
Morgan is a true microwave scorer who can get hot in a hurry. Once he sees one go in the basket it can turn into a quick run. Morgan scores in bunches and changes momentum fast. He plays with confidence and looks to attack when he has an advantage. His scoring bursts are tough to stop.

Corlon Pope | HFJ Bulls | 2028
Pope has a strong frame for a guard and uses it to his advantage. He is athletic and plays well in the open floor where he can attack downhill. Pope finishes through contact and does not shy away from physical play. He brings a strong presence on both ends. Pope has good physical tools.

Ramson George | HFJ Bulls | 2028
George is crafty and quick with the ball in his hands. He plays fast and keeps defenders on their heels. George finishes well around the rim and finds angles to score. His ability to change speeds helps him create separation. He plays with confidence in space.

Young George | AGA Hawks | 2028
George does a great job of changing gears which keeps defenders guessing. He can operate in the open floor or in the half court and remains effective. George shoots the three with confidence and attacks the rim when the opportunity is there. He also shows the ability to find teammates when the defense collapses. His versatility makes him dangerous.

David Whitaker | Honor | 2029
Whitaker is one of the bounciest guards in the 2029 class and it shows every possession. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and competes defensively. Whitaker has improved his three point shot which makes his explosive game even tougher to guard. He attacks the rim with force and brings energy on both ends. His athleticism stands out immediately.

Cadien Hudson Jr | Honor | 2029
Hudson Jr continues to show why he is one of the top players in his class. He delivered one of the biggest moments of the circuit with a game winning dunk that had the gym going. Hudson Jr is a high level two way player who impacts both ends. He finishes above the rim and defends multiple positions. When the moment calls for it he steps up.

Symeon Watson | Honor | 2029
Watson’s jumper continues to develop and it is becoming a real weapon. He gets it off quickly with a high release and can score in multiple ways from the perimeter. Watson’s size combined with his skill set makes him difficult to guard. He can operate inside or step out and stretch the floor. His all around game continues to grow.

JaCorey Lee Jr | Honor | 2029
Lee Jr is electric in the open floor and plays with speed. He is a ball hawk defensively and pressures opposing guards. When he attacks the rim he glides and finishes smoothly. Lee Jr brings energy and activity every possession. His defensive presence fuels his offense.

Braylen Alexander | Alabama Truth | 2029
Alexander showed why he is highly regarded in his class with a poised performance. He controls tempo and looks to dictate the game. Alexander is a strong three level scorer who gets to the line consistently. He plays aggressive but under control. His ability to manage the game will increase his stock drastically this spring and summer.

Zay Beavers | Alabama Truth | 2029
Beavers is tough off the dribble and uses his body well to create space. He keeps defenders on his hip and makes plays from there. Beavers is creative with the ball and looks to impact every possession. He plays with strength and confidence. His ability to navigate defenders is impressive.

CJ Terry | Alabama Truth | 2029
Terry is a bouncy wing who makes the game look easy. He gets to his spots without needing many dribbles. Terry moves well without the ball and finds scoring opportunities. He plays efficiently and does not waste movement. His athleticism shows up consistently.

Elijah Heath | Hoopin For Jesus | 2029
Heath is an elite scorer who understands how to pick his spots. He does not allow the defense to speed him up and stays in control. Heath breaks defenders down and creates clean looks. He plays with patience and confidence. His scoring ability is advanced.

BJ Reed | SPE | 2029
Reed is a pure scorer in every sense. He can score in transition, off the dribble, from the midrange, and from the perimeter. Reed also shows craft around the rim and finishes in different ways. He is not just a shooter, he is a complete bucket getter. His offensive bag is deep.

Jace Almonte | NGE | 2030
Almonte is a 6’5” wing who brings size, strength, and athleticism to the floor. He plays above the rim and finishes with authority in traffic. Almonte also shoots the cover off the ball which makes him tough to close out on. He plays the game the right way and stays within the flow. His two-way ability with his stature will be a key component to his stock soaring.

Josiah Dempsey | NGE | 2030
Dempsey is a high IQ player who impacts the game efficiently across the board. He has good size for a guard and uses it well when navigating defenders. Dempsey shows great counter instincts and consistently makes the right read. He controls pace and does not get sped up. His overall feel for the game separates him from players in his class.

Jordan Lynch | NGE | 2030
Lynch plays with finesse and has the ability to keep defenders off balance. He gets consistent paint touches which opens up the floor for himself and others. Lynch is crafty around the basket and finishes with control. He understands how to manipulate defenders and create space. His skill and patience is remarkable.

Aidan Brown | AGA Hawks | 2030
Brown is a slasher who attacks the rim with purpose. His midrange jumper opens up driving lanes for him. Brown also looks to make the right pass and find teammates in stride. He plays unselfish basketball. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking stands out.

Braylen Hill | AGA Hawks | 2030
Hill has gone through a growth spurt and continues to adjust well. He plays the game the right way and communicates on both ends. Hill makes the extra pass and stays aggressive when needed. His shooting mechanics are solid and repeatable. He is a very instinctual player.

Cameron Johnson | HWPO | 2030
Johnson plays with his head up and sees the floor well. He is effective in the open floor and looks to attack quickly. Johnson is a relentless driver who pressures the rim. He keeps the defense on edge with his pace. His aggression creates opportunities.

Dylan Tolson | NLE | 2030
Tolson is an all around player who helps his team in multiple ways. He makes the extra pass and keeps the offense flowing. Defensively Tolson rotates well and communicates. He plays with a team first mindset. His impact goes beyond scoring.

Yafeth Samuel | Horton Academy | 2030
Samuel is a crafty scorer who understands the game. He plays within structure and makes the right decisions. Samuel can operate in different actions and remains effective. He does not force the issue and lets the game come to him. His ability to read and react is incredible.

Aziz Hatchett | AEBL Blue | 2031
Hatchett continues to build on his dominance year after year. He is putting the ball on the floor more and expanding his game. Hatchett shows a soft touch on his jumper. He plays with confidence and control. His development is trending upward.

Derrick Tatum Jr | AEBL Blue | 2031
Tatum Jr is a strong and athletic two way player. He competes on both ends and plays with toughness. Tatum Jr shows range on his three point shot. He also leads and sets the tone for his team. His presence is felt.

Zayden Wells | T3 Mamba | 2031
Wells is a scorer who looks to attack the rim. He plays downhill and puts pressure on defenders. Wells embraces contact and finishes plays. He stays aggressive throughout the game. His scoring mentality speaks loudly.

LeShawn Lyle | T3 Mamba | 2031
Lyle is a patient three level scorer who plays at his own pace. He understands how to control tempo and get to his spots. Lyle has proven production and continues to build on it. He scores efficiently and confidently. He is a consistent threat.

Cash Lowery | Young Buckets | 2031
Lowery operates like an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. He looks to set up teammates and keeps the offense organized. Lowery can also score when needed. He plays with control and awareness. Lowery is a true leader.

Jeremiah Shelton | DHBC | 2031
Shelton can get into a rhythm and become tough to guard quickly. He uses hesitation moves and creates space. Shelton scores in different ways and stays aggressive. Once he gets going he is hard to slow down. His scoring ability is noticeable.

Hudson Knotts | Atlanta Swish | 2031
Knotts is a two way player who impacts both ends. He runs the floor well and is effective in transition. Knotts competes defensively and stays active. He plays with effort and energy. His balance stands out.

Darius Davis | Georgia Stars Jr EYBL | 2031
Davis is a physical two way player who makes his teammates better. He sees plays before they happen and reacts quickly. Davis plays with strength and awareness. He impacts the game beyond scoring. Davis has a high basketball IQ.

Darian Davis | Georgia Stars Jr EYBL | 2031
Davis can score in a variety of ways and plays at an elite pace. He keeps defenders off balance with his ability to change speeds and make quick decisions. Davis pressures the defense every possession. He plays with confidence and control. His offensive versatility is strong.

Legend Cotton | Honor | 2032
Cotton is making a name for himself with his effort and skill. He plays the game hard and attacks the basket relentlessly. Cotton stays aggressive and looks to finish plays. He competes every possession.

Bam Tippens | Honor | 2032
Tippens is strong and runs the floor well. He is active on the boards and creates second chance opportunities. Tippens finishes around the rim with soft touch. He plays with physicality inside. His presence is felt in the paint.

Jackson Harmon | Atlanta Swish | 2032
Harmon played up and showed he belongs. He uses a good snake dribble to control defenders. Harmon facilitates well and can also knock down shots. He plays with confidence and composure. Harmon has a good feel for the game.

Santana Acuff | GOAT SZN | 2032
Acuff is a true playmaker who thrives off the live dribble. His scoring opens up the rest of his game and allows him to control the pace. Acuff looks to get teammates involved and make the right play. He sees the floor well and makes timely decisions that helps the team compete at a high level.

Coach David Sheats | T3 Mamba
Coach Sheats directs his team with purpose and structure. He looks to get his group off to strong starts. Sheats understands when to change pace and adjust. His leadership keeps the team organized. He manages the flow of the game well.

Coach Kantrail Horton | Horton Academy
Coach Horton is a true player developer who commands attention. His voice carries and players respond to it. Horton emphasizes defense and makes strong adjustments. His teams play disciplined basketball. His impact shows in player growth.

Coach Richie Scott | Honor
Coach Scott brings energy and intensity to the sideline. He coaches with passion and stays engaged. Scott calls timely timeouts and keeps his team focused. His presence fuels his players. He sets the tone.

Coach Joe Strother | Norcross Heat
Coach Strother led his group to a Varsity Championship with strong adjustments. He holds his players accountable and demands execution. Strother manages the game well and makes key decisions. His teams stay composed under pressure. His leadership is reflected in winning.