Even though the March 15-16 weekend was the official start for the high school club season in Texas, this past weekend had a more “season opener” feel to it. The War Before The Storm took place at the Game On Complex in Fort Worth, Texas. Here are my 2028 (rising sophomore) and 2029 (incoming ninth-grader) player standouts from the event.
Guys Playing Up
Alex Alexander, 6’9 2029 Forward (Max Levels P32 15U)The Louisiana native was arguably the best long term prospect at the whole event. He’s a lefty that runs like a gazelle and with a soft touch around the rim. Alexander showed flashes as a face-up threat as he can rip through and get to the rim. He changed many shots at the rim, but his mobility mixed with touch and growing offensive skill set is the reason he will stay on my radar.
Joseph Creal, 6’5 2029 Wing (3D Empire Pro16 15U)His versatility stood out to me. A big perimeter prospect that is a dependable threat from deep off the catch and can put the ball on the floor and score. He has a good feel for the game for someone his age as he made some good reads off the actions that were being ran. It’s a high ceiling for Creal.
2028 PG/CG Standouts
Max Moody, 6’2 CG (YGC 15U)Moody has grown since I last saw him in October. Stretching close to 6’2 now and equipped with long arms, Moody started making above the rim finishes and overall was making plays on both ends, utilizing his length. Showed promising shot creating abilities and was able to finish vs. length well. I don’t think he is done growing and I think Moody will steadily keep on getting better through the years.
Aiden Clark, 6’0 PG (Max Levels 15U)He plays a huge role in how and what the outcome looks like for that Max Levels roster. A tough lefty scoring guard that’s a volume scorer. When he’s making shots, Clark is a tough cover. Creates space off the dribble with step backs and hang dribbles but also is a physical driver as well. I like Clark’s tenacity on the defensive end and was playing through injury the whole weekend. Would like to see his play-making improve, as he generates a lot of attention with the ball in his hands, but this is a great start.
Marcellus Luster, 6’2 CG (Max Levels 15U)Younger brother of C.J. Luster, who averaged 16ppg at Stonybrook University this past season, the Luster family will have another D1 level son. Marcellus can play on and off the ball effectively and has a clean shooting stroke from deep. I liked how well he attacked and made passes dribbling with his off left hand, which isn’t common at that age. He’ll grow with defensive intent but offensively, the combo of him and Aiden Clark are as dynamic as it can get.
Bryson Campbell, 6’0 PG (Gulf Coast Blue Chips UAA 15U)Dynamic, downhill guard with a strong frame. He’s tough, gets to the paint, is an adequate live dribble passer and makes timely perimeter shots. The way Campbell advanced the ball that led to easy buckets for his teammates and how he led vocally was equally impressive to me.
Bae Bae Groom, 6’2 CG (99Overall 3SSB 15U)A dependable shooting threat that has shown some growth in his play-making skills. Groom mainly attacking closeouts, making the skip pass to open shooters, or to the post man on the block. Coming off a strong freshman campaign at North Crowley High School, Groom is trending in the right direction.
Braylen Fridia, 6’0 PG (Southern Assault 3SSB 15U)Strongly built guard that gets to the paint, but also liked his defensive prowess. Blew up screens and made life hard on the ball-handlers. Fridia has strength combined with a quick first step and finishing capabilities.
2028 Two-Guards & Wings
Josiah Rose, 6’4 Wing (99Ovr 3SSB 15U)Strong built lefty wing that was a handful on both ends. Uses his broad frame to create spaces on drives and is a physical finisher. Defensively, he was blocking multiple shots a game and used his strength to bump ball-handlers out of their spots and still strong enough to switch and guard posts. Rose’s ball skills have improved, which subsequently has allowed him to diversify the ways he collects his buckets.
Parker McDaniels, 6’4 SG (Southern Assault 3SSB 15U)A sniper from deep. Parker has one of the smoothest releases in that 2028 class nationally. He’s just as good as an off movement and off the dribble shooter than he is as a spot-up threat. McDaniels has a high feel for the game and showed off his playmaking when he attacks closeouts and finds the open man.
Curl Okafor, 6’6 Wing (Gulf Coast Blue Chips UAA 15U)High energy wing with good positional size. Okafor makes plays off his motor and was looking to exploit the size mismatches on switches. Capable of making open perimeter shots, but he made his money on the offensive glass, straight line drives to the rim and post-ups.
Cayden Perry, 6’5 Wing (Texas Impact 4:13 UAA 15U) Another high energy wing that is skinny but plays tougher than he looks. Saw him sky for offensive rebounds, finish well in transition and actively looked to drive to the rim when the ball was in his hands. He took every possession seriously and I liked that most about him.
Luckie Harber III, 6’8 C (99Ovr 15U)A burly framed big with skill. Has a promising shooting touch and good hands. Harber uses his body well to get shots off vs better vertical athletes. Once he gets in shape, I think he can impact games for a longer period of time.
Epiphany Affi, 6’8 C (Gulf Coast Blue Chips UAA 15U)Big with a lot of vertical pop. Looks to finish above the rim, rebounds out of his area well and has a strong interior presence on the defensive end. I just liked his ability to finish plays and rebound in traffic as well.
Momar Diakhate, 6’7 PF (Southern Assault 3SSB 15U)A skilled forward that had to play a lot of center this past weekend but also provided spacing for his team. He can make open threes, dribble it after securing a rebound and he’s tougher than what his slim frame portrays. He needs to get stronger, but I liked that he looked to compete on both ends.
Camden Hardy, 6’8 C/PF (Texas Impact UAA 15U)He’s on the raw side, but Hardy has some really good moments out there on the court. A back to the basket threat that can step out and make an open trey ball. The game can go too fast for Hardy but his effort is there, looks to correct his mistakes and I think in the long run will be very good.
