A deep field of backcourt aces took the floor at the Prep Hoops Next Heartland Kickoff, here’s group #1: De’queris Mayfield, 5-11, PG, C.M.B. Runnin Rebels Explosive speed off the bounce and power to the basket were among the traits…
Access all of Prep Hoops Next
Subscribe for access to all premium articles and rankings.
Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inA deep field of backcourt aces took the floor at the Prep Hoops Next Heartland Kickoff, here’s group #1:
De’queris Mayfield, 5-11, PG, C.M.B. Runnin Rebels
Explosive speed off the bounce and power to the basket were among the traits that made Mayfield one of the weekend’s top performers, when he turned things up in the open floor there wasn’t an opposing guard that could check him, good frame made him tough crashing the glass from the backcourt as well, even if he doesn’t get much taller is a young guard prospect that is just too skilled to be ignored by D1 programs.
Jalen Haralson, 6-4, CG, Team Teague Kim
On paper and at glance among the 2 or 3 most tantalizing talents on and at 6-4 already, brings with him a polished game as a combo guard, easily handled the point both against pressure and creating off the bounce but was also deadly from range with a sweet stroke, has all the tools to build a HS-career that will attract big-time programs.
EJ Breland, 5-10, PG, Grind Family Chicago
Silky smooth point man who did slide over and play off the ball as well, has the full array of offensive weapons from multiple levels, showed off 3-point accuracy, nice control off the break near the mid-range with J’s and floaters, and got to the rim almost at will, among best on-ball defenders I saw as well.
Mark Zackery, 5-11, PG, Team Teague Kim (pictured above)
Epitome of the modern lead guard prospect, terrific athletic ability with and without the ball, poised and smart, tremendous vision and instincts, explosive first step off the dribble getting at the basket, elite on-ball defense.
Cayden Loescher, 6-2, CG, Team Teague Kim
Big hybrid combo guard oozes confidence and moxie, equally comfortable on or off the ball, powerful frame makes him a matchup problem already at this stage, can stick the long-range bomb and get into the teeth of the defense with ferocity.
Jackson Tielker, 6-0, SG, D1 Indiana
Another football-build at the guard spot who plays downhill like a strong safety, not just a bull displayed some crafty finishing in traffic and also plenty of range out to the arc.
Lonte Ward Jr, 5-7, PG, Progeny
Relentless on the attack be it pushing pace on O or leading the hard-charging Progeny group defensive effort, love the willingness to put his body in harm’s way at both ends and never seems to take a possession off.
Armoni Portis, 6-2, SG, D Rice Elite
Among the weekend’s best pure shooters, great-looking stroke and quick release, always ready to shoot, didn’t stop at the arc though as he was active off the bounce as well and sets up as a really intriguing wing prospect.
Markus Blackwell, 6-1, CG, CMB Running Rebels
Like Mayfield another physical juggernaut that can simply overpower you to the hole, but Blackwell’s shooting range extended further and his stroke more polished, combine the frame with the natural gifts and this is an off-guard to watch.
Bradley Longcor, 6-0, SG, Iowa Barnstormers
Skilled slasher with a nose for finding the bottom of the net from a variety of spots, good athlete who can hurt you off the break and really goes after it on the glass from the guard spot.
