Phenom Hoops tuned in Thursday to check out the Quarterfinals of the GEICO Nationals, bringing some of the best talent from around the country all under one building. We bring you our standouts for each game.
Montverde Academy 85 – Oak Hill 64
2022 Jalen Duren (Montverde): I truly believe that this young man is ready for the ultimate level with his size, body, strength, and skill, and he showed why once again. Only playing 25 minutes, he finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, and just looked like no one could stop him. When he is fully active on the floor and playing at a high level, you could say he is the best prospect in the country for his class.
2022 MJ Rice (Oak Hill): Rice started the game out strong and then finished the game strong, as he is a unique prospect in his ability to use his 6’5 frame and battle around the paint, get around defenders and finish at the rim, while also showing that he continues to improve and prove his outside game. He finished the game with 23 points in this one.
2023 Caleb Foster (Oak Hill): Foster seems to be just starting his story because when you watch him operate on the court, you just see that he has a natural feel with the ball in his hands. Whether it is his feel in initiating the half-court offense, find his teammates, or scoring in a smooth way, Foster continues to elevate his game and show why he is one of the top guards in his class nationally.
2021 Caleb Houstan (Montverde): Houstan has that star potential in him at the next level because simply, it is hard to matchup with a 6’8 prospect that has such a terrific perimeter feel but also can create off the bounce, get to the rim, and also impacts the game in other ways as well.
AZ Compass 59 – Wasatch Academy 54
2021 Fousseyni Traore (Wasatch): Traore was tremendous down low, going 9-12 form the floor, showing some tremendous hands with a soft touch, and always making himself available and ready for the pass and score. Loved the motor he brought to the court and battled down low in the paint. Finished with 20 points and three steals as a big.
2021 Nolan Hickman (Wasatch): Hickman, though he didn’t put up the scoring output we have seen in the past, he was tremendous in creating for others. He was able to get downhill, create and put pressure on the defense, which allowed others to get open. He was able to set up his teammates really well in this game.
2021 Ty Ty Washington (AZ Compass): Washington started out slow but you can’t keep this young man down. As a point guard, he filled up the stat sheet with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He can operate on all levels, create for himself really well, and just has a knack for finding ways to score but also excel in transition. Did an excellent job as well on the boards.
2021 Glenn Taylor Jr. (AZ Compass): Taylor impacted the game in several ways as well, scoring the ball effectively, getting to the line, getting on the boards, and really playing well on the defensive end with five steals. Taylor was a key part on both ends for AZ Compass.