The second ever TABC Showcase tips off Friday mid-morning. With nearly 300 boys high school teams ready to compete in the LIVE period, several college coaching staffs are expected (D1-Juco), and anticipation is certainly high.

There are many variables, but here are some of the story lines tied into the Tri-Regions that we’ll surely be watching, and so should you.

-How does Cole HS begin the post Trey Blackmore and Silas Livingston era at Cole HS?
Most programs are lucky to have one D1 signee, much less two. It will be no easy task if the Cougs want to return to the Alamodome five years in a row. Four consecutive years of reaching the 3A State Semifinals, including the State Championship in 2021 and a runner-up finish this season sets the bar in the Tri-Regions. Starters and 1st Team All District Performers James Linvingston (2024) and Kenny Atunrase (2024) return. Logan Beckstrom (2025), only a sophomore is drawing high praise and being mentioned as the best sniper that Coach Cantu has had in his time at Fort Sam. This will be a young team you need to see.

-With previous prospects such as Greg Brown, KJ Adams, and Austin Nunez headlining the last three classes, who steps up at the top of the Tri-Regions for 2023?
Yes, there’s been departures, but the cupboard is not bare at all. As of now, when speaking in terms of a “National Prospect,” Malik Presley (San Marcos HS) is must see TV. Ranked as a Top 100 recruit by multiple services, he's an elite athlete who thrives in the open court. Don’t blink, you’ll miss a highlight.

-Which 2023’s could benefit most from this weekend?
The entire landscape of recruiting high school seniors has changed, fair or not. The transfer portal gets first look before an unknown or mid-level high school prospect. Whether it be questions about height, size, position, or other factors, these prospects can play. How they do so this weekend will be huge in the eyes that follow them for July:
Josh Jones 6’8 (St. Michaels HS), Evan Chatman 6’5” (Harker Heights HS), Levi Rutledge 6’7” (Brentwood Christian Academy), Robert Jackson 6’7” (Brennan HS) & Matthew Soto 6’0” (Somerset HS)

-Does someone become the leader of the 2024 class in the Tri-Regions?
This class has developed nicely at the top with some decent height to add. Jamie Vinson 6'9" (St. Michaels HS), David Punch 6'8" (Harker Heights HS), Josiah Moseley 6'7" (Stony Point HS) or Aidan Richard 6'6" (SA Reagan HS) all standing 6’6” or taller, are primed to claim the top spot. We’ll be watching closely this weekend.

-Rounding it out, which 2025 will open the eyes further of the DFW basketball pundits?
Hudson Greer (Lake Travis HS) or Kingston Flemings (Brennan HS). Both are freshman who starred and helped lead their teams this past season into the postseason, as they prepare to make to the jump into their sophomore campaigns. Both are fun to watch as they play like varsity veterans with such a high IQ. College programs are scrambling to make sure they're at the top of their boards.