Phoenix, AZ-

                The end of October in the state of Texas marks a brief lull between the culmination of fall ball and the transition to UIL high school basketball practices. With time for a quick breather, our staff headed west this past weekend to the 27th annual Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, hosted by the Godfather of Arizona basketball, Anthony Ray (ARay).

Personally this was my fourth visit since 2019 and for some of our staff, their first trip to the Valley of the Sun putting eyes on the basketball talent. During these last six years, it’s inexplainable the remarkable change of talent and competition that has surged in the entire state of Arizona. A big part is the influx of prep and charter schools, but high schools are competing and have plenty of talent also.

From Higely HS, to Mesa HS, Chandler HS, Carl Hayden HS, and other programs, talent was front and center. We had court side seats watching all of the talent on display. Here’s a quick take on what we saw and also a list of standouts that balled out during the weekend.

(Antonio’s take)
I was truly blown away at the evolvement of Arizona high school basketball and the talent, compared to when I started coming to ARay’s event. Several hoopers from high to mid-major talent, physical skillsets with at least a dozen prospects that measured legit 6’8” or bigger. The talent went on down to all levels. From the upperclassmen, the two that left me nodding my head and undoubtedly will be mid to high major talents are 6’11” center Daniel Simon (Hillcrest Prep/2026) and 6’3” guard LJ Diamond (Perry HS/2027).

Simon oozes so much potential. His motor ran non-stop, flying all over the floor. He plays above the rim and gets up and down the court with the guards. He even showcased a set mid-range jumper. After suffering a slight tweak to what appeared to be his ankle/leg, he gutted it out after a breather and got right back to the physical action. Had an impressive performance.

When it comes to athletic, explosive guards, Diamond was at the top of the list. His first step is just that explosive. His ability to get downhill and attack the rim, was immediately noticeable. He has the ability to hurt defenses with his jumper from beyond the arc as well.

Steady improvement in his accuracy from deep and that could assuredly solidify him as a mid to high major D1 prospect.

One underclassmen that has a chance to be special is guard Jakyi “KyiKyi” Miles (6’3/Mesa HS). His frame is already next level as a sophomore. Quick, athletic, plays with pace, extremely active in the passing lanes, and not many could stop him from getting downhill and finishing. Only a sophomore and already reports 20+ offers and recently competed in the Team USA 16U minicamp in Colorado Springs. Improved accuracy in his perimeter game will only cement him as a 5-Star prospect and Top 15 National talent.

Speaking of accurate shooters. There was 3-4 snipers, but the best one was 5’10” Noah Gloor (Higley HS/2026). Young man was unconscious on the day. I had him with 6 three-pointers in one game and some of them came with defenders draped all over him. He finished with at least 11-12 treys for the weekend. He was constantly in motion fighting for the slightest gap to let it fly and has a very quick trigger. Plenty of range and accuracy that made him the top sniper I saw.

(Joel’s take)
The talent rich programs provided some eye-popping talent with high-end athleticism, shooting range, positional size, and motor. Coming out the gate and catching our eyes was 6'8" forward Isaiah Akwue (2027) from Sequoia Charter. Akwue's length and vertical athleticism allowed him to play above the rim all day, putting down easy flushes. 

Higley high school looks primed to be a top contender in the state of Arizona with three of the best prospects AZ has to offer. Leading the charge for the Knights is freshman point guard Isaiah Rider IV, who plays the game with ease and maturity for his age. Rider is tabbed the best 2029 in the state based due to efficient shot making from the perimeter, foundational point guard skills and solid understanding of pace. Running the wings for the Knights is another top freshman in Arizona, Marquice Pless standing at 6'4" with above-average athleticism, good length, and a consistent jumper. Pless is the glue for this team as he plays many roles inside-out for the Knights. On the opposite side of the wing was 6'5" senior Andre Tyler (2026) that consistently goes at the rim with high level force. Tyler is explosive off the floor and relentless at the rim. 

Our List of Arizona Preps Fall Showcase Standouts

Isaiah Awuke 6’8” F (2027) Sequoia Charter
Emmanuel Angole 6’10” C (2026) Apollo HS
Richard Werigbelegha 6’8” C (2028) Sequoia Charter
Innocent Onwo 6’3” SG (2029) Mesa HS
Jakyi “KyiKyi” Miles 6’3” G (2028) Mesa HS
Noah Gloor 5’10” G (2026) Higley HS/Embry Riddle Commit
Will Gordon 6’0” G (2027) AZ Compass Prep Grind
Azariah Reetz 6’6” F (2029) Carl Hayden HS
Daniel Simon 6’11” C (2026) Hillcrest Prep
Andre Tyler 6’5” SF (2026) Higley HS
Marquice Pless 6’4” G (2029) Higley HS
Isaiah Rider IV 6’2” G (2029) Higley HS
Keyaun Martin 6’5” SF (2026) Sequoia Charter