While many players at the 16U level could make a strong argument for inclusion on this list, here are the players that were most deserving of the stock booster honors.
Joey Abraham - 2023 - PG - Hoop City Ohio
A true point guard with a high IQ that really competes on the floor. He is strong with the ball in hands and does a good job handing ball pressure. He’s at his best attacking the basket to create for his teammates or finish with floaters right over the defense, but can also score hitting some shots from the perimeter.
Darrin Ames - 2023 - PG - Mac Irvin Fire
Ames is a high-level point guard that continues to shine. He scored the ball very well attacking the basket as he gets by his man with ease with his tight handle and exceptional moves with the ball and then finishes so well around the basket. While he truly stood out for his attacking ability he also spotted up to knock down some threes and created well for his teammates. Ames is one of the top 2023 point guards in the region.
Joey Brown - 2023 - PG - George Hill-All Indy
A lengthy guard with great size at 6’6”. He has good guard skilled with his ability to handle the ball against pressure and is a sound passer. He moves well with the basketball and is a strong as well as crafty finisher at the basket. Brown uses his physical attributes to create mismatches posting up guards or taking slower wings off the dribble. Definitely, a 2023 prospect to track moving forward with his size and abilities.
Clay Butler - 2023 - PG - Team Teague
A speedy point guard that has great acceleration to get into the paint in a hurry and often. With his quick first step, he was often just blowing by his man. Butler showed a very crafty finishing ability to score at and around the basket amongst opposing big men. He did the bulk of his scoring inside but also hit some shots in the mid-range with a smooth jumper.
Kevin Hamilton - 2023 - PG - All Ohio Select
A quick point guard that is good with the ball in his hands with his ability to knock down shots off the dribble with range or distribute the ball out very well. He is a good quick decision maker with the ball and has good court vision.
Bristol Lewis - 2023 - G - Mid-Pro Academy West
Lewis is a smart 6’2” guard that knows how to play and contributes in a number of ways on the floor. Lewis plays well with or without the ball in his hands. He moves well with the ball and scores it going to the basket on drives and cuts plus he can also spot up to knock down some threes. He rebounds well from the guard position in addition to being able to defend both guards and wings.
Adison Mittelstadt - 2023 - G - Movement Hoops
Middelstadt is both a skilled scorer as well as a distributor. A smart guard that did a great job with the ball attacking. He did the bulk of his scoring either by driving into the paint or pulling up in the mid-range. On his drives, he was always scanning the floor and showed exceptional vision kicking the ball out.
Will Starks - 2023 - WF - World Hoops Elite
The 6’4” forward plays big on the floor with good strength. He scored the ball very well around the basket and finishes exceptionally well inside. He also stepped out to knock down three’s over the weekend and can drive the ball as well. Starks really works on both ends of the floor rebounding, grabbing any near him.
Asa Thomas - 2023 - G/F - Illinois Wolves
Another week and another impressive performance by the 6’6” wing. He is a smart player that doesn’t force anything to score at a high percentage. The junior scored the ball well throughout the tournament doing so primarily with his great looking jump shot with range. He’s at his best as a spot up shooter but can also shoot it off the dribble and attacking the basket.
Mac Wrecke - 2023 - G - Phenom University
The 6’5” wing guard is an incredibly explosive player. He scored the ball exceptionally well going to the basket in the half court and transition game, and finished strong at the rim every time racking up several dunks in one game alone. While he is so tough to defend when attacking the basket, Wrecke also has a nice jumper from three. The sophomore has a nice strong build in addition to playing with great energy at all times.