Evan Willis — 6″8 Small Forward — Class of 2028 — BTI United 17U/Crossroads High School
Rated by many publications as a 5-star athlete, it was evident the moment he stepped on the court in Detroit. The size, the athleticism & the IQ is a check, check & double check. Evan didn’t put one weakness on display this weekend. He was practically unguardable from any position on the floor. He considers himself a small forward but there is nothing small about his game. Guards can’t lock him up for his obvious size and he’s supremely skilled than any “big” on the opposing side. He’s a mismatch for anyone that tries to defend him. He has great shooting range, the ability to take any defender off the dribble, good look defending him in the post. He’s a force when he attacks the rim and he loves catching bodies on alley-oops. He can play defense against any position, 1-5 and he loves causing chaos on that end of the court. The sky’s the limit for this sensational sophomore.
Demarco Hunter — 6″7 Small Forward — Class of 2026 — BTI United 17U/Archbishop Riordan High School
Demarco Hunter was another “Alpha” on this BTI United team. He is an ultimate finisher thanks to his exceptional size and athleticism. He loves nothing more than catching an alley on a defender(s). He is a fiery finisher at the rim. He had one move where he blew by a defender on the baseline and glided in for a two handed flush. It was nasty. Already with multiple offers for D1 schools, whoever ends up with this talent is going to get someone who is all about helping his team win and it begins with his intensity on the defensive end. Don’t dare try to elevate on Demarco because you will just look silly in the end. His height combined with his wingspan makes him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
Olujimi “OJ” Popoola — 6″6 Point Guard — Class of 2027 — BTI United 17U/Palisades High School
OJ Popoola is a very versatile athlete who considers himself a point guard and for good reason. He has great ball handling skills but his athleticism which he put on display this weekend shows that he could easily play from the wing position if asked. He has a strong will to drive into traffic and elevate over any defender that may have a size advantage over him. Creating his own space and shot is lite work for Popoola and his ability to pass to get his teammates involved is a natural ability. I would consider him a scoring point guard but he clearly has the ability to fade back his scoring ability to let his other teammates eat.
Elijah Neel — 6″2 Point Guard — Class of 2027 — Kentuckian Hoops 17U/Ashland Blazer High School (KY)
Elijah Neel is a pass-first point guard with size, speed and high basketball IQ. With his 6″3 frame, it’s easy for him to see over defenders as a point guard with height. But his ability to drive and dish is exceptional. And he’ll get fancy with his dimes whether it’s no-look or behind the back. Even if he has an open look to the lane and he sees his teammate in a position to get in the scoresheet, he’ll give up that open look to get his teammate going. He even admitted to me that assists are his favorite stats to accumulate. He has the ability to play off the ball but I wouldn’t recommend it. He’s a pure floor general so let this kid cook when you need a leader on the floor.
Kamdon Partenheimer — 6″10 Center — Class of 2027 — Kentuckian Hoops 17U/Forest Park HIgh School
This big fella showed me some serious heart. Kamdon Partenheimer was going up against multiple defenders in the paint in this particular game and he made sure to hold his own. His size speaks for itself. On defense, he made it extremely difficult for the top tier competition he was facing this particular day. He has some solid moves in the paint and can rebound with the best of them. He is even developing a long range game in the process. But his bread and butter will come from in the paint and skilled centers with this sort of ability are hard to come by.
Caileb WIlson — 6″2 Combo Guard — Class of 2028 — SMBallers 18U/Oxford High School
Caleb Wilson is a very impressive combo guard who can play like a man amongst boys. His lower body strength to go with his guard skills make him an extremely tough match up. He has the ability to create his own shots over any defender and create even better shots for his teammates. I loved the intensity he showed on both sides of the floor. His quickness gave him a distinct advantage with the passing lanes while ripping the rock out of an opponent’s hands. But it’s the anger and intensity he displayed when he would go through traffic to the rim. He was certainly mean with it. Keep this kid on your radar. You won’t regret it.
Caleb Tillman — 6″4 Forward/Center — Class of 2028 — SMBallers 17U/Tuscaloosa County High School (AL)
My first description of Caleb Tillman after watching him play is that he was an absolute menace on the floor. His offensive skill set was ferocious. He was super aggressive any time the ball would be put in his hands. He always knew what to do with the pill immediately. I loved his decision making and his relentlessness to attack the rim. He’s got a decent mid range and long range game as well. HIs intensity certainly was put on display defensively. He’s an all around player who may consider himself a big but he’s got great guard skills to match.
