The Lone Star Invitational showcased a tremendous group at the 15U level. Here are just some of the players that helped themselves the most in Dallas.
Nekabari Aday – 2024 – F/C – The Institute
Aday is a 6’6” big man that plays even bigger in the paint with his strength. He is a good scorer that gets it done around the basket but also got it done from the mid-range hitting some jumpers. He has good touch around the basket and can finish through contact in addition to some good moves posting up.
Devin Boone – 2024 – G – Texas Tar Heels
A lengthy wing guard with a nice versatile game and does a lot on the floor to contribute. Boone is a tough defender that can matchup with 1-4 well. He scored the ball going to the basket and hit some jumpers but also showed off his ability to rebound and pass the ball.
Will Cianfrini – 2024 – G – Houston Flight
An athletic and lengthy 6’3” point guard that impacts the game in many ways. He runs the point well but on the other end is able defend both guards and forwards effectively. Cianfrini is good off the dribble attacking to finish at the basket plus distributes it out nicely on the move.
Deken Jones – 2024 – G – Team Griffin
Jones is an instinctive point guard that knows how to play. He’s good off the dribble attacking getting plenty of paint touches. The freshman is a good crafty finisher around the paint but also distributes the ball well on the move. He is always scanning the floor and knows when to kick it out.
Todd Jones – 2024 – F – LivOn Fleur De Lis
A 6’8” power forward with some length and good athleticism. With his size he scores the ball well around the paint finishing everything with his length, but he also showed some good skills being able to play out on the perimeter and handle the ball. Jones moves well for his size to be able to defend multiple positions well.
Michael McNabb – 2024 – G/F – Phenom University
The 6’4” wing had one of the more impressive performances on Sunday scoring an efficient 24 points in a game. McNabb scored the ball very effectively attacking the basket and just could not be stopped once he got going to the hoop. He showed some good moves with the ball and is a skilled finisher around the basket. While he did the majority of his scoring on the drive, he can also shoot the ball from deep.
Isayah Pankey – 2024 – G – Dallas DaFam Elite
A tough attacking guard with some strength that just could not be stopped from getting to the basket. He has good moves with the ball and hits the gaps in the defense to get all the way to the basket and finish at a high rate there. Pankey is a smart guard that knows how to play making good decisions with the ball.
Luke Reder – 2024 – F – Team Temple
A solid 6’6” wing forward that knows how to play. He is an efficient scorer that shoots the ball very well from three with great shooting mechanics as well to a quick release. As well to spotting up from three, he can play off the dribble and moves well attacking for his size. Reder has some nice upside with his skills and size.
Jaden Smith – 2024 – F/C – Mac Irvin Fire
A very lengthy 6’10” big man with tremendous upside. Even with his great size as a freshman, Smith still moves so well on the court. He is a true rim protector that was all over the paint blocking shots and deterring drivers as well to grabbing boards at a high rate. Offensively, Smith also shows a nice ability to play with his back to the basket and finish right over defenders. One of the top 2024 posts in the region.