Ava Slagle is a versatile, high-motor forward who impacts the game with physicality, skill, and a mature understanding of how to play winning basketball. 

At 5’11”, Slagle plays bigger than her listed size due to her strength, positioning, and willingness to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor. 

She is comfortable operating in the paint as a scorer, rebounder, and finisher, using solid footwork and touch around the rim to convert through contact. 

Offensively, she shows patience on the block, keeps the ball high, and finishes with either hand, making her tough to defend in single coverage.

Slagle brings strong value as a rebounder, consistently carving out space and pursuing the ball with purpose. 

She tracks misses well and generates extra possessions, which speaks to her motor and physical mindset. 

In transition, she runs the floor hard, filling lanes and finishing plays when guards reward her effort. 

She is also effective as a screener, understanding angles and timing to free teammates while creating opportunities to roll or pop into open space.

Defensively, Slagle competes. 

She holds her ground in the post, challenges shots without fouling, and communicates well within team concepts. 

Her awareness allows her to rotate early and help on the glass, and she shows good instincts as a secondary rim protector. 

She may not rely on elite speed, but her anticipation and toughness allow her to neutralize athletic opponents.

Slagle’s basketball IQ stands out. 

She plays within herself, makes the extra pass, and understands situational basketball. 

Combined with her 4.0 GPA, she profiles as a coachable, reliable piece who elevates team chemistry and execution. 

As she continues to develop skill and confidence facing the basket, her overall offensive ceiling will continue to rise.

College Projection

Ava Slagle projects as a strong Division II prospect with the upside to develop into a mid-to-high level Division II contributor, and she could draw NAIA and Division III programs that value toughness, academics, and frontcourt reliability. 

Her size, physicality, and feel for the game translate well to the college level, particularly in systems that emphasize rebounding, defense, and efficient scoring inside.

Evaluation Summary

Slagle’s impact skills include rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive toughness. 

She has solid physical tools, a strong frame, and good feel that allow her game to translate to structured college systems. 

Her reliability and basketball IQ raise her floor at the next level.

Key Development Areas

• Continue expanding face-up scoring and mid-range consistency
  • Improve lateral quickness and overall conditioning
  • Become more assertive offensively against higher-level athletes

Long-Term Outlook

Ava Slagle is the type of forward who wins college games through toughness, trust, and steady production, and I’m confident her game will translate as she continues to develop.

Zachary Downer is a physically advanced 6’6 shooting guard with strong two way potential and a frame that already looks college ready. 

He plays with confidence, pace, and a mature understanding of how to impact the game without needing to dominate the ball. 

Offensively, Downer is at his best attacking closeouts, using long strides and body control to get downhill and finish through contact. 

He shows good touch around the rim and can score over smaller defenders once he establishes position.

Downer’s perimeter shooting continues to trend upward. 

He is most effective when his feet are set, knocking down spot up threes and mid range jumpers off kick outs and ball reversals. 

He flashes the ability to hit tough pull ups when defenders go under ball screens, and his size allows him to shoot over contests. 

As a passer, he makes simple, on time reads and keeps the ball moving, showing a team first approach rather than forcing shots.

Defensively, Downer brings real value. 

His length, strength, and awareness allow him to guard multiple perimeter positions. 

He does a good job staying square, using his chest to contain drives, and disrupting passing lanes. 

On the glass, he rebounds well for a guard, especially on the defensive end where he can ignite transition opportunities.

Downer plays with poise and does not rush the game. 

He understands spacing, relocates effectively, and shows a willingness to defend and compete. 

As his handle tightens and offensive assertiveness continues to grow, he projects as a versatile wing who can impact winning at higher levels.

College Projection

Zachary Downer projects as a high level Division II to mid major Division I prospect with upside to push higher as his skill set continues to sharpen. 

His size, defensive versatility, and physical maturity give him a strong foundation that college coaches value in modern wings. 

With continued shooting consistency and expanded shot creation, he fits the mold of a dependable rotation player who can grow into a starter at the college level.

Evaluation Summary

Downer’s impact comes from size, defensive versatility, and a calm offensive approach. 

He combines physical tools with solid feel for the game, projecting as a reliable two way wing whose value increases in structured college systems.

Key Development Areas

• Skill: Tighten ball handling and expand shot creation off the dribble
  • Physical: Continue improving lateral quickness and burst
  • Mental: Maintain aggressiveness and consistency from game to game

Long-Term Outlook

Zachary Downer has the tools, mindset, and trajectory to develop into a college impact wing and a player programs can trust on both ends of the floor.

Logan Wessel is a high-IQ 6’4, 185-pound wing from Mount Carmel in Evergreen Park, Illinois, class of 2027, who brings a strong blend of skill, competitiveness, and feel for the game. 

Playing with Breakaway on the 17U 3SSB circuit, Wessel consistently shows he understands how to impact winning beyond the box score while still providing reliable offensive production.

Offensively, Wessel is a polished perimeter player who excels as a shooter and secondary playmaker. 

He has clean mechanics, a repeatable release, and deep range off the catch or the bounce. 

He is especially effective relocating, spotting up, and punishing defensive breakdowns. 

As a ball mover, he makes quick reads, delivers accurate passes, and keeps the offense flowing. 

He does not over-dribble and understands spacing and timing at a level well beyond most high school wings.

Wessel is a smart cutter who finds open gaps in the defense and finishes well around the rim using touch and body control rather than raw explosiveness. 

In transition, he fills lanes correctly, makes the extra pass, and consistently takes high-percentage shots. 

His offensive game is built on efficiency, decision-making, and skill rather than volume scoring.

Defensively, Wessel brings strong positional awareness and team defense instincts. 

He communicates, anticipates passing lanes, and competes on the glass. 

While not an elite athlete, he compensates with effort, angles, and understanding of defensive concepts. 

His rebounding from the wing spot adds extra value, and he shows a willingness to do the dirty work.

Academically, Wessel’s 4.43 GPA speaks to his discipline and maturity. 

Combined with his on-court IQ, he projects as a coachable, dependable piece in a structured college system.

College Projection

Logan Wessel projects as a high-academic Division I or strong Division II prospect, with legitimate Ivy League, Patriot League, and Missouri Valley style interest if his physical tools continue to trend upward. 

His shooting, feel, and decision-making translate well to systems that value spacing, ball movement, and versatility on the wing.

Evaluation Summary

Wessel’s impact is driven by shooting, basketball IQ, and consistency. 

He has solid physical tools, excellent feel for the game, and a mature approach that should translate smoothly to the college level as a trusted rotation wing.

Key Development Areas

• Continue tightening off-the-dribble creation against athletic defenders
  • Add functional strength and lateral quickness
  • Become more assertive as a scoring option in key moments

Long-Term Outlook

Logan Wessel projects as a winning college player whose shooting, intelligence, and reliability make him a coach’s favorite at the next level.

Nate Lyon is a highly skilled 6’3 combo guard from South Central Prep who plays the game with advanced feel, confidence, and command well beyond his years. 

As a point guard or shooting guard, Lyon consistently controls tempo and understands how to manipulate defenses through pace, spacing, and smart reads. 

He is a true playmaker who sees the floor at a high level, delivering accurate passes off the dribble and finding shooters or rim runners in stride. 

His decision making stands out, especially in transition and late-clock situations, where he remains poised and efficient.

Offensively, Lyon is a legitimate three-level scoring threat. 

He shoots the ball with range and confidence, both off the catch and off movement, forcing defenders to close hard. 

When pressured, he shows the ability to put the ball on the floor and create separation using sharp change-of-pace dribbles and controlled footwork. 

In the midrange, he is comfortable pulling up or attacking downhill to finish with either hand. 

Around the rim, he relies more on craft than raw explosiveness, using angles and timing to score through traffic.

Defensively, Lyon brings consistent energy and competitiveness. 

He takes pride in guarding the ball, stays active in passing lanes, and shows good anticipation as a help defender. 

His length and positioning allow him to contest shots and disrupt opposing guards without gambling. 

He communicates well on the defensive end and understands team concepts, which adds value beyond the stat sheet.

Lyon’s high basketball IQ, combined with his academic profile and leadership presence, makes him a dependable floor general. 

He plays with confidence but not ego, understands his role within a system, and elevates the players around him. 

His experience on the AAO Flight program and the Pro 16 Circuit has accelerated his development and prepared him for higher-level competition.

College Projection

Lyon projects as a high-major mid-major to potential low Power Five guard with continued physical and skill development. 

Current offers from Arkansas State, UT San Antonio, and Oral Roberts reflect his ability to impact winning as a versatile backcourt piece. 

With continued progression, he has the upside to become a multi-year college starter who can run offense or score in key moments.

Evaluation Summary

Lyon’s impact comes from his playmaking instincts, scoring versatility, and strong defensive engagement. 

His physical tools, IQ, and feel for the game translate cleanly to the college level, especially in systems that value guard decision making and spacing.

Key Development Areas

• Tighten handle under elite ball pressure and increase efficiency finishing through contact
  • Add functional strength to better absorb contact at the rim and on defense
  • Maintain scoring aggressiveness consistently against top-level defenders

Long-Term Outlook

Nate Lyon projects as a college guard you can trust to lead, compete, and win games, with a trajectory that continues to rise as his body and confidence catch up to his skill set.

Steven McLeod is a long, versatile 6’8 forward with a 7’0 wingspan who brings a modern frontcourt skill set and clear long term upside. 

He plays primarily as a power forward but has the mobility and perimeter comfort to slide to the small forward spot when lineups demand spacing and defensive flexibility. 

At 200 pounds, McLeod has a lean frame with plenty of room to add functional strength without sacrificing quickness.

Offensively, McLeod thrives as a face up forward who can attack mismatches. 

He runs the floor well in transition, finishes above the rim when given space, and uses length to score through contact around the basket. 

His touch extends to the mid range, where he shows confidence stepping into jumpers, and his shooting mechanics suggest continued growth as a stretch option. 

He is effective as a cutter, understands timing, and plays well off ball, making him a natural fit alongside high usage guards.

Defensively, McLeod’s wingspan is a major weapon. 

He can guard multiple positions, contest shots without fouling, and disrupt passing lanes. 

His lateral movement allows him to switch onto wings, while his length provides rim protection from the weak side. 

He rebounds outside his area and shows good instincts tracking the ball on both ends.

McLeod plays with a developing feel for the game. 

He makes the extra pass, processes spacing well, and shows flashes of leadership through effort and communication. 

As his body matures and his offensive assertiveness increases, his overall impact will rise significantly.

College Projection

Steven McLeod projects as a high major mid major crossover prospect with Power Five upside long term. 

At this stage, he profiles comfortably at the strong Division I level, with the potential to grow into a high major contributor as his strength, shooting consistency, and self creation continue to improve.

Evaluation Summary

McLeod combines length, positional versatility, and a growing offensive skill set that translates cleanly to the college game. 

His defensive tools and off ball intelligence give him a clear role early, while his offensive ceiling raises his long term value.

Key Development Areas

• Tightening ball handling and shooting consistency from the three point line
  • Adding 15 to 20 pounds of functional strength to handle college physicality
  • Playing with sustained aggression and assertiveness for full game stretches

Long Term Outlook

Steven McLeod is the type of versatile forward college coaches win with, and I would confidently project him as a multi year Division I impact player with high major upside if his development curve stays on track.