Isaiah Hofer, a 5’9 guard from Washington High School (Sioux Falls, SD) and standout with Airborne 17u, has quickly built a reputation as a high-IQ playmaker and dangerous scoring option on the floor. 

With the versatility to play both point guard and shooting guard, Hofer combines efficient shot-making ability with a polished handle that allows him to create separation against defenders. 

His most lethal weapon is his smooth one-dribble midrange pull-up a move that feels automatic when he gets into rhythm. 

Add in a consistent three-point jumper that demands defensive attention, and Hofer becomes a two-level scorer who can punish any defense that dares to leave him unchecked.

What makes Isaiah’s game even more valuable is his competitive spirit and defensive intensity. 

Despite being 5’9, he plays with toughness on the perimeter, showcasing lateral quickness and effort that makes him a reliable on-ball defender. 

He embraces defensive challenges and has the ability to frustrate opposing guards with his positioning and timing. 

Offensively, his tight handle allows him to control the pace, probe defenses, and get into his scoring spots.

A product of Bartlett Basketball Academy, Isaiah’s training shows in the sharpness of his game. 

He’s fundamentally sound, plays with confidence, and is constantly hunting ways to impact both ends of the floor. 

Coaches value players who know their strengths and play within themselves, and Hofer does exactly that, efficient, decisive, and purposeful. 

As he continues to develop his strength, playmaking, and finishing ability, Isaiah has the tools to make his mark as a reliable contributor at the next level. 

He represents the type of guard every team needs: tough, confident, and built to perform under pressure.

Strengths & Areas for Improvement 

Strengths

• Elite shooting touch

• High-level on-ball defense

• Smooth one-dribble pull-up

• Tight and creative handle

• Confident floor presence

Areas for Improvement

• Add upper-body strength

• Improve finishing through contact

• Develop consistent playmaking vision

• Increase pace control mastery

• Expand off-ball movement

Conclusion 

Isaiah Hofer is the type of guard who makes his presence felt immediately on the floor. 

His reputation as a knockdown shooter who cannot be left open is already well-established, but his overall game extends far beyond that. 

The ability to put the ball on the deck, create space, and rise up for his midrange jumper is rare at the high school level, and Hofer executes it with confidence and consistency. 

On the defensive end, his energy and toughness make him more than just a scorer he’s a competitor willing to dig in, fight through screens, and disrupt opponents’ offensive flow.

Looking ahead, Isaiah’s ceiling will rise as he builds strength and develops his ability to consistently finish at the rim. 

He’s already an efficient scoring option and versatile guard, but adding that layer of physicality will make him even more complete. 

With his work ethic, training background, and natural skillset, Hofer has the potential to become a player that coaches trust in critical moments and one who delivers at a high level.

Apolo Lewis, Class of 2028, is a promising 6’0”, 145-pound shooting guard out of San Antonio, Texas. 

Representing SW Dragon Hoops and BTS P32 AAU, Apolo has already begun to carve out a reputation as a high-level shooter with defensive intensity that separates him from many of his peers. 

His 3.75 GPA also underscores his strong work ethic and discipline both on and off the court, which will only increase his long-term value to college coaches seeking reliable student-athletes.

As a guard, Apolo shows confidence in handling the ball while also moving well without it, creating consistent scoring opportunities through spacing and timing. 

His shooting form is polished for his age, producing clean, repeatable mechanics that allow him to stretch the floor effectively. 

When opponents close out, he demonstrates the awareness to put the ball on the floor and attack open lanes, showing flashes of creativity as a finisher.

Defensively, Apolo plays with toughness and quick anticipation, disrupting passing lanes and applying consistent ball pressure. 

His defensive mindset allows him to set the tone for his team, energizing his teammates and forcing opponents into mistakes.

Apolo’s frame is still developing, which leaves plenty of room for physical growth as he matures into high school competition. 

With his dedication to improving his strength and speed, combined with his basketball IQ, he projects as a reliable two-way guard who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. 

Coaches who value shooting efficiency and relentless defensive effort will see Apolo as a strong prospect in the 2028 class. 

His mix of skills, academics, and competitive fire make him an athlete worth tracking as he progresses through the next stage of his basketball journey.

Strengths & Areas of Improvement 

Strengths

• High-level shooter

• Defensive intensity consistent

• Excellent basketball IQ

• Moves without ball

• Plays with confidence

Areas of Improvement

• Add upper strength

• Improve finishing consistency

• Expand scoring versatility

• Quicker first step

• Stronger court vision

Closing Evaluation 

Apolo Lewis has the right mix of talent, drive, and character that college recruiters seek in a backcourt prospect. 

His ability to knock down shots from the perimeter with consistency makes him a valuable offensive asset, and his relentless approach to defense demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. 

With his strong academic record, Apolo shows he can balance both athletics and academics, positioning himself as a complete student-athlete.

The foundation he has built as a shooter and defender gives him an edge moving forward. 

Continued work on his strength and finishing ability will expand his offensive package, making him more difficult to defend. 

If Apolo adds versatility in his scoring arsenal, his value as a shooting guard will rise even further.

Ultimately, Apolo is trending upward, and his ceiling is high. 

As he matures physically and sharpens his all-around game, he has the tools to emerge as one of the standout guards in the Class of 2028.

Jaehden Johnson, a 5’11” point guard from New Hope, Alabama, class of 2026, is a high-level competitor who embodies what it means to be a complete student-athlete. 

With a 3.3 GPA and an ACT score of 21, Johnson balances his academic responsibilities with his athletic pursuits, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. 

He is a key contributor for Team Thad 17U EYCL, where his leadership, competitiveness, and basketball IQ consistently stand out.

On the court, Johnson thrives in fast-paced systems that emphasize tempo, spacing, and decisive playmaking. 

His ability to attack off the dribble, create for teammates, and score efficiently from all three levels makes him a dynamic weapon. 

Whether it’s hitting a pull-up jumper, knocking down a catch-and-shoot three, or finishing with craft around the rim, Johnson has the skillset to keep defenders on their heels. 

Defensively, he prides himself on aggressive on-ball pressure, staying engaged in passing lanes, and setting the tone with effort and communication.

Equally impressive is Johnson’s commitment to preparation. 

His willingness to study film, show up early, and stay late speaks volumes about his dedication to growth. 

Coaches consistently describe him as coachable, disciplined, and dependable, traits every program values. 

More importantly, he embraces the grind, understanding that development comes through sacrifice and consistency, not shortcuts.

Johnson’s ultimate goal is to make an immediate impact at the college level, and his skillset combined with his intangibles suggests he’s on the right track. 

He is a guard who can seamlessly fit into a winning culture, while also being the type of player who elevates those around him. 

With continued development in strength and game management, he projects as a high-value recruit capable of contributing early in his college career.

Strengths & Areas of Improvement 

Strengths

• Quick first step

• Reliable three-point shot

• High basketball IQ

• Team-first mindset

• Aggressive on-ball defense

• Strong work ethic

• Effective floor leader

• Creates off dribble

Areas of Improvement

• Add core strength

• Improve finishing consistency

• Enhance midrange pull-up

• Expand court vision

• Limit turnovers under pressure

• Develop vocal leadership

• Maintain defensive discipline

• Improve free throw rate

Conclusion 

Jaehden Johnson is a promising point guard prospect who brings more than just physical skills to the game, he brings leadership, preparation, and resilience. 

Standing at 5’11” and weighing 145 pounds, Johnson has the frame of a guard who can add muscle and continue to refine his physical tools, but his greatest strengths come from his mindset and approach. 

He is the type of player who consistently finds ways to impact the game, whether through scoring, facilitating, or providing defensive energy.

At the college level, Johnson projects as a guard who can immediately contribute in a system that values spacing, tempo, and toughness. 

His ability to shoot at all three levels combined with his willingness to defend makes him a versatile piece. 

Long-term, his ceiling is tied to how much he develops his strength and decision-making under pressure, but his foundation is rock solid. 

Coaches looking for a dependable leader and competitor will find that Johnson fits the mold perfectly.

Zion Denson, class of 2027, is a 6’5” wing out of Atlantic Shores Christian School in Chesapeake, Virginia, who is quickly emerging as one of the most dynamic young talents in high school basketball. 

His athleticism, versatility, and two-way impact make him a prospect worth keeping a very close eye on. 

Zion has already built a reputation as a high flyer who thrives in transition and attacks the rim with a level of power and confidence beyond his years. 

His ability to elevate and finish through contact makes him an exciting offensive threat that energizes both teammates and spectators.

One of the standout traits in his game is his timing on the defensive end. 

Zion averaged between three and four blocks per contest throughout the summer, showcasing his instincts, length, and commitment to protecting the paint. 

His defensive presence extends beyond rim protection; he has the mobility to guard multiple positions and the awareness to contest shots without fouling. 

On offense, he complements his above-the-rim style with a smooth set-up shot that gives him balance as a perimeter scorer. 

While still developing his consistency from range, his shooting form is clean, repeatable, and improving steadily.

What sets Zion apart is his competitive edge. 

He plays with an intensity that coaches and scouts gravitate toward, refusing to shy away from big moments. 

His willingness to take on challenges on both ends of the floor reflects a maturity that bodes well for his long-term development. 

For a player entering the prime of his high school years, Zion is already showing flashes of being the type of wing that can dominate games, impose his will, and alter the trajectory of a team’s success. 

With continued growth, he has the tools to be a standout prospect at the next level.

Strengths & Areas Of Improvement

• Explosive leaping ability

• Strong defensive instincts

• Versatile scoring options

• Improving perimeter shot

• Attacks the rim

• Quick recovery speed

• Strong finishing touch

• Developing ball handling

• Reliable shot blocker

• Effective transition player

Conclusion

Zion Denson represents the prototype of a modern high school wing: athletic, skilled, and highly impactful on both ends of the floor. 

His natural ability to rise above defenders, block shots, and create scoring opportunities makes him a player that can shift the momentum of a game in an instant. 

He has already demonstrated an advanced feel for the game, particularly in the areas of rim protection and transition offense. 

These qualities make him an immediate difference-maker at the high school level and project him as a potential high-level college prospect.

As with all young players, there is room for refinement, but what separates Zion is his foundation of raw tools combined with work ethic. 

His continued development as a ball handler and perimeter shooter will only make him more dangerous. 

With his size, length, and athleticism, Zion is on a trajectory that, if nurtured properly, could make him one of the most talked-about prospects in his class.

Amari Southern, a Class of 2026 guard from Yazoo County High School in Yazoo City, MS, is a true playmaker both on and off the court. 

Standing 6’1” and weighing 165 pounds, Amari brings a balance of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership to his team. 

With a 3.2 GPA, he demonstrates the academic discipline that complements his athletic drive. 

His ability to function as an ultimate support player and even an “assistant coach with handles” separates him from many of his peers. 

Amari thrives in multiple roles: whether he is facilitating the offense, scoring when necessary, or drawing up plays in crucial moments.

What makes him special is his elite decision-making. 

Rarely does he force a bad shot or commit a turnover under pressure. Instead, he processes the game in real time, assessing not only the best available play but also the best possible outcome for his teammates. 

His versatile skillset allows him to run any offense, seamlessly adapting to a coach’s system or a sudden change in the flow of the game.

Amari’s chemistry with teammates elevates everyone around him. 

He plays to their strengths, encourages them in difficult moments, and consistently helps the team succeed. 

When games come down to the wire, his calm, clutch demeanor makes him the go-to option. 

Coaches can rely on him not just to execute, but to create backup strategies when the first plan falters. 

Amari is much more than a player, he’s a thinker, a strategist, and a leader who embodies what it means to be a playmaker.

Strengths & Areas for Improvement 

• Elite court vision

• High basketball IQ

• Strong leadership skills

• Excellent ball control

• Adaptable offensive player

• Creates scoring chances

• Clutch under pressure

• Great teammate chemistry

• Improved defensive consistency

• Work on explosiveness

• Sharpen shooting mechanics

• Build physical strength

Conclusion 

Amari Southern is a player every coach wants on their roster. 

He isn’t just a guard, he’s an extension of the coaching staff on the floor, orchestrating plays and ensuring his team functions as a cohesive unit. 

His ability to adapt, whether stepping into the role of scorer or facilitator, shows his versatility and maturity at a young age. 

At 6’1”, 165 pounds, his frame will only get stronger as he continues to develop, and with added explosiveness and consistency on the defensive end, Amari has the potential to elevate his game to another level.

What truly defines him, however, is his poise in the most difficult moments. With the game on the line, he is unshaken, executing strategies with precision and providing confidence to his teammates. 

Amari is the type of player who not only makes the right play but also makes everyone around him better. 

His future in basketball is bright, and his ceiling remains remarkably high.