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.

Memphis Duffie is a 6'3" shooting guard in the 2027 class who brings a polished, versatile offensive skill set and strong two-way value to the floor. 

Playing at Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Oklahoma and competing nationally with Legynds EYBL 16u, Duffie shows the poise and adaptability of a player already comfortable against high-level competition. 

While listed as a shooting guard, his background as a point guard shows up consistently in his decision-making, ball control, and ability to run offense when needed.

Offensively, Duffie is at his best attacking off the bounce and playing downhill. 

He has a smooth first step, uses change of pace effectively, and shows advanced footwork getting into pull-up jumpers or finishing through contact. 

His shot mechanics are clean and repeatable, making him a reliable perimeter threat when his feet are set, and his confidence continues to grow shooting off movement. 

Duffie also reads help defenders well, delivering timely kick-outs and drop-off passes, which adds value beyond scoring.

Defensively, Duffie competes on both ends. 

His length and anticipation allow him to disrupt passing lanes, and he shows a willingness to guard multiple perimeter positions. 

He stays engaged off the ball and rebounds well for his size, often igniting transition opportunities with quick outlet passes.

What separates Duffie is his feel for the game. 

He understands spacing, tempo, and when to assert himself versus facilitating for teammates. 

As a multi-sport athlete, his coordination and spatial awareness translate directly to the court. 

With continued physical development and shot consistency, Duffie projects as a reliable combo guard who can impact winning at the next level.

College Projection

Duffie currently projects as a mid-major Division I guard with a legitimate pathway to high-major consideration as he continues to develop physically and tighten his scoring efficiency. 

His positional versatility, feel for the game, and EYBL exposure give him a strong foundation for college coaches seeking multi-dimensional backcourt pieces.

Evaluation Summary

Duffie impacts the game with scoring versatility, secondary playmaking, and competitive defense. 

His physical tools and basketball IQ translate well to the college pace, especially in systems that value guards who can read and react. 

Continued development should elevate his ceiling.

Key Development Areas

• Tighten ball-handling under pressure and improve off-hand finishes
  • Add functional strength to absorb contact and defend stronger guards
  • Maintain consistent aggressiveness as a scorer across all settings

Long-Term Outlook

Duffie projects as a college-ready guard whose combination of skill, feel, and competitiveness positions him to become a multi-year impact player at the Division I level.

The future of girls basketball continues to get brighter, and this group of five young prospects is a strong example of the next wave of high level talent emerging across the Midwest.

Each player brings a unique skill set, competitive mindset, and commitment to growth that separates them from their peers.

From advanced shot making and high IQ play to lockdown defense and leadership qualities, these athletes consistently impact winning on both ends of the floor.

They also bring strong academic profiles and coachability, traits that college programs value just as much as on court production.

As they continue to develop through high school and AAU competition, these players are positioning themselves as names college coaches, recruiters, and fans should be tracking closely.

Addisen Person is a 2028 combo guard trending up with a polished midrange game, relentless on ball defense, and strong academics that match her competitive edge. Follow her development as she continues to rise. Read more! 

Maddison Lawson, a Class of 2027 lefty guard from South Bend, brings elite shooting range, nonstop motor, and winning energy that shows up on every possession. Coaches should keep her firmly on their radar. Read more! 

Abrielle Dugan is a 2027 point guard from Plainfield and Always100 Elite, known for elite basketball IQ, vocal leadership, and advanced playmaking that consistently elevates teammates. Read more! 

Hannah Menser, Class of 2027 combo guard from Plainfield and IGB GUAA, is a smart, versatile playmaker with college ready feel and clear long term upside. Read more! 

Estee Irving is a 5'8 Class of 2027 guard with elite vision, lockdown defense, a 4.1 GPA, and proven All District production. Learn more, watch the film, and connect today. Read more! 

Addisen Person, Maddison Lawson, Abrielle Dugan, Hannah Menser, and Estee Irving represent the kind of well rounded prospects that college programs build successful rosters around.

Their ability to combine skill, toughness, basketball IQ, and work ethic gives them real momentum as they move deeper into their high school careers.

What stands out most is their upward trajectory and willingness to compete, learn, and lead.

As exposure increases and development continues, each player has the opportunity to elevate her recruitment and impact at the next level.

College coaches should stay connected, follow their progress, and take time to evaluate them live.

The foundation is clearly in place, and the best basketball for this group is still ahead.

Lexi Johnson is a strong, competitive interior presence who brings toughness, touch, and basketball IQ to the floor as a 5'8 center in the 2028 class. 

She plays with a physical edge and understands how to use her frame to carve out space in the paint on both ends. 

Offensively, Johnson shows comfort scoring with her back to the basket, using drop steps, jump hooks, and quick finishes around the rim. 

She runs the floor hard in transition, creating early post seals and second-chance opportunities. 

Her hands are reliable, and she does a good job finishing through contact, an important trait at the high school level. 

Johnson also flashes the ability to pass out of the post, recognizing double teams and finding open shooters, which adds value beyond pure scoring.

Defensively, she anchors the paint with strong positioning and timing. 

She boxes out consistently, pursues rebounds with intent, and shows a willingness to do the dirty work that does not always show up in the box score. 

Johnson understands defensive angles, keeps her arms active, and competes on every possession. 

While not a high-flying athlete, she compensates with anticipation, effort, and a strong motor. 

Her communication on defense and willingness to direct teammates stands out for a player her age. 

She plays within herself, rarely forcing action, and shows a mature approach to the game.

Johnson’s competitive makeup is one of her biggest strengths. 

She embraces physical play, responds well to coaching, and brings energy that can lift a team. 

As she continues to develop skill and athletic efficiency, her impact will only grow. 

Her foundation of toughness, effort, and feel for the game gives her a solid base to build on as she progresses through high school and into the recruiting landscape.

College Projection

Johnson projects as a developmental college post at the NAIA, NCCAA, or Division III level, with a chance to grow into a productive role player at the lower Division II level if her skill set and conditioning continue to improve. Her physicality, rebounding, and interior scoring translate well to systems that value toughness and execution.

Evaluation Summary

Johnson brings impact as a physical rebounder and interior finisher with a strong feel for positioning. Her tools are rooted in strength, effort, and awareness rather than elite athleticism. Those traits give her a realistic path to contributing in the college game.

Key Development Areas

• Expand face-up scoring and short-range shooting
  • Improve foot speed and overall conditioning
  • Maintain consistent offensive aggression possession to possession

Long-Term Outlook

Johnson is the type of interior competitor coaches trust, and with continued growth, she can become a reliable college post who impacts winning through effort and toughness.

Max Okebata is a versatile and explosive 6'5" small forward with the size, skill, and athleticism to impact the game in multiple ways. 

On the offensive end, Max demonstrates a smooth jump shot from midrange and beyond the arc, coupled with a developing three-level scoring ability. 

He thrives in transition, using his length and speed to finish above the rim, but he also shows a knack for drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. 

With excellent court vision, he can spot cutters and deliver accurate passes in traffic, making him a reliable secondary playmaker when the team’s offense breaks down. 

Defensively, Okebata uses his 6'5" frame and 195-pound build to guard multiple positions effectively. 

He has quick lateral movement and the instincts to anticipate passes, resulting in timely deflections and rebounds. 

Max’s motor is evident on both ends; he attacks the glass, rotates defensively, and never hesitates to sprint the floor in transition. 

His ball-handling is above average for his size, allowing him to create space off the dribble and attack closeouts. 

While he shows flashes of elite athleticism, his overall skill set is complemented by a high basketball IQ and competitive demeanor. 

Max is coachable and consistently seeks ways to elevate his game, watching film, and studying the habits of higher-level players. 

His combination of length, scoring versatility, playmaking ability, and defensive acumen makes him a difficult matchup at the high school level and a player with real upside for the next level. 

Overall, Max brings the rare ability to impact a game as a scorer, facilitator, and defender, giving his team flexibility and matchup advantages against any opponent.

College Projection:
Max Okebata projects as a Division I small forward with potential mid-major to high-major upside. His size, length, and two-way impact make him an attractive prospect for programs looking for a versatile wing who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and contribute immediately in transition. Continued refinement in his perimeter shot, strength, and consistency will determine whether he can compete at the highest level.

Evaluation Summary:
Max’s versatility, size, and feel for the game make him a strong two-way wing at the college level. His athleticism, court awareness, and skill set translate well to both offensive and defensive schemes in DI basketball.

Key Development Areas:
• Improve three-point consistency and overall shooting range
• Add functional strength to finish through contact and defend bigger wings
• Maintain mental focus and consistency throughout games

Long-Term Outlook:
With continued development, Max Okebata has the tools to become a reliable starter at the DI level and a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.