I’m back in the Lone Star State after completing my trip to Springfield, Mass., for the Panini Hoophall Classic. In this article, I wanted to highlight lesser known prospects, the non 4 and 5-star guys who played well and could end up having strong college careers.
Below are the prospects that I’ll keep tabs on more going forward who played well over MLK Weekend:
Courtesy of Archbishop Stepinac HS
Hassan Koureissi, 2026 6’3 PG – Archbishop Stepinac (NY): The Fordham signee was impactful in Stepinac’s win vs IMG. He got to his spots, balanced playmaking & scoring well and adequately defended on-ball. He’s produced every time I’ve watched Stepinac play this season and deserves more attention. An excellent pick-up for Fordham.
Elton Smith, 2026 6’8 PF/C – Dynamic Prep (TX): The forward from South Carolina impressed me with his physical play and passing vs Prolific. He made fine decisions in the short roll, throwing lobs or taking the ball to the rim. He recently received an offer from Siena and will have more schools on him as the season goes on.
Kevin Singleton, 2027 6’4 CG – Inglewood (CA): A skinny pg with good positional size. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter vs Notre Dame as he got to the rim, finished through contact and was using his length to deflect passes when his team was pressing. He’s an intriguing prospect that’s worth keeping tabs on.
Javion Tyndale, 2027 5’9 PG – Montverde Academy (FL): He’s the smallest guy on the court but the most impactful. Tyndale made big play after big play for Montverde at Hoophall. They went 2-0 and a large part was because of him. He got wherever he wanted, finished inside because he got to the rim before the help defender. Defensively he moved his feet well laterally and took charges. A pesky and tough-minded guard that impacts winning.
Derek Daniels, 2027 6’8 C – Montverde Academy (FL): A large built center that plays bigger than his listed height. He’s very strong with quick vertical leaping skills. Attacked the offensive glass and rejected shots from taller players at the rim. Everything about him was about throwing his body around and initiating contact.
Kuol Deng, 2026 6’11 C – Oak Hill Academy (VA): Hard playing big man that tries to out-run his man for finishes at the rim. He scores off put-backs and completes the play from the dunker spot. He has a good motor, ideal arm length and intent on the glass. Will need to add more muscle to his frame for sure but there’s something to work with.
Preston Bollin, 2027 6’7 Forward – Newman School (MA): Preston was game MVP for Newman School in their win vs Southeastern Prep. He accumulated 16pts 4rebs as he was excellent as a spot-up guy. Making multiple triples and then attacking hard closeouts to get to the rim. His feel, toughness and deep range shot-making caused problems for SE Prep.
Game 27 Player of the Game @PrestonBollin33. #HHClassic pic.twitter.com/aUwLi2JyaR
— Hoophall Classic (@HoophallClassic) January 19, 2026
Atticus Richmond, 2026 6’8 PF – Newman School (MA): The Columbia signee played well also. He didn’t shoot it efficiently from three but his effort and drive game was on point. He’s a good screener and played well off the ball to create opportunities for his teammates. He did the little things plus brought rim pressure.
Zaahir Muhammad-Gray, 2027 6’7 PF – Imhotep Charter (PA): A hard playing forward that has a good basketball body. Physical, can score inside and out and finishes with either hand. He’s a hard matchup because of his physicality blended with his skill and feel.
Jordan Dill, 2026 6’1 PG – Imhotep Charter (PA): Southpaw, driving guard with a strong frame. He embraces contact, gets to the paint and has an adequate middy pull-up game. The Lemoyne signee packs a strong rebounding punch for a guard and competes each possession.
Editor’s Pick
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