I’m back!
After a 6 year layoff, I am officially back on the sidelines evaluating and the Champions Shootout in Crowley, Texas was the perfect event to find recruitable prospects.
I was dreading a 9 am Saturday start (early morning basketball is terrible) but Duncanville versus hometown Crowley got me started better than any cup of coffee could have. 2025 6’3 guard and TCU commit Kayden ‘Bugg’ Edwards was ready to go from the tip. An early open court steal and two quick threes. He took up the challenge of guarding grassroots teammate and friend 2026 6’2 CG Kam McGilveary and it made for a fun matchup. ‘Bugg’ is already a skilled scorer, he’s the type of player who believes every shot is going in and they all look good leaving his hand.
McGilveary had a big summer playing with YGC Hoops and comes in to the scholastic season with a new level of confidence. He was unstoppable getting to the rim and normally drew the foul or got the bucket. He attacks you so low, its hard to get him off his spots and contact doesn’t seem to phase him at all. The highlight of the day was McGilveary splitting a pick and roll and dunking on a post player in the paint. Once his jumper starts to consistently fall, he will reach that ‘pick your poison’ stage. 2025 6’4 G Salyn Briggs shot the cover off the ball, he has a strong body and played well above the rim. Improving his ballhandling will take his game and his recruitment up a few notches.
2027 lead guard Beckham Black is the prototype player you want leading your team. He runs the Duncanville offense flawlessly and looks to get everyone else going before he gets his. His teammate 2027 6′ guard Christopher Hunt is one to keep your eye on. I see his role expanding as the season goes on but he gives the Panthers another primary ballhandler with confidence and a nice shooting touch.
Faith Family is loaded, its that simple. You have to game plan for them in multiple ways but the addition of 2025 6’3 lead guard Greg Lawson gives them another player who can punish you from the perimeter. In iso situations, he’s a nightmare and staying in front of him almost seems impossible. He finishes through contact and has a good looking shooting touch. 2025 guard/forward Lamont Hartfield is the ex-factor with featured player tools. The 6’5 lefty has a nice looking shot, can handle the ball, rebounds well and had several eye opening dunks showcasing way above average athleticism. I have no idea why coaches aren’t salivating over this kid but he will make your college basketball team better. 2026 6’6 forward Anthony Spencer was excellent from the dunker spot, protected the rim, and drips with potential. I look forward to seeing the progress he makes as the season gets underway.
My player of the showcase was 2025 6’4 combo guard Bryceson Melvin from RWG Academy. When I hear of a coach’s son with the ultimate green light I temper my expectations but Melvin made me a believer. He’s a crafty bucket but it was his playmaking ability that gives him the ability to help a college basketball team right now. The lefty hit open players all day with one handed passes off the dribble from different angles and tight windows. RWG was overmatched on the roster in every game they played but Melvin willed them victory.
2025 6’8ish forward Jared Cox from Burleson Centennial is intriguing. He’s not a true inside player but doesn’t mind doing the dirty work. He can guard players his size on the perimeter and has a sweet looking jumper especially when trailing the ball. He’s a sleeper worth a serious look.
2026 6’4 combo guard Chazz Williams from Fort Worth Dunbar is a gamer. He plays with a playground playmaking ability but possesses real tools and size. Dunbar’s success will depend solely on him as he makes his teammates better and controls both sides of the ball for their team.
