The Pleasant Grove, Utah event lived up to the hype, as teams from all over the country came through and put on a show. It started off with local defending 5A State Champions Alta, defeating Sunrise Christian. 6A Lone Peak followed that up by holding off a scrappy Simeon, IL team.
Canyon International Academy vs. Link Academy was a show, and a great matchup between teams that have some next level talent littered throughout their rosters. The nightcap was insane as the gym was at capacity for Montverde Academy vs. Wasatch Academy.
Class of 2024
6’9 W Jaxon Johnson, Alta High School (UT)
Johnson continues his rise as he showed off that grab and go ability that the University of Utah is looking for. His ability to stretch the floor, understanding when to attack closeouts and taking what the defense gives him, shows his maturity on the floor. He should be key cog in the Utes future
6’4 CG Labaron Philon, Link Academy (MO)
Philon was a in his bag and his ability to take over the game way unreal. Kanas is getting a player that can score from three levels and basketball IG. He was a tough assignment for the CIA backcourt. He finished with an efficient 18 points and valued possessions with only one turnover. Defensively his energy was infectious, a trait that past Jayhawk guards possess.
6’6” SG Tre Johnson, Link Academy (MO)
Johnson was poetry in motion. Going up against an elite defender in Ali, Johnson utilized slow and go attacks with change of pace. He’s one of the toughest offensive players in 2024 with the ability to score off of pull-ups, finishing ability with both hands and improved consistency from behind the line. The Texas signee finished with 18 points and four assist and four boards.
6’8” SF Liam McNeeley, Montverde Academy (FL)
Talk about efficiency! McNeeley had one of the best early season shooting performances, missing only two shots throughout. He scored 21 points, 8-9 from the field including five from beyond the arch, the type of shooting Indiana is looking for from their signee when he steps on the floor for the Hoosiers next season.
6’8 W Amier Ali, CIA (AZ)
Although he had his work cut out for him against Tre Johnson, The Arizona State signee, at times looked like the best player on the court. An elite defender, coupled with his ability to shoot, makes him a special next level player. He attacks the rim very well to complement his shooting and can make plays for others, a three-level scoring threat. Ali finished with 20 points and five rebounds.
Class of 2025
6’10 F Chamberlain Burgess, Lone Peak High School (UT)
Burgess has MM+ potential. His ability to stretch the floor has improved since last season. He has a few D1 offers on the table now, but he is a player that is still off the map nationally. He will be a double-double machine. He currently has smaller D1’s in Southern Utah and Utah Tech but expect that to grow throughout this season and pushing into the Spring travel season.
6’6 G Jasper Johnson, Link Academy (MO)
Probably one of the best players we saw on Monday, as he can score at all three-levels. If you could get extra points for degree of difficulty, he had many and made it look easy. He was able to keep his dribble through pressure and traffic, playmaking for others throughout the game. The Philon/Johnson backcourt will be a problem ALL year.