Walking around the Inspire Courts in Gilbert, Ariz., one gets the sense Dalen Terry, entering his third season with the Chicago Bulls, feels a comfort level and sense of youthful bliss you normally don't see from current NBA players at a grassroots basketball event.

Terry, 22, felt that sense of comfort while he and family members and close friends with ties to the game conducted the inaugural Dalen Terry Basketball Camp over the weekend at the Inspire Courts in Gilbert. That facility, after all, is a stone's throw from South Phoenix and Ahwatukee, the neighborhoods where the 6-foot-8 Terry grew up and cultivated a career than made him the No. 18 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. While growing up in The Valley, Terry always wanted to be play the game, learn more about the game, and most importantly, feel connected to the players who made it to the higher levels who grew up where he did.

"I wanted to do this camp because when I was a kid, I could never find out where pros from here had a camp at; I didn't know where to go," Terry said. "And if there was some camp here it was never free. I want these kids to know I'm exactly like them, same city, same places and play at the same courts. I want them to know they can do it, too."

Approximately 85 youth of both genders were in attendance learning the game, and most importantly, having fun with Terry, his coaching staff and the other campers. They worked on the basic elements of the game and also enjoyed more fun games such as knockout for prizes that were awarded at the end of each of the two days. Terry has an authentic connection to the city of Phoenix and other talented peers from the Valley of the Sun can genuinely feel it, so that influences them to follow suit. It's no wonder players from the region such as TyTy Washington, Koa Peat (the high school All-American from Perry of Gilbert) and Marcus Bagley volunteered their time towards the camp. Bagley was Terry's classmate at Aprende Middle School in Chandler.

After Aprende, Terry went on to Corona Del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) for ninth and tenth grade and finished up his high school years at Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.). On the grassroots circuit, he played for Team Phoenix and AZ Power locally and the Compton Magic on the Adidas grassroots circuit. Terry had a near fanatical obsession for playing and his mother Fenise Yancy knew that clearly in his formative years, especially when he wanted to have a basketball tournament for his 10th birthday. One with teams entered, refs and standings. A dozen years later, Terry understands every kid may not have that approach to the game, but he wants Phoenix youth to feel inspired to pursue whatever dreams they may have.

"I knew I needed to do something (for the kids)," Terry said. "When I played at camps like this, I knew I had to make my mark; I knew the importance even then. Some kids are good, others may not be, but it's important they know they can try to do it."

Terry aims to make it an annual event and no matter where he takes his Dalen Terry Basketball Camp, working with Phoenix youth will always be special to him. After his high school days, Terry played two years at the University of Arizona. The weekend of August 24-25, he will conduct his camp in Tucson.

To sign up for the Tucson version of the Dalen Terry Basketball Camp, CLICK HERE.

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Mixing a middle school AAU tournament with a prep school showcase, there was no shortage of talent in Phoenix. Prep schools from California, Canada, Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, and a host of others descended upon the Phhacility to get some quality games in. Leo Sotomayor and his staff were incredibly accommodating, keeping me up to date with schedule changes and letting me know some sleepers, making it a super smooth event to cover.

Here are a few of the players who certainly saw their stock rise from the 2024 Hoopers On1y Phhacility Classic 3:

Houran Dan, 6’11, C, Canyon International Academy (AZ), 2024
There wasn’t a single player who helped themselves more at Hoopers On1y than Houran Dan, a near 7-foot Chinese import who has been in the States for a mere few weeks. The athletic big man ran the floor well, ripped the rim off at every available opportunity, and showed nice touch facing the basket. Having played with the 19U Chinese National Team, Houran is known across the pond, but will certainly establish himself as a high major prospect here in the states.

Jayden Williams, 6’9, C, Bella Vista Prep (AZ), 2024
A player that some have seemingly forgotten about, Jayden Williams is certainly one of the best big men left on the board for the class of 2024. Having signed with Overtime Elite last year, Williams made the move to Bella Vista and is reminding people why he’s a high major prospect. The long armed Georgia native is an imposing shot blocker, is great playing as a rim-runner, and can finish in traffic with either hand. Still super open in terms of his recruitment, Williams is definitely a name worth checking out before the season comes to its end.

Mason Abittan, 6’6, Red Rock Academy (NV), 2025
One of the better wings with size in the event, Mason Abittan exhibited why he has been turning heads at both the EIBC and at Hoopers On1y. He’s an automatic shooter with his feet set, looks to dunk absolutely everything in transition, and has a solid first step for straight line drives. Mason already holds offers from Radford, Weber State, and Cal State Bakersfield with many more to follow.

Tammar Brown, 6’10, C, Rocktop Academy (PA), 2025
Someone who I was admittedly not familiar with entering the event, Tammar Brown certainly left his mark as one of the highest ceiling players the event had to offer. Owning a massive frame, Brown utilized his wingspan on both ends of the court, showed surprising coordination, and converted with both hands around the rim. Still far from an unfinished product, Tammar Brown is a name to monitor closely over the next year and a half.

Jaxon Olvera, 6’4, SG/PG, Golden State Prep (CA), 2024
One of the most productive overall players in the event, Jaxon Olvera was getting it done from both guard spots for both Golden State Prep teams at the Hoopers On1y Phhacility Classic. Olvera has no shortage of confidence attacking the rack, is a legit 3-point shooter, and has also shown the ability to facilitate an offense. Having an outstanding prep year, Jaxon Olvera is certainly someone who has produced at a high level and will be interesting during the late signing period.

Nishayne Sharpe, 6’0, PG, Canyon International (AZ), 2026
The younger brother of Blazers rising star Shaedon Sharpe, Nishayne Sharpe is quietly building his own legacy in Phoenix. Sharpe is a super quick guard who can get into the paint at will, utilizes his speed to play serious on ball defense, and is playing with much more confidence than when I saw him earlier in the season. Given his older brother’s size (6-foot-6) and freakish athleticism, I’d say you may want to buy stock in the next player to come from the Sharpe family.

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Mixing a middle school AAU tournament with a prep school showcase, there was no shortage of talent in Phoenix. Prep schools from California, Canada, Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, and a host of others descended upon the Phhacility to get some quality games in. Leo Sotomayor and his staff were incredibly accommodating, keeping me up to date with schedule changes and letting me know some sleepers, making it a super smooth event to cover.

Here are a few of the top performers from the 2024 Hoopers On1y Phhacility Classic 3:

Jae’Coby Osborne, 6’6, SF, Bella Vista Prep (AZ), 2024
While there were players who had bigger names at the event, there may have not been anyone who had a better two-way performance than Jae’Coby Osborne. The Houston product was a monster finisher in transition, made great cuts to open areas of the court, and locked down virtually every single position for Bella Vista. Heading to New Mexico State next year, Osborne has the ability on both ends to help the rapidly resurging program.

Paul Osaruyi, 6’9, PF, Canyon International Academy (AZ), 2027
The most highly touted player in the event, Paul Osaruyi didn’t put up huge numbers, but certainly showed the raw talent that has him amongst the elite players in the class of 2027. The Canadian big uses his freakish athleticism to change the game on both ends, is a developing 3-point shooter, and has the potential to take over when his confidence is high.The blend of size, raw skills both inside and out, and athleticism place Osaruyi right there near the top of the class.

Jaden Vance, 6’4, SG, Bella Vista Prep (AZ), 2025
A player who has been blowing up on the Grind Session, Jaden Vance was a super efficient scorer for Bella Vista at Hoopers On1y. The scoring guard was automatic with his pull-up J, has deep 3-point range, and is able to defend all three perimeter positions. Vance already holds numerous D1 offers and will be a name to watch during the live period.

Dilen Miller, 6’3, PG, Inspire Prep (AZ), 2024
A player I hadn’t seen before, Dilen Miller was the physical, shifty point guard from years past. He openly sought contact, killed opposing defenders with his change of pace, and was automatic with his mid-range pullup. The gritty, hard nosed play that he brings should give him the opportunity to earn immediate minutes at Georgia State.

Ahmere Carson, 6’2, PG, Skyline Prep (AZ), 2024
A downright physically punishing guard, Ahmere Carson used his massive frame to provide a huge impact on both ends of the floor for Skyline Prep. The lefty excelled at finishing through contact when going downhill, can really pass it with both hands, and provided immense pressure on the rock defensively. Headed to UMKC, the Chicago product will bring a level of toughness you don’t see out of many Summit League point guards.

Rokiem Green, 6’3, PG/SG, Canyon International Academy, 2026
Yet another Canadian to make the voyage to Arizona, Rokiem Green showed that he’s next in line in the backcourt. Typically running with the EYBL Scholastic team, Green was playing with the EIBC group and put on a show. The sophomore was a confident 3-point shooter (hit game winning three against Inspire Prep), put pressure on the defense any time that he had the ball in his hands, and locked down both backcourt positions. Already holding mid major offers, Green should be adding plenty more running with Arizona Unity in the EYBL.

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Here are some of the top stock-risers from the 2024 Cactus Classic:

Iyayi Osunde, 6’0, PG, Canyon International Academy (AZ), 2026
When you talk about players who helped themselves at the Cactus Classic, it starts and ends with Iyayi Osunde. The Canadian guard is an insanely special finisher, can get to the rack at will, and has constantly grown over the years. Running with AZ Unity, Osunde is definitely a player who will break out on the 2024 EYBL circuit.

Tarik Watson, 6’8, PF/C, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2024
One of the most productive bigs at the Cactus Classic, Tarik Watson brought his upstate New York style of play for Hillcrest Prep. Watson was outstanding rebounding outside of his area, can play make from the post, and imposes his will on others defensively with his physical style of play. The high academic big has been hearing most from Northwestern, Brown, and Western Carolina as of late.

Ty Virgil, 6’5, PG/SG/SF, Phh Prep National (AZ), 2024
A combo guard with size, Ty Virgil showed the ability to play all three perimeter positions at the Cactus Classic. The lefty is a terrific athlete, excels pushing the rock up the floor in a hurry, and shows potential as a 3-point shooter. A native of Sacramento, Virgil is yet another NorCal player who has slid under the radar, but owns no shortage of D1 offers.

Jaelyn Lyn, 6’4, PG/SG, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2024
Another unsigned senior on the list is Jaelyn Lyn, a freak athlete combo guard out of New York. Lyn utilized his athleticism on both ends, really has the ability to put points on the board in a hurry, and puts immense pressure on the rock defensively. The Queens product ran with Wiz Kids on the AAU circuit and is going to make a college happy in the late signing period.

Adrien Isaac, 6’10, C, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2027
One of the more talented freshman bigs on the west coast, Adrien Isaacs showed his ridiculous upside at the Cactus Classic. The lefty is an imposing shot blocker, can really pass the rock for a young big, and showed good hands making tough catches. Isaac put the full package on display with a 16-point, 7-rebound, 5-block game against Ascending Life and is certainly a name to remember.

Nate Washburn, 6’8, PF/C, Phh Prep National (AZ), 2024
A throwback big, Nate Washburn definitely showed that he could hold his own in the paint at the Cactus Classic. He made a number of tough catches/conversions in the paint, controlled his area on the glass, and even showed potential as a shooter facing the rack. The Michigan native definitely has the game that fits in perfectly for a number of conferences within the Midwest at the collegiate level.

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Here are some of the top performers from the 2024 Cactus Classic:

Jason Asemota, 6’9, SF/PF, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2024
The most highly regarded player at the Cactus Classic certainly lived up to his billing, as Jason Asemota put on a show in Hillcrest Prep’s two victories. The future Baylor new age forward hit at least 12 threes over the two games, showed the ability to defend multiple spots, and is learning how to utilize his size more on the interior. Asemota averaged 30 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over Hillcrest's two victories throughout the weekend, doing everything in his power to lock up his spot in the McDonald’s All American Game.

Jinup Doboul, 6’8, SF, PHH Prep National (AZ), 2024
A player whom I was quite familiar with from his days at Minnesota Prep, Jinup Diboul definitely made some serious strides in his game over the past eight months. The lanky swingman truly looks the part of an ideal face-up forward, blending serious athleticism with a vastly improved game off the bounce. Given the continual improvement of Doboul, it should come as no surprise that high majors are tracking him closely for the late signing period.

Jalik Dunkley, 6’6, SF, Canyon International Academy (AZ), 2024
Having seen Jalik Dunkley before in the EIBC, I was already familiar with the Canadian swingman, but it did me well to get another look. The freak athlete was the best above the rim finisher of the event, has unbelievable potential on the defensive end, and even reminds one of Andrew Wiggins at times with the way that he is able to contort his body. Dunkley is still wide open, although many high major programs have been inquiring about him.

Marsai Mason, 6’6, SG, PHH Prep National (AZ), 2024
One of the absolute standouts of the event, Marsai Mason may have helped himself as much as anyone at the Cactus Classic. The powerfully build wing has a perfect frame, can really defend, and has range out to the NBA 3-point line. The Northern Arizona coaching staff was in the building watching Mason on the opening night and it should come as no surprise that they put an offer on the table for him within the week.

Aeramiah Binford, 6’5, SG/SF, Ascending Life (AZ), 2024
A player who I hadn’t seen before, Aeramiah Binford definitely had the physical tools that you’d love to see out of a potential D-1 wing. He utilized his length on both ends of the court, converted at a high rate at the rack, and constantly threw defenders off with his ability to jump off his right leg. Binford averaged 20 points per game on the weekend, while showing serious potential for Ascending life.

Christian Jones, 5’11, PG, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2025
Playing in his opening weekend with Hillcrest Prep, Christian Jones certainly showed that he belonged. Jones capped off the weekend with a 20 point, 12 assist, 7 steal show in the final game along with two victories.

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RELATED: 5 Things We Learned At Hoophall West | Hoophall West Eval Standouts

Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) faced Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) in the nightcap of the three-day Hoophall West and was attempting to keep its unbeaten record intact and give California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) teams their second consecutive win over highly-regarded Arizona clubs. The Wolverines, the defending CIF open division state champs, did just that in upping their record to 7-0 with a 61-53 victory over a team that came into the event ranked No. 29 in the FAB 50 National Team Rankings as the defending Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) open division champs.

Perry, which defeated Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) in the first ever AIA open title game last March, got off to a hot start. It took a quick 17-4 lead, then Harvard-Westlake proceeded to go on a 25-10 run to close the first half. The Wolverines eventually took the lead at 29-27 on a conventional 3-point play by Harvard-bound Robert Hinton with 21.9 seconds remaining in the first half. The run eventually got up to 31-10 until Perry star junior forward Koa Peat made two free throws with 6:15 to go and Harvard-Westlake leading 35-29.

Harvard-Westlake led 48-37 after three periods of play. Perry (4-2) cut its deficit down to three points (54-51) with 1:47 to go on a nifty dime from Peat to senior Jonas Cedarlind for a score, but Nikolas Khamenia sealed the win with a clutch 3-pointer to make it 59-51 with 40 seconds remaining in the game.

USC-bound guard Trent Perry finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists for Harvard-Westlake, while Hinton finished with 19 points and Khamenia adding nine points. All of Khamenia's points came in the fourth period.

Peat finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks for Perry, who will look to rebound from losses to No. 14 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) and the Wolverines when it plays Sunnyslope on December 8 and St. Mary's (Phoenix, Ariz.) on December 11.

Harvard-Westlake will do battle with state-ranked clubs St. Pius-St. Matthias (Downey, Calif.). and Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.) before it heads to the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon after Christmas. There the Wolverines could potentially meet Perry once again with FAB 50 No. 7 Columbus (Miami, Fla.) another potential roadblock to a tourney title and an unbeaten record heading into 2024.?

In the first of two big time California vs. Arizona matchups, St. John Bosco, currently ranked No. 20 in the FAB 50, upped its record to 3-0 on the young season with a 75-68 workmanlike victory over FAB 50 bubble club Sunnyslope. The Braves relaxed at times, but did enough to down a team that recorded a win over Corona (Centennial, Calif.) in November, but lost to fellow Arizona club Millennium (Phoenix, Ariz.) on Thursday at the event.

St. John Bosco led 26-11, but eventually lost the lead 43-42 with 4:40 remaining on a 3-pointer by sophomore forward Christian Simmons. Sunnyslope and Bosco went back and forth and the Vikings last lead came at 54-53 right under seven minutes remaining in the game. Loyola-Chicago commit Jack Turner of St. John Bosco quickly answered with a bucket and the Vikings only scored five more points afterwards until the final 30 seconds of the game when they scored 10 points when the contest was no longer in doubt.

Junior forward Kade Bonam led St. John Bosco with 23 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Fellow junior Elzie Harrington, one of nations's best 2025 guards, added 16 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Top-notch sophomore (2026) guard Brandon McCoy Jr. chipped in 15 points and six rebounds for a St. John Bosco club that is currently No. 2 in California among CIF schools behind Harvard-Westlake. The two schools won't be meeting during the 2023-24 regular season, but ultimately could in the CIF Southern Section open playoffs in February.

California did lose two games earlier on Sunday, but it wasn't to Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) clubs.

Desert Mountain, which defeated Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.) on Thursday at Hoophall West, rebounded for a buzzer-beating loss to Pinnacle (Scottsdale, Ariz.) on Friday night to record a 81-74 overtime win over FAB 50 No. 38 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.). With 16.9 seconds to go, Desert Mountain sophomore guard Kaden House converted a driving conventional 3-point play (where he missed the free throw) to give Desert Mountain a 69-67 lead. On the ensuing possession, however, Sierra Canyon senior forward Noah Williams (23 points) tied the game on a driving lay-up with 8.9 seconds remaining.

In overtime, Sierra Canyon racked up the personal fouls far from the goal with its aggressive trapping and was outscored, 12-5. ?Williams and junior forward Bryce Cofield (18 points) both fouled out in overtime. Justin Pippen, one of the West Region's best unsigned point guards, also had 23 points.

House continued to show why he's one of the best sophomore point guards in the nation with his driving attacks and never-say-die attitude, finishing with 27 points, four rebounds and 14 assists. His brother Kalek House, also a sophomore, added 21 points for the Wolves among four double-digit scorers.

California took another setback earlier Saturday afternoon when Centennial (Corona, Calif.), the three-time defending CIF Southern Section open champions, lost its third game of the season to FAB 50 No. 14 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.), 76-66, in a well played game. The Huskies had a 39-35 halftime lead and led 47-40 and it looked like the visitors from New York were in major trouble when Kentucky-bound Boogie Fland landed awkwardly on a lay-up he made. Amazingly, Stepinac made a 10-0 run with its star guard on the bench and took a 50-49 lead after three periods.

Six-foot-7 2024 forward Braylan Ritvo, a terrific glue player who can knock down the outside shot, kept Stepinac in the game in the first half when Centennial's Isaiah "Slim" Rodgers went bonkers. The talented 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard had 20 points in the first 16 minutes and finished with 31 points, including 7-of-9 3-pointers.

Ritvo, who will see his recruitment pick up as his senior season progresses, helped Stepinac go to 2-0 on its young season by scoring 30 points, including 8-of-10 3-point shots. Fland re-entered the game with 20 seconds left in the third period and hit some timely shots and free throws in the final stanza to finish with 27 points.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

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