Editor's Note: For schedules, brackets and more tourney info, please visit: tarkanianclassic.com

1. Point Guard Matchups In Prep Division
There are over 70 teams in the prep division at Tark and there is an abundance of quality lead guards. Scouts and NBA personnel will want to lock their eyes on the matchup between SoCal Academy (Valencia, Calif.) and Canyon International Academy (Chandler, Ariz.) on Dec. 17 at Gorman. That game will pit Creighton-bound 6-foot-3 2024 Larry Johnson of SoCal Academy vs. Miles Sadler, a 5-foot-10 2026 from CIA who is a blur with the ball. Johnson is a combo downhill scoring threat and will be the one of the best individual talents in the prep division. Sadler is getting hands-on training playing in the EYBL Scholastic high school league and Tark will be a big platform for him to shine. A FAB 50 showdown will take place Dec. 16 between No. 4 Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) and No. 15 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.). That will pit Prolific Prep's Zoom Diallo, a 6-foot-4 do-it-all performer who is still undecided and looking to earn a McDonald's All-American berth, vs. 6-foot-2 2025 Jeremiah Fears, a fearless competitor who played well versus No. 1 Montverde Academy in a recent EYBLS game. Fears can be considered more of a combo, but most colleges are playing with three guards or their two best guards, regardless of position, nowadays, so he'll be highly-coveted when its time to choose his next level destination.

2. Will A Vegas High School Team Step Up?
There is no secret that, talent-wise, teams in the Las Vegas Valley are down this year. No NIAA team came close to cracking the preseason FAB 50 and in recent seasons two or three teams were always on the cusp of the rankings. Host Bishop Gorman, which fell in last year's Platinum Division title game to West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) and won the title three times in four tournaments prior, is one of the dark horses that feels it has a chance. If the Gaels can get by Sagemont (Weston, Fla.), they like their chances between the winner of Desert Mountain (Ariz.) and Campbell Hall (Calif.). Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) is a slight underdog against St. Pius-St. Matthias (Downey, Calif.), as the Cougars must slow down the inside-out combination of 6-foot-5 San Francisco-bound wing Tyrone Riley and 6-foot-8 2025 power forward Doug Langford. Arbor View (Las Vegas) might be the best local team, but it will have its hands full with FAB 50 No. 19 Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.). San Diego St.-bound Pharaoh Compton is a load to handle, but it will take a player such as 6-foot-1 2025 Trammell Darden, Jr. or 6-foot 2024 Maximus Romero stepping up big-time in order to pull off the upset of the tourney's highest-ranked team. Gorman has the best chance to advance in the winner's bracket of the three local clubs.

3. Will Bishop O'Connell (Va.) Live Up to Expectations?
For the first time since perhaps the 2015 Tark Classic, when Overland (Aurora, Col.) took the top division title, the field in the Platinum Division is wide open. As many as 10 teams should feel they have a legitimate shot at capturing the Platinum title, with O'Connell the slight favorite. Still, outside of Overland, no other teams besides Gorman and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) clubs have won the championship since the tourney began in 2012, so the Knights have something to prove. They also have to bounce back from a 59-58 loss on Dec. 14 at the Western Maryland Hoops Classic to FAB 50 bubble club and EYBLS member Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.). Bryson Tucker, a 6-foot-6 2024 small forward, missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer vs. Brewster, but he'll be one of the difference-makers in the Platinum bracket. Jayden Harris, another unsigned 6-foot-6 2024, has been getting things done for coach Joe Wootten's club while Quincy Wadley, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard, will be one of the best sophomores in the event. O'Connell could meet FAB 50 No. 44 Alta (Sandy, Utah) in a semifinal contest, but first the Utah club has to worry about handling the pressure defense of two-time defending Tark divisional champ Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.), which is in the main division for the first time. Clovis West-Alta gets our vote as the best first round matchup.

4. Can Desert Mountain (Ariz.) Keep Up its Momentum?
If anything, the Wolves are exciting to watch and are also an excellent team despite their youth. This Scottsdale, Ariz.-based club has a never-say-die attitude and terrific perimeter scoring punch. This team has only one senior starter (5-foot-8 Ryan Dick) and he didn't take a field goal shot in Desert Mountain's overtime victory over highly-regarded Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) that knocked that club out of the FAB 50. The Wolves' first-round game vs. Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.) will be a track meet with the quality guards on display for both teams. Campbell Hall is looking to stop a three-game slide against national level teams and must slow down the brother combination of 6-foot-3 2026 sophomore Kaden House and 6-foot-2 sophomore Kalek House. The opposition is going to find out 6-foot Jabron Bardwell and 6-foot-3 Javon Bardwell, freshmen (2027) brothers, are difference-makers, as well. If Desert Mountain can keep the turnover count low, it would give itself a solid chance to make the semifinals.

5. There are Plenty of Prospects To Scout In The HS Division
With 126 high school teams from across the country, there is plenty of talent for college coaches and pro scouts to evaluate. NBA scouts will mostly be intrigued by the underclassmen to track down the line. In addition to the previously mentioned names, the Platinum Division contains a plethora of prospects that have the ability to play at some level of D1 ball. Those players include: 6-foot-7 2026 Kevin Thomas and 6-foot-6 2025 Patrick Liburd of Sagemont (Weston, Fla.), Illinois-bound 6-foot-4 2024 Jase Butler and 6-foot-1 2025 Semetri Carr of Branson (Ross, Calif.), 6-foot-7 2024 Kendyl Sanders, 6-foot-7 2026 Tajh Ariza, 6-foot-2 2025 Caleb Versher and 6-foot-7 2026 Christian Malachi Collins of St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.), 6-foot-7 2024 Shon Abaev of Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), Arizona-bound 6-foot-9 2024 Carter Bryant and a trio of sophomores from Centennial (Corona, Calif.), including 6-foot-3 2026 Isaiah Rogers, UC San Diego-bound 6-foot-3 2024 Ryder Elisaldez and 6-foot-1 2025 Nick Jefferson of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), 6-foot-4 2024 Tanner Jones and Cal Poly SLO-bound 6-foot-2 2024 Aaron Powell of Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.), 6-foot-3 2024 Josiah Cunningham and 6-foot-10 2025 Tee Bartlett of Coronado (Henderson, Nev.), Utah-bound 6-foot-8 2024 Jaxon Johnson and 5-foot-11 2024 Ace Reiser of Alta (Sandy, Utah), 6-foot-1 2025 D.J. Stickman of Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.), Cal-St. Fullerton-bound 6-foot-2 2024 LoLo Rudolph and 6-foot-1 2026 Jaden Bailes of St. Augustine (San Diego, Calif.) and 6-foot 2025 Anthony Knowles and 6-foot-5 2024 Christian Reid of Mater Lakes (Miami, Fla.).

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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With hundreds of teams coming from throughout the nation, the Border League offers nine different divisions of play. The GEICO Top Flight Invite has all of its games televised on the ESPN family of networks and were all played in the main gym at Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). Given the abundance of talent spread throughout the event, for this piece we opted to focus on the players who raised their stock throughout the three-day event, whether it be through individual performance or simply surpassing expectations.

Here are a few of the players who helped themselves at the 2023 Border League Top Flight Invite:

Cooper Flagg, 6’9, PF, Montverde Academy (FL), 2024
In terms of efficiency, there wasn’t anyone who brought more than Flagg. Leading Montverde Academy to the Border League Top Flight Invite title, the Maine native did just about everything in his power to make that No. 1 spot in 2024 untouchable. In terms of rankings, he doesn't have anywhere to move up to, but that doesn't mean he can't or isn't working to improve his level of play. His improved 3-point shooting on a shot with ideal elevation just completely takes his game to another level when you consider his ability to constantly exploit mismatches on the offensive end and change the game defensively. The top player on the top team in the country will be heading home on January 5th/6th to play in the “Maine Event,” which will give his home state one final chance to see the best player ever to come out of The Pine Tree State. There is no doubt he could be this upcoming season's Mr. Basketball USA, even though the honoree from last season is back. Cooper was fourth in scoring at the event with a 19.0 ppg while converting an event best 22-of-29 field goal attempts (.759), including 5-of-7 3-pointers. ? ?

Cameron Boozer, 6’9, PF, Christopher Columbus HS (FL), 2025
While much of the incoming chatter of the weekend had been about A.J. Dybantsa, fans and scouts left talking about the remarkable performance that Boozer had in Las Vegas. Reaching the championship at the GEICO Top Flight Invite, Boozer paced Christopher Columbus (the only traditional high school amidst the final four) and lived up to his reputation. Boozer is underrated creating for others, is perfectly comfortable shooting out to the three point line, and still utilizes his size to punish defenders in the paint. While most have donned Dybantsa atop the class of 2025, Boozer (who just turned 16 three months ago) is doing everything in his power to reclaim that number one spot with his recent play. There is no doubt he is the most dominant and productive player in his class. He certainly can be the national player of the year once again. Boozer led the event in scoring (25.0 ppg) and rebounding (13.3 rpg).?

Quincy Wadley, 6’4, PG/SG, Bishop O’Connell (VA), 2026
Known as a top-25 player in the class of 2026, Quincy Wadley is a name that has been known within basketball circles for some time. However, he is rapidly disproving the nation that he is merely a shooter. Wadley was outstanding running the show for Bishop O’Connell, controlling the offense as a playmaker while also maintaining his presence as a scoring threat from the perimeter. The son of former Temple All A-10 guard Quincy Wadley not only has a chance to follow in his father’s footsteps as an elite player, but surpass them. Wadley was third in the event in scoring (19.7 ppg) behind Boozer and LABC's Trent Perry (20.3 ppg).?

Derrion Reid, 6’7, SF/PF, Prolific Prep (CA), 2024
Similar to some of the other five star players, it’s hard to really raise your stock, but Derrion Reid undoubtedly locked up his spot in the McDonald’s All American Game with his play at The Border League. The versatile forward showed an improved 3-point shot, was exceptionally active as a cutter/offensive rebounder, and used his agility to defend virtually every position. Reid has narrowed his list to Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia, all of which run systems conducive to a player of his skill set. From start to finish, he was Prolific Prep's best all-around player.?

Asa Newell, 6’9, PF, Montverde Academy (FL), 2024
It’s hard to imagine a player ranked in the top-15 by virtually everyone raising his stock, but when you consider that Asa Newell didn't even start for Montverde Academy last season, it’s certainly possible. Newell brought so much energy to the Border League on both ends of the floor with his ability to rim run, keep plays alive, and change the game with his versatility defensively. The lefty showed increased range and after starring on the New Balance circuit with 1 Family, has decided to narrow his list of schools to Alabama, Gonzaga, Georgia, and Texas. Newell was second in rebounding at the event behind Boozer at 10.0 rpg and ahead of teammate Cooper Flagg (8.7 rpg).?

Sammie Yeanay, 6’8, PF, AZ Compass Prep (AZ), 2024
A player whom I had only seen on one setting coming into the weekend, Yeanay helped himself as much as anyone in the Top Flight Invite. Playing with a high motor, the Florida native was an elite interior passer, ran the floor exceptionally well, and kept a ton of plays alive with his presence on the glass on both ends. Yeanay took an official visit to Florida last week and recently narrowed his list to eight schools.

Winters Grady, 6’6, SF, Prolific Prep (CA), 2025
Every elite team needs a role player, and Grady is exactly that guy for Prolific Prep. Far from merely a shooter, the Oregon product offers flexibility on the defensive end, is an outstanding cutter, and does a great job relocating to open spaces. The best player at the Crossroads Elite Invitational took on a new role at Prolific, but still showed the intangibles that will make him a high major prospect.

Ryder Elisaldez, 6’1, PG/SG, Bishop Gorman (NV), 2024
Amidst a rebuilding effort for Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman, Elisaldez showed that he could hold his own with the nation’s finest. Ryder is an explosive athlete who can play both guard spots, is a competitive defender, and has shown the ability to finish with creativity in traffic. Having played for the Mexican National Team at youth levels, Elisaldez has the potential to be an immediate impact player at UC San Diego.

Jadyn Harris, 6’6, SF, Bishop O’Connell (VA), 2024
Ten years ago, Jadyn Harris would have been considered a “tweener”. In today’s era of basketball, he is a “do-it-all” forward. Able to play both inside and out, Harris brings the versatility that college coaches dream of. He is a capable 3-point shooter, outstanding interior passer, and brings the toughness to defend a multitude of positions. Toss in that he is a great rebounder from the perimeter and you see why the Team Durant product is one of the best players left on the board in the DMV.

Randy Smith, 6’3, PG/SG, Christopher Columbus HS (FL), 2024
Making the transfer from Palmetto HS (FL), Smith is finding his role with the defending state champions, but has immediately made his impact. He is a sturdy guard who is a physical defender, is an outstanding rebounder from the backcourt, and can finish through contact against anyone. Still wide open in terms of his recruitment, Randy will undoubtedly have no shortage of opportunities to showcase his talent playing at Christopher Columbus.

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