2024 HoopFest Statement Session Prospect Watch – Part 3

August 15, 2024

Jalen Brown | 2025 | 6-0 | Guard | Avoyelles Charter High School

Twitter: @JalenBrown_2

Jalen Brown, a 6’0″ guard from Avoyelles Charter High School in the class of 2025, exhibits key qualities of a dynamic perimeter player. He has a solid handle on the ball and uses his quick first step to create separation from defenders, allowing him to penetrate and finish at the rim or kick out to open shooters. His court vision is another strength, enabling him to find open teammates and facilitate offensive flow. Defensively, Brown is a tenacious on-ball defender who uses his lateral quickness to stay in front of opposing guards. He plays with high energy and has a good understanding of positioning, often disrupting passing lanes for steals. Although not the tallest guard, his athleticism and hustle make him effective on both ends of the floor.

 

Justin Houston | 2025 | 6-10 | Forward | Calvary Baptist

Twitter: @BigJayhouston

Justin Houston, a 6’10” forward from Calvary Baptist in the class of 2025, stands out for his combination of size, mobility, and developing skill set. Offensively, Houston has a solid foundation in the post, with the ability to finish around the basket using soft touch and length. He displays good footwork and can score with a variety of moves inside, including hook shots and drop steps. His height and wingspan also make him an effective lob target and rebounder on both ends of the floor. Houston is continuing to expand his shooting range, showing promise with mid-range jumpers. His face-up game adds versatility, allowing him to take defenders off the dribble or shoot over smaller opponents. Defensively, Houston excels as a shot-blocker, using his size to alter shots in the paint and anchor the team’s defense.

 

Rashad Mitchell | 2025 | 6-1 | Guard | Peabody Magnet High School

Twitter: @RashadM12688256

Rashad Mitchell, a 6’1″ guard from Peabody Magnet High School in the class of 2025, is a versatile backcourt player with a well-rounded skill set. He is known for his scoring ability, particularly his knack for creating shots off the dribble and finishing through contact. His quick release and shooting mechanics allow him to score efficiently from mid-range and beyond the arc, making him a constant offensive threat. Mitchell’s speed and ball-handling make him effective in transition, where he can either finish at the rim or dish out assists to teammates. His court vision and playmaking abilities are solid, allowing him to operate as a secondary playmaker. Defensively, he uses his agility and quick hands to pressure ball-handlers and generate turnovers.

 

Daryl Adams | 2025 | 6-0 | Guard | L.B. Landry High School

Twitter: @deeda4k

Daryl Adams, a 6’0″ guard from L.B. Landry High School in the class of 2025, is an explosive and crafty guard known for his high basketball IQ and scoring ability. He excels in transition, using his speed and ball-handling to get to the rim or pull up for mid-range jumpers. Adams has a quick release from beyond the arc, making him a reliable three-point shooter, and he can create his own shot off the dribble in isolation situations. On the defensive end, Adams is a fierce competitor who uses his lateral quickness and active hands to apply pressure on opposing guards. His defensive instincts allow him to jump passing lanes for steals and disrupt the flow of the game.

 

Xavier Ferguson | 2025 | 6-2 | Guard | Zachary High School

Twitter: @sayyyzae

Xavier Ferguson, a 6’2″ guard from Zachary High School in the class of 2025, is a dynamic playmaker with a strong combination of athleticism and skill. Offensively, Ferguson excels at attacking the basket, using his quick first step and agility to beat defenders and finish at the rim. He also demonstrates solid perimeter shooting, with the ability to hit three-pointers off the catch or the dribble, making him a dual-threat scorer. Ferguson has good vision and is capable of running the offense, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with timely passes. He thrives in the open court, pushing the pace in transition and applying pressure to opposing defenses. Defensively, his athleticism shines as he plays with energy and intensity, frequently guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players.

 

Ethan Kimmie | 2027 | 6-4 | Guard | University Lab High School

Twitter: @KimmieEthan

Ethan Kimmie, a 6’4″ guard from University Lab High School in the class of 2027, shows impressive potential as a young player with a versatile skill set. Kimmie has a smooth shooting stroke, particularly from mid-range and beyond the arc, and his height gives him an advantage over most guards, allowing him to shoot over defenders. He’s also effective in driving to the basket, using his length and footwork to finish through traffic. Kimmie’s court vision and basketball IQ are advanced for his age, making him a capable playmaker who can facilitate the offense and find open teammates. Defensively, he uses his size and agility to guard multiple positions on the perimeter and disrupt passing lanes.