2024 HoopFest Tour Festgiving Standouts – Part 1

December 2, 2024

RJ Livingston | 2026 | 6-3 | Guard | Newman High School

Twitter/X: @_rjhoops @RealCoachLiv

Livingston can score at all three levels—knocking down perimeter shots, pulling up in the mid-range, and attacking the rim. He displays a natural touch on his floater and has the athleticism to finish in traffic. With his size and lateral quickness, Livingston is a strong on-ball defender. He has the tools to guard multiple positions on the perimeter and does an excellent job of staying in front of his man while contesting shots. Livingston’s athletic ability stands out, especially in transition. He excels at pushing the pace and finishing at the rim with explosive moves, making him a constant threat in fast-break situations. Livingston has a solid handle and is very fluid running the offense. He displays strong decision-making and can deliver crisp passes to set up teammates. Livingston plays with a relentless energy that fuels his ability to impact both ends of the court.

RJ Livingston is an exciting young talent who is a standout at Newman High School. His combination of athleticism, scoring versatility, and defensive intensity provides a strong foundation. As he continues to refine his shooting consistency, playmaking, and strength, Livingston has the potential to be a high-impact player at the collegiate level.

PJ Foster | 2025 | 6-5 | G/W | Newman High School

Twitter/X: @pjfoster1_

PJ Foster is a skilled 6’5″ guard/wing with a versatile skill set and a strong presence on both ends of the floor.  Foster combines size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, making him a highly effective and adaptable player. Foster can score efficiently at all three levels. His ability to shoot from distance, attack the basket, and work the mid-range game makes him a consistent offensive threat. He thrives both on and off the ball. With his length and lateral quickness, Foster can guard multiple positions effectively. His defensive instincts allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, making him a valuable asset on the perimeter and in the paint. PJ demonstrates a strong understanding of the game, excelling in positioning and decision-making. He plays with patience and poise, often finding ways to exploit mismatches and create opportunities for his team. As a guard/wing, Foster’s ability to crash the boards stands out. His height and timing allow him to secure rebounds on both ends, often sparking fast-break opportunities. Foster has the athletic ability to elevate above defenders and the strength to finish through contact. His physicality also helps him hold his ground against bigger opponents defensively.

PJ Foster is a well-rounded player with significant upside. His ability to contribute as a scorer, defender, and rebounder gives him a versatile profile, making him a valuable contributor at Newman High School. With continued development in his shooting consistency, playmaking, and leadership, Foster has the potential to excel at the collegiate level. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ positions him a prospect in the class of 2025 to keep an eye on.

CJ Encalarde | 2027 | 5-8 | Guard | Newman High School

Twitter/X: @Newman_Bball

CJ Encalarde is a quick and crafty young guard who showcases exceptional court vision and playmaking ability. Encalarde plays with a confidence and tenacity that enables him to stand out on the court. Encalarde excels at finding open teammates and orchestrating the offense. His ability to read defenses and make precise passes is advanced for his age. His tight handle allows him to navigate through defenses effectively. Encalarde thrives in breaking down defenders in one-on-one situations and creating space for himself or others. CJ has a smooth shooting stroke and is capable of hitting from deep. His range forces defenders to respect him beyond the arc. Encalarde is a scrappy defender. His quick hands and lateral movement allow him to apply pressure on opposing guards and generate steals. Encalarde’s decision-making and understanding of the game are notable. He rarely forces plays and demonstrates a mature approach to the game.

CJ Encalarde is an emerging talent with the potential to be a standout guard at Newman High School. His skill set, work ethic, and basketball IQ provide a strong foundation for his development. With continued physical growth and refinement in his all-around game, Encalarde has the tools to continue to make a significant impact at the high school level and possibly on the collegiate level.  He is a player to watch closely in the class of 2027.

Ma’Chai Johnson | 2025 | 6-1 | Guard | East St. John High School

Twitter/X: @Machai1k

Ma’Chai Johnson is a dynamic 6-1 guard with a well-rounded game and an aggressive style of play. Johnson is a leader on both ends of the floor who is known for his scoring ability and defensive tenacity. Johnson is a reliable scorer who can create his own shot and score efficiently from multiple areas on the floor. His pull-up jumper and ability to attack the rim are key parts of his game. With quick hands and lateral movement, Johnson is a disruptive presence on the defensive end. He excels in on-ball defense and has a knack for creating turnovers. Johnson’s tight handle allows him to break down defenders and navigate through traffic effectively, setting up plays for himself and his teammates. His quickness and explosiveness make him a threat in transition and on drives to the basket. Johnson plays with energy and confidence, often serving as the emotional leader for his team.

Ma’Chai Johnson is a talented guard with the potential to excel at the next level. His scoring ability, defensive prowess, and athleticism make him a key contributor for East St. John High School. With continued growth in his shooting consistency, playmaking, and overall decision-making, Johnson has the tools to succeed at the collegiate level.

Devin Guitroz | 2026 | 5-9 | Guard | East St. John High School

Twitter/X: N/A

Devin Guitroz is a skilled and energetic 5-9 guard who contributes to East St. John High School with his hustle, playmaking ability, and outside shooting. Despite his size, Guitroz plays with grit and determination, making him a valuable player for his team. Guitroz has a reliable three-point shot, with the ability to stretch defenses and hit clutch shots from deep. He demonstrates solid ball control and can handle pressure from opposing defenses, making him a dependable guard in tight situations. Guitroz displays a strong understanding of the game, making smart decisions and maintaining composure under pressure. His relentless effort on both ends of the floor often leads to extra possessions and momentum-changing plays. Guitroz possesses good quickness and active hands, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shooters.

Devin Guitroz is a promising young guard who plays with intensity and heart. His shooting, basketball IQ, and effort make him a key contributor at the high school level. With continued development in his playmaking and physical tools, Guitroz has the potential to make an impact at the collegiate level.