The Cactus Traditional is again. After taking a two-year hiatus, Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) founder Nick Weaver and head coach Marques “Taj” Gantt determined to deliver the occasion again. I nonetheless recall attending the 2021 rendition and seeing three gamers by the names of Jared McCain, Kyan Boswell and Devin Williams as children for a merely loaded Corona Centennial crew that made waves in California. The preliminary BFL Prep crew (which later added future NBA Draft No. 1 decide Paolo Banchero) was additionally within the constructing. There have been no scarcity of excessive main gamers who actually established themselves throughout the occasion and whereas the 2024 version wasn’t fairly as loaded, there was nonetheless some severe expertise within the constructing in Buckeye, Arizona.
Listed below are a few of the prime performers from the 2024 Cactus Traditional:
Jason Asemota, 6’9, SF/PF, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2024
Probably the most extremely regarded participant on the Cactus Traditional actually lived as much as his billing, as Jason Asemota placed on a present in Hillcrest Prep’s two victories. The longer term Baylor new age ahead hit at the very least 12 threes over the 2 video games, confirmed the flexibility to defend a number of spots, and is studying methods to make the most of his dimension extra on the inside. Asemota averaged 30 factors, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over Hillcrest’s two victories all through the weekend, doing all the pieces in his energy to lock up his spot within the McDonald’s All American Sport.
Jinup Doboul, 6’8, SF, PHH Prep Nationwide (AZ), 2024
A participant whom I used to be fairly accustomed to from his days at Minnesota Prep, Jinup Diboul positively made some severe strides in his recreation over the previous eight months. The lanky swingman actually seems the a part of a perfect face-up ahead, mixing severe athleticism with a vastly improved recreation off the bounce. Given the continuous enchancment of Doboul, it ought to come as no shock that top majors are monitoring him intently for the late signing interval.
Jalik Dunkley, 6’6, SF, Canyon Worldwide Academy (AZ), 2024
Having seen Jalik Dunkley earlier than within the EIBC, I used to be already accustomed to the Canadian swingman, nevertheless it did me effectively to get one other look. The freak athlete was the perfect above the rim finisher of the occasion, has unbelievable potential on the defensive finish, and even reminds considered one of Andrew Wiggins at instances with the way in which that he’s capable of contort his physique. Dunkley remains to be vast open, though many excessive main packages have been inquiring about him.
Marsai Mason, 6’6, SG, PHH Prep Nationwide (AZ), 2024
One of many absolute standouts of the occasion, Marsai Mason could have helped himself as a lot as anybody on the Cactus Traditional. The powerfully construct wing has an ideal body, can actually defend, and has vary out to the NBA 3-point line. The Northern Arizona teaching workers was within the constructing watching Mason on the opening night time and it ought to come as no shock that they put a suggestion on the desk for him inside the week.
Aeramiah Binford, 6’5, SG/SF, Ascending Life (AZ), 2024
A participant who I hadn’t seen earlier than, Aeramiah Binford positively had the bodily instruments that you simply’d like to see out of a possible D-1 wing. He utilized his size on each ends of the court docket, transformed at a excessive price on the rack, and continuously threw defenders off along with his skill to leap off his proper leg. Binford averaged 20 factors per recreation on the weekend, whereas displaying severe potential for Ascending life.
Christian Jones, 5’11, PG, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2025
Taking part in in his opening weekend with Hillcrest Prep, Christian Jones actually confirmed that he belonged. Jones capped off the weekend with a 20 level, 12 help, 7 steal present within the last recreation together with two victories.
