Over the past few months, I took on a task that many might not even consider. What began as a modest idea to recognize the Top 25 evolved into something much greater. A tribute to two decades of talent, community, and basketball culture in our city. This wasn’t about creating controversy. It was about celebrating the…
Category: High School Basketball
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | The Final Chapter (25-1)”
Over the last 20 years, Las Vegas has produced seven McDonald’s All-Americans, a number that speaks volumes about the direction things are headed. But that’s just the surface. First-round lottery picks, pros overseas and in the league, and a wave of high-level talent have all come through this city—making it clear that Vegas is no longer…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 3 (50-26)”
Stepping Off the Porch: Part Three of Las Vegas’ Top 100 Players in the Last 20 Years When you’re building something rooted in opinion and history, and putting it on a public platform, you have to be open. Open to feedback. Open to criticism. And open to the fact that not everyone will agree with…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 2 (75-51)”
Let’s get one thing straight—what you’re about to read isn’t a ranking system. It’s not a list created by algorithms, stats, or committee consensus. It’s simply my personal take, shaped by years of experience, observation, and passion for the game. This is about sizing up the best of the best from the last 20 years…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 1 (100–76)”
To be eligible for this list, each player must have completed their high school basketball career, or at minimum, played at least two full season, at a local Las Vegas high school. These criteria ensure that every athlete recognized here made their impact on the Vegas prep scene, leaving a legacy tied directly to the…
“When a Public School Took Down a National Powerhouse: The Night Canyon Springs Beat Findlay Prep-10 Years Later”
It’s been over 10 years since this game took place, and I still don’t think we’ll ever see anything like it again in Las Vegas high school basketball. Nobody in the state believed a local public school like Canyon Springs could take down a powerhouse like Findlay Prep. But that’s exactly what happened. This was the biggest upset in…
The Untold Movement: How Relationship-Building in Grassroots Hoops Opened Pro Doors
From local gyms to global arenas, grassroots leaders are earning long-overdue recognition and opportunity. The Quiet Engine Behind the Game Grassroots basketball has always been more than just a stepping stone for talented players. It’s a culture—a proving ground where coaches, organizers, and scouts put in countless hours helping to shape the next wave of…
“MJ Winstead: Under-the-Radar Guard with Next-Level Game and Leadership”
MJ Winstead | Class of 2024Benedictine (HS Grad) | Winston-Salem Prep Post Grad (2024–2025)Position: Point Guard | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 175 lbsHometown: [Richmond, Virginia]Status: Looking for OpportunityContact: [1-804-629-4894] Player Overview: MJ Winstead is a fundamentally sound, high-character guard currently competing at Winston-Salem Prep Post Graduate program after graduating from Benedictine High School in the Class of 2024. He stands at 6’1” and…
Scouting Report: Lonnie Bass Jr. | 6’8″ Forward | Mater East (Las Vegas, NV)
When discussing overlooked prospects still available in Las Vegas, one name that continue to stands out is Lonnie Bass Jr. of Mater East. College coaches at all levels should take a hard look at this highly intriguing prospect, as his combination of size, skill, and production makes him a worthy addition to any program. Bass…
Beyond Basketball: Building Character, Accountability, and Responsibility in Our Young Adults
First and foremost, I want to express my deep appreciation for the many individuals and organizations in Las Vegas, Nevada who dedicate their time and energy to supporting our youth. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that many young people are searching for an outlet—a place where they can express themselves, grow, and find…
NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME TO HOST 12TH ANNUAL HOOPHALL WEST IN GILBERT
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has officially announced the lineup of teams and game schedule for the 2025 Hoophall West, the premier high school basketball showcase now celebrating its 12th year. This year’s event will take place at Highland High School in Gilbert from Thursday, January 2 to Saturday, January 4. Adding to the…
NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES NEW EVENT ADDED TO HOOPHALL CLASSIC WEEKEND
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (September 11, 2024) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced an exciting new addition to Hoophall Classic Weekend, the inaugural Hoophall Invitational taking place January 18-19, 2025. The event, supported by the Western Mass Sports Commission, is a 64-team traditional high school tournament added onto the festival of events of Hoophall Classic…
Around The Country In 2 Minutes: Next Up; Lonnie Bass Jr
As we continue to survey the landscape of high school prospects in the class of 2025, one name that stands out is Lonnie Bass Jr., a 6-foot-8 forward from Mater Academy East in Las Vegas. Over the years, Las Vegas has produced a significant number of outstanding college players, and Bass looks poised to join…
Revolutionizing College Athletics: NCAA set to Increase Scholarship Limits Across All Sports
During a pivotal meeting on July 23, NCAA power conference commissioners reached a landmark decision to implement new roster size limits, setting the stage for athletic departments to allocate millions of dollars in additional scholarships. This groundbreaking resolution primarily impacts key sports, with NCAA basketball at the forefront of the changes. According to a report…
“Championing Character: It’s The Coach’s Responsibility to Inspire”
A man’s integrity is his greatest asset. Without it, he has nothing.” “The most important possession you have is your name – never dishonor it.” To inspire others, one must embody good character, solid principles, and high ethical standards. True leaders understand that character surpasses reputation. Character is who we genuinely are, while reputation is…
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