It baffles me sometimes. Every season, I see high school player rankings. I see statewide team rankings. I read scouting reports breaking down shot mechanics, athleticism, IQ, and upside. And truthfully? I don’t see anything wrong with that. That kind of critique helps players grow and helps evaluators, fans, and media stay informed. But I…
Tag: High School Basketball
Tough, Coachable, and Defensive-Minded: Ezekiel Birchett Fits the Modern College Guard Mold
In the world of high school athletics, some athletes are just competitors—wired to lead, built to battle, and bred with an inner toughness that can’t be taught. Ezekiel Birchett, a 6’0” point guard out of Richmond, Virginia, fits that mold perfectly. Once a standout on the football field, Birchett has made a full transition to…
“Beyond the Hype: What Vegas Basketball Parents Need to Know About Paid Exposure”
🏀 18+ Years in the Game—and Still Asking Why? After nearly two decades of covering basketball—locally, and nationally—there’s still one question that stays with me: Why are parents paying people to write articles about their children? I’m not talking about legitimate scouting reports used by college coaches. I’m talking about promotional write-ups—articles that may look…
“From Sleeper to Star: Why Scouts Can’t Always See Greatness Coming”
Scouting in Basketball: It’s an Opinion, Not a Guarantee One of the biggest misunderstandings in the world of basketball is the belief that scouts have the final word on who’s going to make it. The truth is, scouting is not an exact science — it’s an educated opinion. For all the technology, analytics, and access to film,…
“The Final Word: Recapping The Last 20 Years of Vegas Basketball Greatness”
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…
“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 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…
“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…
“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…
Rising Stars: Inside the Next Generation of Las Vegas Hoop Talent” Bruce Of Prep Hoops
Rarely do we hear independent sports journalists start off in this manner: The secret of success lies in this: There is inside of you and me a Seed of God capable of drawing to us any element we need to bring to fruition whatever of good we desire. It’s not just merely about our money,…
Desert Pines; “Curtis Coleman’s Basketball Growth” The Steady Rise of Progress
In high school sports, staying focused is crucial. When I assess young players like Curtis Coleman Jr of Desert Pines high in Las Vegas, I look for the little things that show progress in their development. I remind players that it’s not just about being fast or strong but, it’s also about the commitment and…
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