Established in 2020, The Border League offered highschool gamers with a secure house to play in throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups from all around the nation whose state associations and native ordinances had shut down scholastic play flocked to Phoenix for a pre-season occasion that will function the one alternative for a lot of to play organized basketball till 2022. Now in its fourth yr, The Border League has moved to Las Vegas and hasn’t missed a beat.
With a whole lot of groups coming from all through the nation, the Border League presents 9 completely different divisions of play. The GEICO Prime Flight Invite has all of its video games televised on the ESPN household of networks and had been all performed in the principle fitness center at Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). Given the abundance of expertise unfold all through the occasion, for this piece we opted to deal with the gamers who raised their inventory all through the three-day occasion, whether or not it’s by particular person efficiency or just surpassing expectations.
Listed here are a number of of the gamers who helped themselves on the 2023 Border League Prime Flight Invite:
Cooper Flagg, 6’9, PF, Montverde Academy (FL), 2024By way of effectivity, there wasn’t anybody who introduced greater than Flagg. Main Montverde Academy to the Border League Prime Flight Invite title, the Maine native did nearly the whole lot in his energy to make that No. 1 spot in 2024 untouchable. By way of rankings, he would not have anyplace to maneuver as much as, however that does not imply he cannot or is not working to enhance his stage of play. His improved 3-point capturing on a shot with perfect elevation simply fully takes his recreation to a different stage when you think about his skill to consistently exploit mismatches on the offensive finish and alter the sport defensively. The highest participant on the highest crew within the nation will probably be heading house on January fifth/sixth to play within the “Maine Occasion,” which is able to give his house state one closing probability to see one of the best participant ever to come back out of The Pine Tree State. There isn’t a doubt he may very well be this upcoming season’s Mr. Basketball USA, regardless that the honoree from final season is again. Cooper was fourth in scoring on the occasion with a 19.0 ppg whereas changing an occasion greatest 22-of-29 discipline objective makes an attempt (.759), together with 5-of-7 3-pointers.
Cameron Boozer, 6’9, PF, Christopher Columbus HS (FL), 2025Whereas a lot of the incoming chatter of the weekend had been about A.J. Dybantsa, followers and scouts left speaking in regards to the exceptional efficiency that Boozer had in Las Vegas. Reaching the championship on the GEICO Prime Flight Invite, Boozer paced Christopher Columbus (the one conventional highschool amidst the ultimate 4) and lived as much as his status. Boozer is underrated creating for others, is completely comfy capturing out to the three level line, and nonetheless makes use of his measurement to punish defenders within the paint. Whereas most have donned Dybantsa atop the category of 2025, Boozer (who simply turned 16 three months in the past) is doing the whole lot in his energy to reclaim that primary spot along with his latest play. There isn’t a doubt he’s essentially the most dominant and productive participant in his class. He definitely might be the nationwide participant of the yr as soon as once more. Boozer led the occasion in scoring (25.0 ppg) and rebounding (13.3 rpg).
Quincy Wadley, 6’4, PG/SG, Bishop O’Connell (VA), 2026Referred to as a top-25 participant within the class of 2026, Quincy Wadley is a reputation that has been recognized inside basketball circles for a while. Nevertheless, he’s quickly disproving the nation that he’s merely a shooter. Wadley was excellent working the present for Bishop O’Connell, controlling the offense as a playmaker whereas additionally sustaining his presence as a scoring risk from the perimeter. The son of former Temple All A-10 guard Quincy Wadley not solely has an opportunity to observe in his father’s footsteps as an elite participant, however surpass them. Wadley was third within the occasion in scoring (19.7 ppg) behind Boozer and LABC’s Trent Perry (20.3 ppg).
Derrion Reid, 6’7, SF/PF, Prolific Prep (CA), 2024Just like among the different 5 star gamers, it’s arduous to essentially increase your inventory, however Derrion Reid undoubtedly locked up his spot within the McDonald’s All American Sport along with his play at The Border League. The versatile ahead confirmed an improved 3-point shot, was exceptionally energetic as a cutter/offensive rebounder, and used his agility to defend nearly each place. Reid has narrowed his listing to Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia, all of which run methods conducive to a participant of his talent set. From begin to end, he was Prolific Prep’s greatest all-around participant.
Asa Newell, 6’9, PF, Montverde Academy (FL), 2024It’s arduous to think about a participant ranked within the top-15 by nearly everybody elevating his inventory, however when you think about that Asa Newell did not even begin for Montverde Academy final season, it’s definitely attainable. Newell introduced a lot vitality to the Border League on each ends of the ground along with his skill to rim run, preserve performs alive, and alter the sport along with his versatility defensively. The lefty confirmed elevated vary and after starring on the New Steadiness circuit with 1 Household, has determined to slender his listing of colleges to Alabama, Gonzaga, Georgia, and Texas. Newell was second in rebounding on the occasion behind Boozer at 10.0 rpg and forward of teammate Cooper Flagg (8.7 rpg).
Sammie Yeanay, 6’8, PF, AZ Compass Prep (AZ), 2024A participant whom I had solely seen on one setting coming into the weekend, Yeanay helped himself as a lot as anybody within the Prime Flight Invite. Enjoying with a excessive motor, the Florida native was an elite inside passer, ran the ground exceptionally effectively, and saved a ton of performs alive along with his presence on the glass on each ends. Yeanay took an official go to to Florida final week and not too long ago narrowed his listing to eight colleges.
Winters Grady, 6’6, SF, Prolific Prep (CA), 2025Each elite crew wants a task participant, and Grady is precisely that man for Prolific Prep. Removed from merely a shooter, the Oregon product presents flexibility on the defensive finish, is an excellent cutter, and does a fantastic job relocating to open areas. The very best participant on the Crossroads Elite Invitational took on a brand new function at Prolific, however nonetheless confirmed the intangibles that may make him a excessive main prospect.
Ryder Elisaldez, 6’1, PG/SG, Bishop Gorman (NV), 2024Amidst a rebuilding effort for Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman, Elisaldez confirmed that he may maintain his personal with the nation’s best. Ryder is an explosive athlete who can play each guard spots, is a aggressive defender, and has proven the power to complete with creativity in site visitors. Having performed for the Mexican Nationwide Crew at youth ranges, Elisaldez has the potential to be an instantaneous affect participant at UC San Diego.
Jadyn Harris, 6’6, SF, Bishop O’Connell (VA), 2024Ten years in the past, Jadyn Harris would have been thought of a “tweener”. In at the moment’s period of basketball, he’s a “do-it-all” ahead. Capable of play each inside and outside, Harris brings the flexibility that faculty coaches dream of. He’s a succesful 3-point shooter, excellent inside passer, and brings the toughness to defend a mess of positions. Toss in that he’s a fantastic rebounder from the perimeter and also you see why the Crew Durant product is likely one of the greatest gamers left on the board within the DMV.
Randy Smith, 6’3, PG/SG, Christopher Columbus HS (FL), 2024Making the switch from Palmetto HS (FL), Smith is discovering his function with the defending state champions, however has instantly made his affect. He’s a sturdy guard who’s a bodily defender, is an excellent rebounder from the backcourt, and may end by contact in opposition to anybody. Nonetheless broad open when it comes to his recruitment, Randy will undoubtedly don’t have any scarcity of alternatives to showcase his expertise enjoying at Christopher Columbus.
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