I spent last Saturday watching more high school level grassroots hoops and it was at the Rumble in the Plex in Dallas. Hosted by Texas Impact, a day was all I needed to cover the plethora of D1 talent. There was also a couple of guys that can develop into national level prospects depending on their play in the next few months. Here’s a rundown of what I evaluated.
David Balleraine Imposed His Will
It’s rare to see a D1 prospect come out of Hallsville, Texas, but what’s even more uncommon is having one that’s a Top 100 level player nationally. A physically imposing interior prospect that plays with an endless motor, 2027 (rising junior) David Balleraine of Southern Assault changed a lot of shots around the rim, and his timing to swat shots is advanced for his age. Bellaraine is patient as he prepares for the shooter to jump before he elevates to contest their shot. He rebounds out of his area and shows quality feel as a passer from the post. Overall, Balleraine dominated in the paint on both ends. I also feel there is plenty of upside as an offensive player to become a DHO playmaker and face-up threat.
Buy Stock on Jeremiah Thirdkill and Armoni Green
Max Levels P32 16U has a fun team to watch. The travel club has several guys who can put the ball through the basket. Two that have continued to stand out are 2027 Jeremiah Thirdkill and Armoni Green. Jeremiah, the younger brother of Jason Thirdkill (Jacksonville Univ. Commit), is a long-armed, scoring guard who has impressive vertical pop. He showed an adequate pull-up game and used his length to convert shots over the outstretched arms of the defender. He’s a good team defender, generally being in position to alter a shot at the rim or deflect a skip pass. I don’t think he’s done growing, either.
Green is a downhill force that changes direction well. He’s a physical driver, loves contact, and puts constant pressure on the defense. He hangs in the air for quite some time, which allows him to finish against bigger players. Green’s jumper can be inconsistent, but when his feet are set, he’ll make open ones. I expect high majors to be recruiting him at some point.
More Max Levels P32 Notes
Amare Johnson, 2027 6’3 SG: Athletic, hard-playing guard/wing that made big plays down the stretch in their first game on Saturday. Finished through contact, aggressive with his pursuit to the rim, and made plays in many spots on the floor.
Ani’s Event Standouts
Luke Susko, 2026 6’7 SF/PF – Texas Impact 4:13 UAA 17U: Shooting it at a high clip so far this season, and it was more of the same this past weekend. Had to have shot over 40% from three, but he’s also been effective as a cutter and transition player. Just been a consistently productive piece for his squad.
Keyaun Williams, 2026 6’3 SG – Texas Impact 4:13 Academic Elite: A scoring two-guard that shoots it from deep. Williams is a lanky body guard with above-average length. His finishing ability, plus efficient shooting from deep, was on display.
Davion Adkins, 2026 C – Southern Assault 3SSB 17U: He was impactful on Saturday. Altered several shots at the rim. Completed tip-ins and put-back dunks from multiple angles. Adkins’ motor was high, and he’s a pogo stick athlete with improved shooting touch from deep. Very high ceiling and showed why he’s a borderline 5-Star prospect.
Jaylan Jackson, 2025 C – Triumph UA Rise 17U: It’ll take a few years, but if Jaylan Jackson can consistently put it together, he’ll make a lot of money in college basketball. He’s 6’11 with a plus 3-4 wingspan and moves very well. Jackson made his mark in the interior as a defender, and the touch inside is promising. Once he adds muscle and locks in, he’ll have a lot of options down the road after junior college.
Jakyran Madden, 2026 CG – Triumph UA Rise 17U: An attacking guard that showed off some play-making chops. Madden was effective in transition and on ball-screens. He played with a high amount of effort and with a chip on his shoulder.
Gabriel Osborne, 2027 6’3 Guard – Southern Ties Pro16 16U: A two-sport athlete who made his mark on the basketball court this past weekend. Strongly built, explosive, and puts constant rim pressure. A D1 football prospect who will probably have the chance to play D1 basketball if he wants to.
K.J. Bradford, 2026 6’0 PG – Dallas Showtyme UA Rise 17U: A scoring guard that plays well against length. Deep range on the three ball, a quality pull-up shooter, and holds a nice touch with his floaters/push shots. Just figures out how to get his buckets.
Jeremiah Grigsby, 2027 Wing – Dallas Showtyme UA Rise 17U: There’s a lot of natural talent with Grigsby. 6’4, handles the rock, shoots it well as a spot-up and movement guy. Has fairy long arms. I mean, he checks a lot of boxes. He puts it together in spurts, but once he matures and gets stronger, he can become a D1 prospect. Intrigued by the ability and tools.
