The biggest breakout guy I've seen so far this season is...
We’ve been on the road and been to a lot of events so far this early high school season. We’ve seen a lot of great action. We asked our staff to roll out the best breakout players they saw at some of these top events. Meet the best players to play their way into the narrative that we’ve seen so far this early high school season.
Top Breakout Performer at The Lighthouse Classic
It’s hard for me to narrow this down to just one player, so I’m going to go with two sophomores from Chattanooga (TN) Hamilton Heights in Felix Okpara and Reggie Bass. Okpara, a 6-foot-11 big man, is still figuring things out on the floor, but it’s hard not to like the defensive impact he brings to the table. He controlled the paint in two games over the weekend and his ceiling is topless. He’s only going to get better going forward. Despite coming off the bench, Bass made a huge impact in games for his team. A stout, 6-foot-4 guard, Bass made plays off the dribble as an attacker and passer. He has a strong understanding for the game and setup teammates for quality opportunities time and time again. The lefty also proved to be able to knock shots down at a consistent rate, too. Both Okpara and Bass project to be high-major prospects. While Heights is set to lose a strong senior class led by Florida-bound wing Samson Ruzhentsev, I think it’s safe to say the program will be in good hands with these two guys leading the way. - Garrett Tucker
Top Breakout Performer at Holiday Hoopsgiving
The buzz is growing louder for Kendall Campell and rightfully so. It’s hard not to like what he projects to be at this stage of his career. Having the foundation of size and a motor is more than what some start off with and as Campell’s skill level comes along, he could be one of the better two way prospects in Georgia. His versatility is something to monitor as he already shows flashes of productivity on both ends. Defensively he can be moved around a ton and be able to disrupt any given possession. On the other end, the 6’7 swing man showed a nice perimeter touch and an ability to drive past defenders. Watching Campell turn the corner over the next few months is going to be a fun thing to watch. - Tai Young
Top Breakout Performer at HoopHall West
Sometimes you just gotta love a heat check guy. Jackson was that guy for Goodyear (AZ) Millenium at the Hoop Hall West Classic. Jackson and his teammates had a monster stage against Sierra Canyon and he was the guy who wanted to take the big shot and shine. Jackson’s recruitment is mid-major centric and full of quality West Coast programs. He said he holds offers from Montana, Pacific, Southern Utah, Portland, North Carolina A&T, Pepperdine and Grand Canyon. His shot-making ability should warrant some looks by Pac-12 schools moving forward into his junior campaign and into the travel season. - Justin Young
Top Breakout Performer at National High School Hoops Festival
On a loaded Sunrise Chrisitian unit, it’s easy to get caught up in the sizzle and flare of some of their more dynamic pieces. If there’s anyone that fits the mold of a great glue guy, it’s 2021 forward Kenny Pohto. Given his size, shot making, and rebounding ability, Pohto has the tools to be a future priority for a program lacking front court stability. From a short term outlook, his current abilities could put him in place to be a high level contributor early on in his career. - Tai Young
