5 For the Fight National Hoopfest Standouts, Part II
PLEASANT GROVE, UT - The 5 for the Fight National HoopFest was a raving success prior to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. There were a number of studs who stood out from the action. Let's dive into the next five.
RELATED: Part I
EVENT STATS: 9.5 PPG and 2.5 APG
Ross had arguably some of his best games in a Dragon uniform. This was also a homecoming for the 4-star, who played for Pleasant Grove in his early high school career, so many figured he’d be a bit more aggressive on the offensive end, which he was. He shot very well in the first game and came up huge in the second game, getting to the line multiple times and knocking down eight out of nine attempted free throws. He’s a very high IQ player that impacts the game with his intensity and elite court vision.
EVENT STATS: 10.5 PPG and 9.5 RPG
Murray-Boyles is a force on the inside and is a smart player. He’s a player that is consistent in scoring and rebounding and he played a big role in Wasatch’s 2-0 week at the tournament where they picked up wins over Bishop Walsh from Maryland and American Fork from Utah. Murray-Boyles is a South Carolina commit and should have a big senior season.
EVENT STATS: 13.5 PPG, 7-12 3 PT, 3.5 APG
The best class of 2025 player in the field, Brown went off from deep. He was 7-12 from three and lit up defenses with his confident three-point sniper play. The native Floridian let it fly with ease on the perimeter. He played like a guy ready for the big national stage all season long. Offensively, Brown was arguably the most impressive shot-maker and shot-creator from the wing. The early chapters of his story are impressive and continued showings on a NIBC stage can only mean good things in the long run. - Justin Young
EVENT STATS: 12.5 PPG (41.7% FG), 12.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2 BPG
Kozlowski is a 6’7” forward that can shoot the ball very well from outside. This tourney, he was a force on the boards, securing 19 in his team’s second game. After an injury scare where he fell on his back before halftime of the first game, Kozlowski still looked dominant using his size and athleticism to grab rebounds and block shots, and also using his strength to finish inside. The 4-star junior holds offers from Washington State, Boise State, and more.
EVENT STATS: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL
The early commitment to Utah showed off his versatile game, particularly in the second half of his team's win over Bingham. Katoa is an athletic and versatile wing who gave a little bit of everything in the match-up. He's skilled enough to be a good half-court passer, ball-screener and slasher. But he's also smart enough to know when to be the primary scorer and creator. We saw some good athleticism in the open floor and key plays on the defensive end. - Justin Young