2025 All-HoopSeen Association First Team
The 2026 HoopSeen travel season is officially in the books and, as usual, the depth of talent was fun and impressive. Our staff debated, deliberated and now delivers our First Team All-HSA for the season. These five players came through in a big way for their respective team and program and stand at the top as some of the best players in independent travel basketball.
Mekhi Barber, Norcross Heat - Barber has the size at 6-foot-5. He can defend and he can get a basket. Consistency is what we look for, Barber was named a top performer multiple times on our HoopSeen stage.
Our guy Mekhi McKinney had this to say about Barber at our Atlanta Jam and Best of the South,
“Mekhi Barber has continued to fly under the radar for a while now, and the Norcross Heat wing could be a steal for a program sometime next year. At 6’5”, Barber can do a little bit of everything, and he puts his body on the line every game with his effort. He’s the type of player who can help a team win games over the next few years. There are games where he can take over and go for 25-plus, or he can stuff the stat sheet and lock down the opposing team’s best player. Barber is worth a look from programs at all levels next weekend at the HoopSeen Summer Finale.”
A couple of weeks earlier, McKinney wrote about Barber from our Atlanta Jam, “This Norcross Heat team had it rolling this weekend, going 4-0 with all four wins coming by double digits. Mekhi Barber was the engine behind that undefeated run with his consistent play. Standing at 6’5”, Barber did it all—from knocking down perimeter shots to pushing the break—and he really stepped it up on the defensive end. He closed out the first live period on a high note, and more coaches need to get out and see him soon. He’s a hidden gem in Georgia’s Class of 2026.” - Justin Byerly
K.J. Lee, UWin Serventz - I won’t forget, a lot of the HoopSeen guys coming around and saying KJ Lee just dropped 45 in the opening game of the opening weekend of one of our first events of the season. 45 is 45. I knew I had to take a look.
What I saw was a natural scoring guard that can play either guard position and a guy that wants it. KJ Lee was one of my favorite prospects throughout this past travel season. I like his size, I like his ability to get into the lane, I love his scoring ability and I know that the right college program will need a guy just like him.
He is the type of player that you trust and want the ball in his hands when the game is close or need a bucket. He will get you one. - Justin Byerly
Grant Smith, We Play Basketball- Grant Smith made his presence felt this season playing up in the 17U division — and he didn’t just hold his own, he stood out. At 6’6, the 2027 forward brings a unique blend of size, skill, and versatility that’s hard to come by at his age. Whether it was pushing the break off a rebound, knocking down shots, or making plays off the bounce, Smith showed he could impact the game in a variety of ways.
He played with confidence and energy, never shying away from physicality or big moments. His ability to stretch the floor, finish through contact, and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable piece on both ends of the floor. Smith has all the tools and upside to be a name you hear a lot more as he continues to develop. His consistent play throughout the association season earned him a well-deserved spot on this talent-filled HSA First Team list. - Mekhi Mckinney
Zeki Locus, HoopAthens - Big congrats to Zeki Locus on being named to the All-HSA First Team — and it’s well deserved. Zeki’s been one of the toughest guards in the field all season long. He plays the game the right way: fearless on both ends, unselfish with the ball, and always looking to make winning plays.
What stands out the most is his consistency. Whether it’s leading the offense, locking up on defense, or making the extra pass, Zeki shows up every time. He’s a leader, a competitor, and someone you want with the ball in their hands when the game matters most. This honor is a reflection of the work he’s put in and the impact he’s had all season. Salute to Zeki on a big-time spring and summer. - Mekhi McKinney
Jamari Bolden, Team Gold Coast - Jamari Bolden put together a strong spring and made it hard to ignore his name. The 6-foot guard plays with confidence and has a knack for breaking down defenders off the dribble. He’s smooth getting downhill, knows how to create space, and can fill it up from multiple spots on the floor.
What makes Bolden stand out is his ability to balance scoring with getting others involved. He makes plays when his team needs a bucket but also knows when to get teammates touches. Bolden has been a steady presence for Team Gold Coast and has earned his spot in the conversation as one of the more productive guards in the association this travel season. - Mekhi McKinney
