The high school basketball season is here, and we will be naming 10 breakout players to watch in their respective classes. We will start with the senior class and work our way down to the freshman class. If there is a player who deserves to be recognized, please send an email to rossvdg14@gmail.com

By: Ross Van De Griek

Caleb Holt, Shooting Guard, Prolific Prep

Holt is a physical guard with five-star potential to be a future lottery pick in the NBA Draft. He is one of the most consistent three-point and midrange shooters in not just the state but arguably in the nation. Holt has made a name for himself as a playmaker as well, where he can make entry passes on the run as well as in transition. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions with his 6-foot-5 frame and 6-foot-9 wingspan, which can cause a problem for opposing ball handlers with his consistent pressure in the passing lanes.

Caleb Gaskins, Power Forward, Columbus

Standing at 6-foot-9, Gaskins plays with a bode of confidence on the offensive end, where his shooting continues to improve, where he has gained consistency in the mid-range game as well as the ability to expand his game where he is shooting from the perimeter. He isn’t the most explosive playmaker, as his assist-to-turnover ratio is a little high, but it should come down a notch as his handle has drastically improved from his junior season to this season. On defense, he is a high-level rebounder, where he averaged 7.8 rebounds per game last season on the Grassroots circuit playing for Nightrydas Elite.

Toni Bryant, Power Forward, Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Bryant is a steady and athletic forward who plays with a high motor, especially on the defensive end, where his length allows him to alter shots above the rim. His frame allows him to switch out on defending the perimeter and can be effective on the offensive end with his handle and ability to not get phased when opposing guards are applying pressure on him. Bryant is coming off a Grassroots season with Tre Mann Elite, averaging 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Cole Cloer, IMG Academy

The North Carolina State commit plays with a high IQ and great feel for the game. On the offensive end, Cloer is at his best when he gets to his spots at the point of attack, whether it’s his jump shot or the ability to score from behind the arc. On the defensive end, Cloer plays with length, versatility, as well as a high motor with his ability to rebound and push the pace in transition. He also does a great job at blocking shots and can guard multiple positions out on the perimeter.

Chase Foster, IMG Academy

Listed at 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, Foster brings a rare blend of athleticism and length from the frontcourt that will allow him to get a heavy load of minutes when he steps onto the Pittsburgh campus next year. On the offensive end, Foster is at his best when attacking downhill and finishing through contact. He has also shown several flashes where he has gained consistency in becoming a perimeter scoring threat. On the defensive end, Foster is a disruptor, whether it’s in the passing lanes or defending at the rim.

Joseph Hartman, The Rock School

Listed at 6-foot-5, Hartman is coming off a superb Grassroots circuit season where he played with Austin Rivers SE Elite where he shot 48% from the field and 44% from behind the arc. On the offensive end, Hartman can be a floor spacer with his athleticism as well as his creativity at finding open teammates or knocking down shots off the bounce. Defensively, he will keep the opposing guards on their heels and force tough passes with his length and speed, where he can turn steals and deflections into scores on the opposite end.

Willie Piggot Jr, Tampa Catholic

The Cleveland State commit is an excellent rim-runner, where he can finish in transition, whether it’s at the front of the rim or stopping on a dime, and he has a smooth mid-range game. He is a very unselfish guard who is looking to make the right play before it even develops, as well as having the ability to use his size and strength to his advantage on the offensive end.

Rylan Kelly, Southeastern Prep Academy

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard gives a ton of effort on both ends of the floor, where his hustle and energy feed off his teammates. On the offensive end, Kelly is one of the top perimeter shooters, as well as having the ability to finish around the rim while absorbing contact. On the defensive end, his footwork continues to be elite, as well as being an above-average rebounder, where his athleticism allows him to go get boards with the rest of them. Kelly is committed to playing collegiate basketball at Sam Houston State.

Trace Westercamp, The Rock School

Standing at 6-foot-9, Westercamp has a soft touch around the rim on the offensive end as well as the ability to run the floor in transition. His smooth jump shot has taken huge strides from his junior season to this season, where he is more comfortable and taking shots 15-to-18 feet away from the basket. On the defensive end, Westercamp, despite having the size advantage, utilizes in 1-on-1 situations where his length is a factor and can alter shots around the rim as well as defending out on the perimeter.

Nate Earl, Oak Ridge

The 6-foot-3 combo guard is a score-first guard who often can score in bunches when the basketball is in his hands. On the offensive end, Earl is at his best when it comes to attacking downhill finishing through contact. On the defensive end, his high motor and ability to guard on and off the ball have spoken high volumes over the last couple of seasons, which can draw a ton of attention to his recruitment. He is also quick and alert when it comes to jumping the passing lanes and creating turnovers, which lead to transition buckets on the opposite end.