Coaches tell kids go make a play all the time. This article is dedicated to the hoopers no one ever has to say that too. Below are a few prospects that made a name for themselves for making plays for themselves and their teammates. 

Josiah Ford - 2030 - LGNDZ 

Ford has good size, feel, and athleticism for the position. He’s a slithery ball handler who uses quickness and adjusts his bodies to small holes. Ford scores at the rim and hits pull up jumpers in the mid-range. His scoring and paint penetration opens shots for teammates. 

Jakode Harris - 2031 - Lakeland Elite 

Harris makes plays out of the high post. He’s roughly 6-foot-2 and uses his size advantage to survey the floor and drop passes to teammates in scoring opportunities. He’s able to make sharp skip passes all over the floor and make long outlet passes to teammates. Harris uses floaters and IQ to score the ball. 

Eli Nicholas - 2030 - Global not local 

Nicholas is a big man who plays a really unselfish game. He looks to get his teammates involved before he starts his double-digit scoring output. He has court vision well beyond his age. Nicholas understands getting the offense started early and often before the defense is set. 

Nelziel Lopez - 2030 - Kissimmee All Stars

Lopez was one of the most dangerous playmakers when he was on the floor. He’s a confident scorer who can hit shots from deep and knock down pull up jumpers. Lopez is no stranger to getting to the rim either. When he’s mixing in passing and scoring, he becomes an offensive hub. Lopez isn’t afraid to make the risky pass if the reward is there. His head fakes and eye move to keep defenses guessing while he’s throwing accurate passes 

Charrod Henderson - 2030 - Forever Hoops 

Henderson’s pace is a dream for any coach looking to run a high-octane offense. He turns defense to offense with his speed and timing in passing lanes. 

Jyler Fanfan - 2031 - Jayhawks 

Fanfan reads the floor like he’s ready for varsity basketball. His passing is best when he’s making a move and finds an open teammate. He reads the floor really well for someone his age. 

Corey Yates - 2030 - Southeast Select Gold 

When we think about playmaking, we think offense but Yates does this on the defensive end. He’s definitely a work in progress on offense but his 6-foot, long wiry frame makes him a tough cover when he’s on the move. Yates can defend multiple positions and make the matchup physical. Yates has the speed and length to attack passing lanes and pick pocket ball handlers. 

Noah Perez - 2031 - Florida Rebels 

Perez balanced scoring and getting teammates involved during the Rebels tournament run. He’s a quick decision maker whether he’s setting himself up to score or a teammate. Perez is a consistent jump shooter and handles his own when driving against bigger players. He’s able can force turnovers in passing lanes. Perez has a fluid handle that allows him to escape traps and get paint touches. 

Charles Anthony Ellerbee Jr - 2031 - Lakeland Elite 

Ellerbee has the type of game that puts opponents in foul trouble. He’s a physical downhill driver who seeks out contact on the way to the rim. He made several trips to the free throw line in each game he played in. Ellerbee seems comfortable getting to the rim from multiple spots on the court. 

Vittorio Mangoeri - 2032 - Southeast Elite 

Mangoeri looks like he’s doing his John Stockton impersonation. He controls the offense, directs teammates, and makes plays with his IQ. He’s a smart passer who throws his teammates opens and reads the floor. Mangoeri has a tight handle, shoots the three ball well, and has a high feel for the most important position on the floor.

Allen Pettigrew Jr. started scouting high school basketball in 2018. His work has been featured in USA TODAY, Bleacher Report, and local newspapers in 2018. Follow his X (Twitter) @AP_Writess for updates, follow his instagram and TikTok (allen_pettigrew) for interviews, recruiting announcements, and more basketball content.