***SPECIAL TO ARIZONAPREPS from Guest Analyst: George Courtney
The Mesa Fear the Hop Tournament is quickly emerging as the top Thanksgiving Tournament in the State of Arizona. This year’s event drew in out-of-state teams from Hawaii and Texas. The first day was filled with a bunch of prospects to keep an eye on. Here are a few that stood out on Day 1:
AJ Seumanu 2024 6-3 Wing Mesa
Seumanu impressed with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists in his opening performance. The strong downhill prospect was hard to contain, as he is strong and tough and cleaned the glass on both ends of the floor. Seumanu’s offensive rebounding killed the opposition with 2nd and 3rd-chance points. He also showed he can get down hill and finish at the rim. A solid sleeper wing prospect that will have a big senior campaign.
Daniel Arnett 2024 6-2 Guard Mesa
Arnett has solid range as he can convert from the three point line. One of the better catch-and-shoot prospects of the event. Arnett also provided great support on the defensive end, and contributed to multiple stops to swing the momentum in his team’s favor. He also rebounds pretty well for a guard. Another solid small college prospect.
Dylan Novak 2025 6-0 Point Guard ALA Gilbert North
Novak is a solid floor general who has a great IQ and scoring ability from all three levels. His recruitment has been heating up, as he is emerging as a solid low-major plus prospect with tremendous upside. Novak’s junior year will give him the opportunity to elevate his recruitment into the mid-major level.
Easton Carleton 2024 5-8 Combo Guard Dysart
Carleton was a charge machine. He took (8) charges in the game against Pueblo, and helped turn those turnovers into offensive opportunities. A solid combo-guard with a good feel and IQ. He will be an interesting prospect to follow this season.
Jhalil Loyd 2024 6-4 Guard Tolleson
A lengthy guard who is super athletic. Loyd utilizes his athletic ability to lock up opponents. He plays well for his size being able to guard the paint. Loyd uses his athletic ability to get to the rack. Another solid small college prospect.
Kyler Frye 2026 6-0 Guard McClintock
Frye is a decent point guard who has a good IQ. He can drive and kick as well as display a solid floater game. Frye has a fantastic ceiling as he is young and will become a solid prospect over time. College coaches keep a tab on this young man.
Lamar Anderson 2025 6-3 Wing Dysart
Anderson is a solid looking prospect who looks taller than his listed height due to his long wingspan. He rebounds and protects the rim well. Anderson has a solid mid-range game and good finishing ability. Another sleeper prospect to keep an eye on this season.
McKy Peters 2024 5-11 Guard Mesa
Peters made a lot of noise out of the gate. He put up an impressive 24-point performance, where he went down hill at will. Peters also displayed a solid mid-range game. Defensively he hawked passing lanes, which turned to transition opportunities. He made the right plays at the right time with an energized motor that never quit. A solid small college prospect to keep an eye on.
Nigel Anderson 2024 6-4 Small Forward Dysart
Anderson is a great looking sleeper prospect, as he has the athleticism and frame. Besides passing the eye test, he uses his length and athleticism to defend, rebound and make his way to the rim. I anticipate this young man to have a great senior campaign.
Rico Blassingame 2026 6-3 Guard/Forward Tolleson
Blassingame (pictured) is a versatile prospect who can play all forward and guard positions. He is a solid downhill prospect who finishes well, but also has a good mid-range game. Defensively he is tough enough to defend the paint. Blassingame has tremendous upside and will be a prospect to follow.
Stetson Rowley 2026 6-3 Shooting Guard ALA Gilbert North
Rowley is a reliable catch-and-shoot prospect with an ability to convert from deep range. He has great upside and potential, which makes his ceiling for growth great. Only a sophomore, his best years of basketball are ahead.
