In what was very big news earlier this summer, as 6-foot-8 junior forward Elijah Summers-Livingston would land @ AZ Compass Prep this summer after a separation from Basha High School. Just as fast as we learned about Summers-Livingston having issues @ Basha High School, he had already landed @ local basketball power, AZ Compass Prep. Currently rated among the top overall prospects in Arizona's 2026 class, Livingston has excellent potential and upside for the future. He will now pick up his high school career for the AZ Compass Prep-Grind team, while still looking to maximize his potential for the future and improve his college recruitment.
I caught up with him recently after an AZ Compass Prep workout, and Summers-Livingston advised me that he was happy now, although it was a major change in his life. He is simply looking toward having a strong career now for AZ Compass Prep, and developing as a college prospect. In a recent workout last week, which was a pro and media day for AZ Compass Prep, Summers-Livingston showed an excellent ability to run the floor and finish in transition, while playing with a strong motor and good energy - his best attributes as a player. Summers-Livingston impressed college coaches in attendance with his activity, length and athleticism.
Summers-Livingston was a integral part of the Basha basketball program for the past two seasons, as he started both as a freshman and sophomore for successful Head Coach Mike Grothaus. Livingston entered the high school ranks as a mere freshman starter for a very talented Basha High School program. Livingston immediately was inserted into the Basha lineup and the team had an excellent season in 2023. Basha finished with a 25-5 overall record on the season, while Livingston was a strong contributor, averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds during his freshman season on a well balanced team. Last season as a sophomore, he averaged 10 points, 6.25 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per/game for a team that finished 22-7 and reached the Open Division Semi-Finals, before falling to Open Division State Champion Perry High School in the semi-finals (83-79).
Livingston is now getting physically stronger due to natural maturity and is coming off a strong showing on the spring and summer club circuit, while traveling with the Vegas Elite 16U Nike EYBL team and gaining maximum exposure and playing against the nation's best competition. Livingston was a force for the team, and is prepared to now have a big season for the AZ Compass Prep-Grind team this prep season, which will compete on The Grind Session circuit.
Livingston's college recruitment should begin to take serious shape this year and over the next (6) months, as college programs now begin to focus seriously on the 2026 Class. He still has time in his college recruiting process, but I still expect him to become one of the more highly sought after recruiting targets in the class, and start to begin to receive offers for himself.
Livingston has loads of upside for the future, as he is very long and rangy and has very good athleticism already. As he matures and gets stronger physically, his potential will be realized over time. His very best years are still well ahead of him.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Livingston is an athletic frontcourt performer that competes hard and runs the floor very well. He is an athletic rebounder, finisher and shot-blocker that plays with excellent energy - a high energy post player with a developing offensive skillset. He runs the floor hard and is a strong finisher around the basket and in the break. He uses his extreme length to help make and finish plays. He has a soft touch on his shot and is able to turn and face the defender, while also scoring with his back to the basket. I would like to see him become much more assertive offensively over time. He has solid footwork and is working hard to develop his low post skills, which will benefit him a great deal as he matures and becomes much more of an offensive weapon over time. His potential is glaring and he has a body that can add much more size and physicality to it, which will benefit him nicely as he continues to face better national competition. Has very good upside. A good sleeper prospect now.
