Inspire Prep National is one of Arizona’s newest basketball prep academies. Enter Philadelphia native Coach Erik Hood, and the Pilots are ready to soar to new heights. The Pilots opened their national schedule in a Monday night showdown at Paragon Academy in Chandler, Arizona. Paragon is led by Arizona Hoops legend Christian Polk. Polk originally launched prep academy Eduprize in neighboring Gilbert, Arizona, before launching his new program at Paragon.
The game started off a little slow as the Pilots were looking for their rhythm. The Panthers (Paragon) looked very young and inexperienced, however Coach Polk has his kids competing hard. Senior forward, Iyon Brown, impressed with his athleticism, toughness, and defense. Sophomore combo-guard, Caden Bass, showed glimpses of a bright future with his playmaking and scoring ability.
Unfortunately, the Pilots flexed experience, led by senior point guard Dilen Miller (Georgia State commit) and junior combo-guard Cam Casky. The duo would combine for 44 points in the win. The Pilots would soar to victory over the Panthers, 93-47. Senior forward, Devon Carter, chipped in 18 points. Here are my evaluations of the top performers . . .
Caden Bass 2026 6-4 Combo Guard Paragon Academy
Bass is a playmaker. He doesn’t hesitate to compete at a high level. He displayed good decision-making, and three level scoring ability. I like his platform as he will continue to develop into one of the better sleeper prospects in his class.
Cam Casky 2025 6-4 Combo-Guard Inspire Prep National
Casky impressed me with his athleticism and leaping ability. On a fast break, he went up to attack the rim and displayed his superhuman leaping ability. His armpit was parallel to the rim, which not many athletes can achieve. Casky utilizes his athleticism to lock up opponents all (94) feet. He is also a three-level scorer and just a matchup problem, due to his quickness, athleticism, and leaping ability. College coaches tap in, as he won’t be available for long. He has too much upside and potential. I project him to be a mid-major plus prospect with potential to be a high major.
Devon Carter 2024 6-9 Forward Inspire Prep National
Carter has made huge improvements, since I last saw him compete. He plays a lot more loose and confident. Currently, he has an offer from Independence College, however I believe he will start to garner more interest and offers into the season. Carter is a good rim runner who has a fluid jump-shot. He rebounds well and defends the paint, but is athletic enough to defend the perimeter. Another sleeper prospect to keep a tab on this season.
Dilen Miller 2024 6-4 Point Guard Inspire Prep National
Miller is an impressive floor general. During the game, he got to the cup at will to either finish or distribute to open teammates. He has a high basketball IQ and can score at will, at all three levels. It does not surprise me that he signed with Georgia State. Georgia State won the lottery with this commitment, as Miller can flat out go. I am excited to follow his senior campaign this season.
Iyon Brown 2024 6-4 Forward Paragon Academy
Brown is an athletic playmaker who thrives in his role of protecting the paint. He showed an ability to guard taller opponents down low, and made his presence felt with his shot-blocking ability. Brown is tough, strong, and executes well. Colleges needing an athletic, tough, defensive-minded wing, Brown could be a good fit - especially for a smaller college.
