The 13th annual Jerry Tarkanian Classic is being held December 16-23, 2025 @ Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas NV) and surrounding area gyms. 140 high school boys squads (spread over 9 divisions) and 95+ prep programs (National Division) are participating this year. All games are being live-streamed by BallerTV: https://www.ballertv.com/pangos
A large contingent of national/regional media and scouts have already shown up so far including Frank Burlison (BurlisonOnBasketball.com/McDonald’s All-American Game voter), Ronnie Flores (BallisLife.com & GrassrootsHoops.net), Van Coleman (Nothing But Net Magazine), Dinos Trigonis (Fullcourt Press & Nothing But Net), Ani Umana & Rodger Bohn (Ball is Life), Eric Bossi (247Sports.com), Jamie Shaw (Rivals.com), Gregg Rosenberg (Prep Hoops), Krysten Peek (NBATV), Chad Groth (Area Codes Scouting), Conrad Chow and Jelani Hicks (Pro Insight), Chick Gilespie (Phenom Hoop Report), Bruce Williams (7Outz), Neal Carter (Ball Dawgs) and Nate Buss (Nate Buss Hoop Talk).
Colleges that passed through on the event’s first three days included Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, USC, LSU, Pitt, Washington, Stanford, Iowa State, Colorado, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Texas Tech, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, St. Louis, Minnesota, Cal, Utah State, Washington State, UNLV, Nevada, St. Louis, New Mexico, UC-Santa Barbara, Boise State, Wyoming, Dayton, San Jose State, San Francisco, UC-San Diego, Loyola/Chicago, San Diego, Pepperdine, Iona, Indiana State, Duquesne, Texas- San Antonio, Missouri State, Stephen F. Austin, Southern Utah, Eastern Washington, Cal State Bakersfield, UC-Davis, LIU, Utah Tech and Texas-Arlington.
NBA Teams that have come through so far include Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies.
The first three days of the event (December 16-19) consisted of Prep Division play.
Below, we highlight several players (30+) that stood out in the Prep Division:
Taylen Kinney 6-3 2026 OTE RWE (Atlanta GA)
Taylen had one of the best buckets in the event’s 13 year history as he buried a buzzer-beating ice-cold 40 foot-plus dagger jump shot to finish off a stubborn Iowa United squad 62-59. Kansas signee finished with 22 points (10/16 FG) and 3 assists. Wide-shouldered and sturdy lead guard plays with impressive confidence and poise and has a winning mentality. TK also had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals in a win over Dream City Christian/AZ. Kentucky native is ranked #14 nationally by 247Sports.com and #16 by Rivals.com and if his play at the Tark Classic is any indication of what’s in store for the rest of his senior season, he can start making plans for the McDonald’s All-American Game in late March 2026.
Miles Sadler 5-11 2026 Bella Vista/CIA EYBL (Phoenix AZ)
West Virginia signee was superb on opening night in an OT slugfest 65-61 Win over a loaded Dynamic Prep/TX squad. Cat-quick playmaker had a game-high 29 points to go along with 3 assists. Sadler is a blur off the bounce and can create and maintain tempo which makes him an invaluable playmaker. Add to this mix a dependable 3-point shot and the Mountaineers got themselves a future impactful HM PG. Ranked #27 nationally by the 247Sports.com Composite.
Toni Bryant 6-10 2026 Zephryhills Christian (FL)
Impressive outing on opening day for the 5-star Bryant vs Iowa United/IA and massive 2026 Arafan Diane. Mizzou signee had a game-high 22 points (8/12 FG; 2/3 3FG). Long, agile and athletic forward with improved long-distance shooting touch. Toni’s length and quickness off the floor allows him to be a formidable rebounder and shot-blocker too. Averaged an efficient 23 ppg in his 2 games here on 63% FG; 40% 3FG.
Paul Osaruyi 6-10 2027 Bella Vista/CIA EYBL (Phoenix AZ)
One of the most physically/athletic players here has been Osaruyi. Talented Big with Pro size is a menace on the glass and a terrific shot-blocker. Good footwork in the paint and ability to score despite contact en route to the rim makes him a offensive threat inside. Despite not having a great scoring game in an OT win over Dynamic Prep/TX & #1 2027 Marcus Spears Jr., Paul had major impact in the victory with 9 rebounds and 5 blocks. Elite High-major prospect ranked #3 by ESPN.com and #4 by 247Sports.com.
Marcus Spears Jr. 6-9 2027 Dynamic Prep (Dallas TX)
Ranked #1 in 2027 by ESPN.com, Marcus struggled offensively in a very physical game vs. Bella Vista EYBL/AZ – recording only 7 points on 2/12 FG but he was a force on the glass (12 boards) as well as protecting the rim (2 blocks). Spears bounced back in his 2nd game here (a 70-61 win over Wasatch Academy EYBL/UT) with 18 points (7/11 FG; 1/2 3FG) to go along with 6 rebounds. Active and hardworking interior forward is agile in transition and still needs to add strength but the work-ethic, attitude, character and upside are present to project greatness at the next level.
Austin Goosby 6-5 2026 Dynamic Prep (Dallas TX)
Texas signee is very crafty with the ball and has the innate offensive instincts to create his own shot. Nationally ranked #19 by 247Sports, Goosby had offers from the likes of Duke, UCLA, SMU and Miami FL before deciding to play for his in-state Longhorns and new UT coach Sean Miller.
Malachi Jordan 6-7 2027 Dream City National (Glendale AZ)
I really liked what I saw out of Malachi on Day One here. Strong and athletic swingman had a team-high 18 points (8/15 FG; 2/5 3FG) as DCC knocked off SoCal Academy/CA 73-62. Nationally ranked #13 in 2027 by 247Sports Composite with multiple P4 offers including Alabama, Auburn, Washington and Missouri.
Anthony Felesi 6-6 2026 Utah Prep (Hurricane UT)
Pitt-bound swingman with strong build and excellent bounce is just what the doctor ordered for Pitt coach Jeff Capel. Felesi was one of the top scorers in the Prep Division here averaging 28.3 ppg including an event high 33 points versus Drive Academy Finland. Ranked #56 nationally by Rivals.com.
Boyuan Zhang 6-7 2026 Veritas Prep (Santa Fe Springs CA)
One of the top surprises here is the recent Chinese import Zhang. Boyuan impressed with his hot shooting touch in Veritas’ 67-62 hard-fought win over Colorado Prep – going for 26 points (6/13 3FG). Zhang also recorded 22 points in a win over Bella Vista Prep Gind/AZ and 23 points in a win over ABC Prep/NM. Cal, Washington State and UNLV head coach Josh Pastner were among the many schools watching him in action on Thursday.
Tyran Frazier 6-10 2027 OTE RWE (Atlanta GA)
One of the players here with highest upside is Frazier. St. Louis/MO area native is extremely long, agile and ultra-athletic. Combine those physical traits with nice skills and feel and you have a coveted HM forward with pro potential. Scored 16 points (6/10 FG) in win over Drive Academy Finland. 2025 Pangos All-American Camp Top 30 Game selection is currently ranked #28 in his class by 247Sports Composite.
Vaughn Karvala 6-8 2026 Bella Vista/CIA EYBL (Phoenix AZ)
Indiana signee is a sleek sharpshooter and slasher who can hurt opposing defenses with both accurate long-range touch as well as immense bounce finishing at the hoop. Wisconsin native is ranked #36 nationally by ESPN.com.
Ikenna Alozie 6-3 2026 Dream City National (Glendale AZ)
Houston signee is a harassing defender and tough slashing scorer. Athletic finisher at rim and underrated passer (averaged 4 apg here). #32 nationally by 247Sports Composite, Ikenna scored 16 points (6/11 FG; 2/5 3FG) in win over SoCal Academy/CA.
Arafan Diane 7-0 2026 Iowa United (IA)
Massive big man is extremely physical inside and wastes little time making his presence know. However, Arafan was not as productive over his 3 games as I expected here: 8.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Like Alozie, he’s a Houston signee. Ranked #17 nationally by Rivals.com.
Junior County 6-4 2026 Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant UT)
UConn signee plays with confidence and has a downtown stroke. County had 18 points (4/7 3FG) and 6 assists in a loss to Dynamic Prep/TX. 247Sports Composite has him pegged #29 nationally in 2026.
Jordan Charles 6-0 2026 Bella Vista/CIA Grind (Phoenix AZ)
Tough as nails Canadian PG is vastly overlooked as national prospect. Produced 16 points, 5 assists and 2 steals in his team’s win over a very good Faith Family/TX squad. Charles played with Team Canada at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland last summer – averaging 13.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists including 19 points and 5 assists vs. Team USA squad.
Joesette Sanchez-Vega 6-6 2027 Central Pointe Academy (Orlando FL)
Southeast junior sleeper had 26 points (5 threes) in big upset win over Wasatch Academy EYBL/UT last night. Talented lead guard with size and clutch shot-making ability.
Josiah Rose 6-3 2028 Faith Family (Dallas TX)
An emerging soph name out of the Lone-Star State is Rose. Sturdy combo-guard with consistent scoring touch is ranked #31 nationally by 247Sports.com Composite. Impressive in games versus Bella Vista Grind/AZ (22 points; 8/13 FG; 4/8 3FG) and The Patrick School/NJ (21 points; 7/9 FG; 4/5 3FG).
Dakari Spear 6-5 2026 Dynamic Prep (Dallas TX)
Sleek WG with accurate downtown range signed with Texas Tech. Ranked #69 nationally by 247Sports Composite, Spear had a team-high 20 points (3 threes) vs. a loaded Bella Vista EYBL squad.
Frank Beliebe 6-4 2026 Colorado Prep (CO)
Pacific signee is a tough shot-maker and fierce on-ball defender. Had 21 points (6/11 FG; 2/4 3FG against Veritas Prep/CA.
Trae Nunn 6-4 2026 Dynamic Prep (Dallas TX)
Columbia-bound WG with strong frame/build had big game off the bench in DP’s 70-61 win over a very good and well coached Wasatch Academy EYBL/UT squad: 11 points (3 huge threes). Pangos All-American Camp and Pangos Premier 80 invitee is an excellent student.
Xavier Young 6-9 2028 Faith Family (Dallas TX)
Talented young Big with great size and upside is currently ranked nationally #12 by 247Sports.com and #13 by ESPN.com. X is a factor on the boards and can finish with authority at rim. Top 30 Game selection at this past October’s Pangos All-South Frosh/Soph Camp in Duncanville TX.
Trevon Carter-Givens 6’10” 2026 SoCal Academy (CA)
NC State signee is a long and active rim-protector with improved scoring skills. Recorded 19 points (7/8 FG) and 8 boards against Dream City National/AZ.
Brandon Mason Jr. 6’7” 2027 ABC Prep National (Albuquerque NM)
Son of former New Mexico and NM State assistant Brandon Mason Sr. continues to grow and get better. Shaun Livingston-type lead guard has pin-point passing skills (dished out 8 assists on Wednesday versus AZ Compass Grind). Pangos Premier 80 alum is currently ranked #83 nationally in 2027 by 247Sports.com.
Mekhi Robertson 6-5 2027 SoCal Academy (CA)
Philly area native is a high-powered wing scorer that is ranked #46 nationally by ESPN.com. Robertson had 23 and 7 rebounds against a very good Dream City National/AZ team. Underrated defender had 4 steals that game. Followed up with 19 points in a win over Team Adams New Zealand on Thursday night.
Marcelo Paulino 6-9 2027 Central Pointe Academy (Orlando FL)
Athletic and nimble PF is an impressive rim-runner. Sunshine State senior sleeper is a dependable rebounder and was a big factor in CPA’s upset win over Wasatch Academy EYBL/UT last night.
Elliot Moskowitz 6-5 2026 Colorado Prep (CO)
Sharpshooting lead guard with quick release on jump shot. Ellliot had 20 points versus Veritas Prep/CA and 19 points against Iowa United.
Alex Davis 6-8 2026 Zephryhills Christian (FL)
Athletic PF is active on the glass and competes on every play. Alex was effective in limiting Top 20 2026 prospect Aran Diane to just 7 points on Tuesday. Davis has a reported Cal offer.
Niko Papalexandrakis 6-9 2029 Cooper Academy (Ontario CA)
Greek import is an agile PF with nice shooting touch that extends to 3-point range.
Gabe Sularski 6-5 2026 Layton Christian (Layton UT)
Illinois native with scoring range and knack of getting to the FT line. Scored game-high 20 points in 62-55 win over PHH Prep OTE Doves.
Emmanuel Ouedraogo 6-10 2030 Wilson Academy (Atlanta GA)
EO is only an 8th grader but is playing on the Wilson Academy varsity squad this season. Long, athletic with good hands, there is a lot to like about Emmanuel. Recorded 21 points on an extremely efficient 10/11 FG to go along with 7 boards in a win over V3 Prep/Canada. Very bright future!
Zinon Papanidis 7-1 2026 Cooper Academy (Ontario CA)
Big Z is a very physical interior player with good timing as a rebounder and rim-protector. Athens, Greece native has decent scoring touch around the cup.
Walter Onyekwelle 6-8 2027 Wilson Academy (Atlanta GA)
Work-horse PF has nice scoring instincts and is a regular visitor on the glass.
Noel Emile-Lewis Mantock 6-4 2026 SFBA/Trinity (Las Vegas NV)
Smooth Serbian native with United Kingdom ties (played on UK U19 national team last summer) has nice scoring ability and is an excellent passer.
