Southern California- This past weekend, Made Hoops hosted the Made West Mania Showcase. The primetime games and teams played at Cerritos College Gym and The Maps Sports Facility, with multiple other gyms and facilities used to house over 200 teams from all over the Western region and beyond. The showcase featured teams from the major shoe circuit companies (EYBL, 3SSB, and UAA), as well as teams from two of the new “shoe circuits” being represented (Puma/PRO16 and New Balance The Prelude). In addition to the circuit teams were plenty of the top independent programs on the West. Therefore, you had some big time cross-shoe brand match-ups and rosters filled with national prospects, including the class of 2025s top prospect and several of the class of 2026s top prospects on display. The event spanned 3 days, beginning on Friday evening and wrapping up Sunday afternoon.
This article takes a look at 20 standout players from the class of 2025, or current juniors. I was in attendance for Friday’s games at Cerritos and Saturday’s games at the Maps Facility before taking off around 5pm on Saturday evening. Consequently, there are various players from the 2025 class that performed well but I did not see them play live, which means they would not be included in this write-up. Below, I provide a brief description of how each player performed in the games I watched, along with any relevant statistics I gathered, a short description of each player’s skill set, and all relevant information for each player. Although this is a list of my top performers, the names are listed in alphabetical order and not in ranked order. I will follow this article up with a look at approximately 20 more players that performed well from the 20206 and 2027 classes. I begin this article with Brian Amuneke.
6’4 Brian Amuneke 2025 (Southern California Academy Prep/Castaic CA)
Amuneke had some impressive performances at the West Mania event against some of the nation’s top prospects and shoe circuit teams. Amuneke opened up the event with an impressive showing on the final game of day 1 in Cali Stars 17 Black’s win over Team CSPA PRO16 squad, 60 to 48. He followed that up with another solid game against YGC 17 PRO16 in a close loss, 65 to 60. Amuneke is a versatile two-way player that can play multiple positions on both ends at a high level. He has the length and wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and deflect the ball on defense to create turnovers, does a solid job on the glass with the handle to push the pace of play, and is a good finisher at the basket going coast to coast. Amuneke has a smooth shot on his jumper, moves well off the ball, has the moves to create off the dribble, and is effective with the 3-ball. Amuneke is reclassifying and has nice long-term potential.
6’3 Isaac Carr 2025 (Central Catholic/Portland OR)
Carr displayed his ability to score the ball in a variety of ways on and off the ball for Jalen Green Elites 17u 3SSB squad in a loss to AZ Unity 17 EYBL, 71 to 64. The Oregon commit dropped 15 points in the loss and highlighted his ability to knock down the 3-ball off the dribble or the catch and shoot. Carr has solid handles, the moves to get by his initial defender, gets into the defense to draw fouls, and is a creative finisher around the basket over size. Carr has good court vision and, with his ability to light it up from the perimeter, is able to find open teammates when the defense over pursues and opens up driving lanes. Confident shooter that moves well off the ball to get open looks.
6’10 Chris Cenac 2025 (Newman/New Orleans LA)
Cenac was one of the more versatile bigs at the Made West Mania event showing his ability to operate in the post, as well as make moves to create off the perimeter in YBC 17 PRO16 loss to JL3 17 EYBL, 84 to 67. Despite being in foul trouble, Cenac scored 15 points and pulled down 9 rebounds in the loss. I saw him play on Saturday as well for about 10 minutes of play and his all around impact on both ends was undeniable. Cenac has nice footwork in the paint, moves around the basket to create scoring opportunities, is effective with the mid-post shot, and is efficient from the line, as he forces the defense into tough situations that end up in free throws. Cenac has solid court vision from the high-post, makes good decisions when finding teammates coming off screens, and controls the glass. Cenac has good handles, can push the pace of play up the court, and has enough moves to create off the dribble and get to the basket. Cenac protects the rim and has the lateral ability to step out and alter shots on the perimeter.
6’8 AJ Dybantsa 2025 (Prolific Prep/Napa CA)
The top ranked player in the class of 2025 made his presence felt in countless ways in Oakland Soldiers 17 EYBL blowout win over WCE 17 UAA squad, 76 to 52. After a scoreless opening quarter, Dybantsa got to work in the 2nd period, as he scored 13 of his game high 21 points and did it from all 3-levels. The eastbay dunk off the catch and finish was the play that was trending on social media all weekend long, but the unguardable jab-step 3-ball he connected on multiple times was the pro-level shot making that makes Dybantsa a projected top tier pick in the NBA in a few years. Dybantsa makes great use of the wide crossover to create separation, can rise up on most perimeter defenders to get his shot off, and has the length and athleticism to produce some high flying, entertaining dunks. He uses his length and timing to jump passing lanes, which lead to frequent turnovers and transitions points, the wingspan to alter shots in the post, as well as the agility to alter shots on the perimeter, controls the boards, and is at his best when the pace of play accelerates. Despite being the top ranked player in his class, there is still room for growth in Dybantsa’s game, which is scary for opponents.
6’3 Kayden Edwards 2025 (Duncanville/TX)
Edwards was one of the more dynamic combo guards at the West Mania Showcase, as he displayed range from beyond the arc, lock-up perimeter defense, and the ability to slice through the defense to get to the cup. Edwards put YGC 17 PRO16 on his back in the team’s opening game loss to JL3 17 EYBL, as he would score 23 of his game high 28 points after the break and scored from 3-levels from various spots on the floor. Edwards makes great use of the wide crossover to shake his defender, is effective with the 3-ball off the bounce, plays with great pace to keep his defender on his heels, and is a crafty finisher around the basket. Edwards has good court vision, keeps the ball on a string, and finds teammates in tight windows moving off screens or making back cuts. He does a solid job on the glass, which allows him to push the pace of play in the open court. Edwards was impressive running the offense in the first half of play, but when it was evident the team needed him to be more aggressive scoring the ball, he put up points in volume quickly. Also, a lock-up perimeter defender with quick hands and good footwork to frustrate his opponents and generate turnovers. There is a lot to like with Edwards’ game and a high major talent.
6’5 Winters Grady 2025 (Prolific Prep/Napa CA)
Grady displayed one of the purest and smoothest jump shots of any player at the Made West Mania, which is saying something considering the level of talent on display throughout the event. Grady was cooking in Jalen Green Elite 17 3SSB opening game against AZ Unity 17 EYBL, as he would lead his squad in scoring with 20 points, showing his efficiency from beyond the arc connecting on 4 threes. Grady gets great lift on his jumper to rise up and shoot over most defenders, the handles and moves to create space and get to his shot spots, moves fluidly off the ball to get open looks off the catch and shoot, and the build to finish through contact when attacking open lanes off the dribble. He has good court vision and feel with the ball in hand to find open teammates when the defense over plays Grady, which happens often with his lethal shooting accuracy. Grady will have the opportunity to have a big Spring and Summer with JGE 17s, as it was evident he was one, if not the primary scorer for the 3SSB squad. One of the sweetest jump shots in the country.
6’6 Hudson Greer 2025 (Lake Travis/Austin TX)
Greer is coming off a solid showing at the Final Four USA Minicamp and he kept up his high level of play for JL3 17 EYBL. In the team’s opening game win over YGC 17 PRO16, Greer led his team in scoring with 23 points, connecting on 3 threes. Greer does a solid job on the boards, looks to push the tempo off the glass in the open court, and has the court vision to whip the ball to the open man in transition. Greer has a tight handle on the ball, shifty moves to create space from his defender, and is effective with the jumper off the dribble. Greer plays with good pace and feel, keeps his defender guessing, has a quick first step to get by his opponent, and can light it up from beyond the arc. Greer is dangerous in the open court, as was evident with some dazzling dunks and some transition threes. Greer is a solid on-ball defender, uses his wingspan to deflect passes and jump passing lanes, and turns defense to offense routinely. Great motor.
6’6 Shelton Henderson 2025 (Bellaire/TX)
Henderson displayed his offensive versatility with the physical build to enforce his game around the basket and the skill set to create shots from the perimeter at the West Mania event. Henderson came out the gate firing on all cylinders, as he would score 14 of his 20 points in the first half of play to help JL3 17 EYBL build a comfortable lead over YGC 17 PRO16. Henderson has solid handles, shifty moves to create space from his defender with the accuracy to hit jumpers off the dribble from the mid-range to the 3-point line, great body control through contact on jumpers and when attacking down the lane, and draws fouls with efficiency from the free throw line. Henderson is a versatile defender, with the build to defend bigger players in the interior and the athleticism and foot speed to stay in front of smaller guards. Henderson makes good use of his blend of strength and skill and makes up a great scoring duo with Hudson Greer.
6’1 Gavin Hightower 2025 (Windward/Los Angeles CA)
Hightower led Vegas Elite 17 EYBL in scoring in a lop-sided win over Gamepoint 17 3SSB, as he would lead all scorers with 15 points. Hightower plays with great pace and control with the ball in his hands, keeps it on a string to survey the floor, and has the court vision to find open teammates when attacking off the perimeter. Hightower has good body control scoring around the basket, has nice touch on the floater or mid-range jumper, and is effective with the 3-ball off the dribble. Defensively, Hightower has active hands on defense, gets into his opponents dribbling space, and creates turnovers that lead to easy transition points. Hightower will be the primary lead guard for this Vegas Elite squad and will look to garner more interest from D1 coaches on the Nike circuit this Spring and Summer.
6’8 Beckham King 2025 (Seattle Prep/WA)
King had it going in the 2nd half of Washington Supreme NB 17 loss to Team Why Not 17 EYBL, as he would score all 11 of his points after the break. King is dominant on the boards, has the handles to push the ball off the glass, and gets a lot of second chance points on the offensive boards. King makes good use of the long cross over to create separation from his opponent, the height and length to shoot over any perimeter defender, the moves to put the ball on the deck and attack open lanes, and has nice touch on shots around the basket. King also serves as a solid rim protector in the paint and the wing.
6’4 Zachariah Linson 2025 (Jay/San Antonio TX)
Linson had it going from beyond the arc in SA Future 17 PRO16 loss to AZ Unity 17 EYBL on day 2 of the West Mania event. One of the more under the radar players from the 2025 class at the event, Linson has the length and wingspan to deflect passes and alter perimeter shots, as well as the handles to push the ball up the court. Linson showcased his efficiency from the 3 point line, as he knocked down 3 threes in the first half off the catch and shoot. He moves well off the ball and gets to his shot spots.
6’5 Julius Olanrewaju 2025 (San Joaquin Memorial/Fresno CA)
Olanrewaju had his high level shooting on display in Jalen Green Elite 17 3SSB opener against AZ Unity 17 EYBL. Olanrewaju would finish with 12 points and connected on a pair of threes in the 71 to 64 loss. Olanrewaju hit several jumpers off the dribble, as well as a few off the catch, showing his ability to play on and off the ball in the half court setting. Olanrewaju has tight handles, the moves to create separation from his defenders, and nice size as a perimeter player to shoot over most defenders. Olanrewaju is an underrated facilitator from the top of the key or the high-post, as he routinely finds players coming off screens or on back cuts. He does a solid job on the glass, looks to push the ball up the court, and has the size to finish through contact around the basket.
6’6 Jaion Pitt 2025 (Dream City Christian/Glendale AZ)
Pitt is the true definition of a swiss army knife on the court, as he scores, rebounds, blocks shots, gets steals, and makes some nice passes. Pitt displayed his all around skill set on both ends at the Made West Mania event for AZ Unity 17 EYBL in wins against JGE 17 3SSB and SA Future 17 PRO16. Pitt has the court vision to make plays from the high-post, has an effective jumper from the mid-range, controls the boards on both ends, and has nice touch around the basket. Pitt can push the ball up the court if needed and serves as a reliable rim protector in the interior. Plays with great effort and will win the 50/50 ball almost every time.
6’4 Demorae Pritchett 2025 (Summer Creek/Humble TX)
Pritchett had a strong showing in the opening game of Made West Mania for JL3 17 EYBL against YGC 17 PRO16, as he put up 15 points and connected on 3 threes. Pritchett moves fluidly off the ball, gets to his shot spots, has a smooth but quick release on his jumper, and has the size and length to shoot over most perimeter defenders. Pritchett displayed the handles and moves to create off the dribble, knocked down a few mid-range jumpers, and was creative on finishes around the basket. Pritchett is active on the glass and plays with good energy and constant movement.
6’4 CJ Shaw 2025 (Mojave/Las Vegas NV)
Shaw is a lengthy combo guard that has the handles to push the tempo in the open court, the moves to shake his opponent and get open looks on his jumper, and the court vision to find open teammates when on the attack. Shaw had a big second half for Vegas Elite 17 EYBL with 11 points to help his team take down Gamepoint 3SSB, 71 to 45. Shaw does a solid job on the boards, looks to push the pace of play in transition where he excels with the ball in hand, and moves fluidly off the ball for catch and shoot threes. Shaw has the moves to create off the bounce, the wiggle to slice through the defense, and the playmaking ability to create shots or be a facilitator.
6’4 Gavin Sykes 2025 (Modesto Christian/CA)
Sykes is one of the better shooting guards on the West in the 2025 class and he let that be known in the Soldiers 17 EYBL win over WCE 17 UAA, as he would put up 19 points as the second leading scorer for the Soldiers in that opening night game. Sykes moves well off the ball to get to his shot spots, is accurate with the jumper off the catch and shoot, and makes quality decisions on when to put the ball on the deck and attack closeouts, leading to assists or mid-range jumpers. Sykes has the handles and court awareness to play the lead guard position, but also the moves to create his own shots off the dribble, which is when he is at his best. Sykes has a smooth jumper, does not hesitate when he has a window to shoot, and scores in volume quickly. Sykes could be the offensive spark that helps lift the Soldiers play when teams put all their attention on Dybantsa and Stokes.
6’4 AJ Thomas 2025 (Eduprize/Gilbert AZ)
Thomas was one of the better pure point guards on both ends of the court, as he would do his part in WCE 17 UAA loss to Soldiers 17 EYBL taking on the task of defending the top ranked player in the 2026 class in Tyran Stokes. Johnson uses his physical build and athleticism to stay in front of his opponent, has active hands to poke the ball out or rip it from his man, which leads to points in the open court. Thomas keeps the ball on a string, has the size to survey the defense to find the right teammate, and has a great first step to blow by his defender and get into the defense. Thomas is a pass first and get others involved type of point guard who does a solid job controlling the pace of play, with the build to absorb and finish through contact when getting downhill.
6’9 Dallas Washington 2025 (Santa Margarita Catholic/RSM CA)
Washington has made some major strides in his game, which were on display in game 2 of the opening day of games at the Made West Mania event. Washington led all scorers with 21 points to help lead AZ Unity 17 EYBL over JGE 17 3SSB, 71 to 64. Washington had it going from the perimeter, as he knocked down a pair of threes and a couple deep two-pointers. Washington does a solid job on the glass, is a good rim protector in the paint and on the perimeter, and is versatile on defense, with the size and length to defend bigs and the agility and quickness to switch off on smaller guards. Washington has the handles to push the ball in the open court, the moves to create off the perimeter, and is a really tough match-up for opponents, as he has too much size for smaller defenders and the moves to pull bigger players away from the basket and get by them when on the attack. Washington’s game has become more controlled and he has gotten more comfortable playing inside out and not forcing everything from the perimeter. Intriguing long term prospect.
6’4 Kole Williams 2025 (Carter/Dallas TX)
Williams had a strong opening game for YGC 17 PRO16’s loss to JL3 17 EYBL, as he scored 13 points and helped keep YGC in the game when Cenac got in foul trouble. Williams has a solid frame and is effective with the 3-ball off the catch and shoot or off the dribble. Williams does a solid job on the glass, has the strength to finish through contact when attacking the basket, and gets good lift on the stop and pop mid-range jumper. Williams has the handles and moves to create off the perimeter and showed to be a versatile defender, guarding the 1 through 3 effectively.
6’6 Tounde Yessoufou 2025 (St. Joseph/Santa Maria CA)
Yessoufou physically imposed his will on opponents in Team Why Not 17u EYBL big win over Washington Supreme NB 17s, 85 to 54. Yessoufou scored 14 points in limited minutes of play, as well as controlling the boards, jumping passing lanes to create steals, and alter shots with his quick bounce off the ground. Yessoufou’s handles looked solid, the moves to create separation from his defender, and was accurate with the 3-ball off the dribble. Yessoufou had some thunderous dunks in the open court and will look to be the all around impact guy for Why Not again this season, filling up the stat sheet across the board. Yessoufou is an elite athlete, has tremendous second and third jump bounce to control the boards, has the physical build to absorb and finish through contact at the basket, and has good footwork and moves to score in a variety of ways from the mid-range.
