Hoop Hall Classic: Day Three Top Performers
Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hoop Hall Classic brought together 54 teams from across the country to the birthplace of basketball. The 22nd annual event will take place from January 11 through the 15th with some of the top players in the country competing.
On3’s Jamie Shaw was courtside for day three of the showcase. Let’s break down the top performers from day three of the Hool Happ Classic.
On3 MVP Five-Star Plus SG Jalil Bethea (Miami)
Jalil Bethea combined being an alpha with efficiency today for a big overall output. The 6-foot-6 guard scored a day two high of 40 points, and he did so in an almost quiet manner. Nothing he shot was forced, everything he had came to him within the flow of the game. His 39th and 40th points came on two free throws that sealed the 73-71 win. Bethea showed capable of creating his own shot and was confident knocking it down from each level. Already On3’s No. 9 player in 2024, the development of his game is in the ancillary stuff. Bethea added eight rebounds and four assists in the win. The ball did not stick in his hands like it had a tendency to do in the past, and he found immense production.
2. Five-Star Plus PF Koa Peat (2025)
Koa Peat was highly productive on both ends of the court, dictating flow and pace with his presence. The 6-foot-8 forward was an intimidating presence on the defensive end of the floor, protecting the rim and showcasing a physicality his opponent was not able to match. Offensively, Peat initiated a lot of the offense and got the ball to dangerous areas of the court. He attacked the basket with a purpose and absorbed contact, finishing multiple three-point plays. Peat brings a lot of winning intangibles to the court and seems to elevate the play of his teammates on both ends of the floor. He finished with 23 points, ten rebounds, and seven blocks in the win.
3. 4-star SF Bily Richmond (Kentucky)
Billy Richmond had a notable matchup with Duke signee Isaiah Evans to start the day. The 6-foot-6 Richmond showed a competitive nature along with clear development in his game. Richmond handled the ball with confidence, getting the ball into the front court and getting it to the right spots. Where his game really developed is with the shooting 4-5 from three on the game. Richmond was also tasked with defending Duke signee Isaiah Evans and held him to 21 points on 22 shots. He used his length and quick-twitch to give the five-star problems. Richmond scored his 1,000th career high school point and finished with 26 points, three assists, and two steals in the win.
4. 4-star PG Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
Miami (FL) Christopher Columbus High entered the fourth quarter trailing. Michigan State signee Jase Richardson ignited a huge quarter that pushed Columbus to a 19-point win. Richardson was all over the floor, making plays on every level. He used his quick hands and anticipation on the defensive end. He attacked the paint with burst and control to finish at the rim or distribute passes to get teammates open. Richardson plays with a lot of confidence, he brings a lot of positivity to the floor no matter the score. Richardson finished with 20 points, nine assists, and four steals.
5. 3-star PG Ace Buckner (Clemson)
Ace Buckner is the son of former Clemson forward, and current Cleveland Cavs assistant coach Greg Buckner. Ace is a pure point guard who simply continues to make the right play. Standing at 6-foot-2, he is a quick processor with the ball and delivers on target and on time from multiple levels on the floor. Buckner continues to improve all aspects of his game and the production continues to shine. The Clemson signee finished with 19 points and six assists while going 7-9 from the field.
6. Five-Star Plus+ PF Cameron Boozer (2025)
We have come to expect productive games from Five-Star Plus+ power forward Cameron Boozer. The 6-foot-9 Boozer has won a state championship, a Peach Jam Championship, and a gold medal with USA Basketball over the past 12 months. This outing was no different, simply put, he was steady in what he did. Boozer carries a strong frame, with excellent length and touch. He understands angles and how to position himself to get open, and he has soft touch, with both hands around the basket. Boozer finished with 26 points and seven rounds with four assists and five blocks in the win.
7. 4-star PF Derik Queen (uncommitted 2024)
Derik Queen is a load on the block, a mismatch for most high school bigs with his skill, size, and quickness. He has a keen understanding of angles and footwork and is able to create an advantage on most possessions on the block. Queen has an array of go-to post moves, with counters to go along with each. He is a good passer and has patience with the ball in his hands as well. While the Montverde (FL) Academy team carried a blowout from start to finish of this one, Queen was a consistent producer, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
8. 3 star CG Kayden Mingo (2025)
Kayden Mingo has been a steady and productive producer all season. The aggressive combo guard is comfortable on the ball, he is aggressive at the point of attack guarding the ball and getting into the paint. Mingo’s shooting has taken another step this season, as he is consistently finding his balance points from beyond the arc and knocking down shots. In a notable matchup against Miami (FL) Christopher Columbus, Mingo had a team-high 19 points. He had another efficient showing from the floor, going 8-13 from the field and 2-5 from three. The 6-foot-3 guard jumped to No. 90 in the most recent 2025 On3 150 update.
Other Hoop Hall Top Performers
Five-Star Plus+ SG VJ Edgecombe (uncommitted 2024) plays with so much explosive pop. That enhances his game on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-4 Edgecombe moved the ball well today and showed flashes of his incredible burst at times. He struggled to get the three-point shot going consistently but still finished with 14 points, three assists, and two blocks.
Five-Star Plus+ Cooper Flagg (Duke) had a pretty pedestrian game as his Montverde (FL) Academy team jumped out to a quick lead and was able to cruise to a big win. Flagg affects the game throughout the box score, with his finishing, defense, and distribution. With the flashes he showed when he was on the court, the sold-out crowd was on their feet. Flagg delivered a couple of crowd-pleasing moments for them finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the 91-58 win.
4-star G Jeremiah Green (2025) is a paint-touch lead guard who plays aggressively at the point of attack. He kept his head up when he was on the move here and sprayed passes on target and on time to his teammates. It was a very productive touting.
5-star SF Isaiah Evans (Duke) had a rough outing. The noted shot-maker could not get things going in the heralded matchup against Kentucky signee Billy Richmond. Evans struggled to create separation off the bounce and had a few turnovers when he would touch the paint off the bounce. He did rebound his possession well but struggled to move on defense, both on and off the ball. Evans finished with 21 points, he was 7-22 from the field and 3-10 from three. The 6-foot-6 Duke signee did have ten rebounds in the game.
4-star PG David Castillo (Kansas State) is a steady point guard who will deliver consistency each time out. The type of guard who will take care of possessions and knock down some shots. He has a strong build and a leadership-type personality. He finished with ten points and four rebounds going 3-8 from three.
4-star PF Spencer Ahrens (2025) – The 6-foot-9 forward jumped up to No. 74 in On3’s most recent 2025 ranking. His activity level was impressive in this one, both off the ball and with the ball in his hands. He will continue to get stronger and a lot of the chippies he missed will turn into makes. He has time still, but the improvement in his game is noticeable. Ahrens finished with ten points, eight rebounds, and three blocks.
4-star CG Jerry Easter (2025) played an aggressive game, looking to score from each level. He has a strong frame which he uses to touch the paint and to make a play. Easter was 2-2 from three today, which is a step in the right direction. Easter had 23 points and seven rebounds going 10-15 from the field.
3-star PF Kany Tchanda (uncommitted 2024) has found health this season, and with that he has added production. Tchanda is a fluid athlete with good hands. He finished well around the basket moved well off the ball and was active on the defensive end. The 6-foot-10 forward is an uncommitted senior. He finished with 16 points, two blocks, and an assist while going 6-7 from the field.
4-star SG Gicarri Harris (Purdue) is a connecting guard, able to fill in the gaps of his team depending on what is needed of him. Harris plays with confidence, and he can dribble, shoot, and pass under pressure. The Purdue signee played tough defense, creating deflections and steals, and the ball did not stick in his hands. While not flashy, Harris was productive.
4-star SF Carter Bryant (Arizona) is just overflowing with upside, and the 6-foot-8 Arizona signee is starting to see the flashes turn into production. His defense is currently ahead of his offense, where you can see him utilize his length and explosive athleticism best. The offense is interesting. The jump shot has improved, but he still needs to work on his footwork and balance. When he attacks the rim, production typically follows, but oftentimes, he settles for a jump shot. Bryant is still figuring it all out, but the overall puzzle is very intriguing. He finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, going 3-8 from three.
4-star SG Nojus Indrusitis (Iowa State) made the best out of a tough situation, showing an impressive scoring arsenal despite the score of the game. Indrusitis has a good feel with an understanding of how to get to his spots in an efficient manner. He shot the ball well, showing his shooting touch and range, and he moved the ball in the flow of the offense. He had 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists while shooting 2-5 from three.