CyHoops Invitational Recap
Here I will give you ten players that caught my attention over three days at the CyHoops Invitational Tournament.
2025 G Ke’bari Lewis (Cypress Creek High School) - I was very interested to see how he would return from injury. He more than exceeded my expectations. His explosiveness and ability to make tough shots are what impressed me the most. If he continues this play, look for him to garner some Division I looks.
2025 G Michael Collins (Shadow Creek High School) - He’s always been known as a defender, but his offensive game (whether driving to the basket or spotting up for three-point shots) has improved tremendously. He displayed his all-around game in leading the Sharks to the championship and earning Most Valuable Player honors.
2024 W Kaden Tate (Shadow Creek High School) - If you were to look up Swiss army knife in the dictionary, his picture would be next to the definition. He plays bigger than he really is, rebounds out of his area, blocks shots, runs the floor, and can make the highlight dunk play too. Shadow Creek definitely needs every ounce of energy that he brings. By the way, he’s still unsigned.
2025 G Isaac Saavedra (Cypress Ranch High School) - He’s easy to dismiss when you first look at him until he starts shooting the ball from deep. Isaac is a big shot taker and a big shot maker. He’s never afraid of the moment and continued his great momentum from earlier in this season. Look out for him as this season progresses.
2024 G Malek Archie (McKinney High School) - This kid impressed me with his ability to put the ball on the floor and score from all three levels. He was an above average ball handler that was savvy enough to know when to pass the ball and when to shoot it. That might sound like an easy thing to know but it's a skill that most kids don’t possess these days. He’s currently unsigned, but I don’t think that will be for very long.
2025 P Brayden Young (Cypress Falls High School) - What a difference a year makes. He was definitely the unquestioned leader of the team. Brayden was very physical and dominant in leading the Eagles into the championship game. His ability to control the game with his defensive intensity was the most impressive part of watching him. No wonder he’s signed to a Division I school.
2024 W Julian Greer (Cypress Falls High School) - When Julian is hitting shots, CyFalls looks like a totally different team. Even though he didn’t have the best championship game, he made some important shots (including a big three-pointer to send the game into overtime against McKinney). He’s as important of a piece on the wing as Brayden is in the post. His scoring and shot making ability are what make him one of the top unsigned wings in the city.
2025 P Izu Emelife (Clear Springs High School) - Talk about a throwback player. Izu embodies all of those traits. He doesn’t play outside of himself and doesn’t do anything that the coach doesn’t ask him to do. He scored tough back-to-the-basket buckets and controlled the defensive glass as well. Coach Hairfield should lean on him a lot in district play.
2024 W Stoney Hadnot (Cypress Springs High School) - I’m always telling Stoney that I want to see more out of him. He gave me just what I had been looking for. He played with energy, speed, and a mean streak I hadn’t seen in him before. His shot-making and ability to get to the rack have always been there, but the work he did on the defensive end is what most impressed me this weekend.
Langham Creek - This team impressed me so much that I couldn’t just pick one individual player. Their run to the semi-final, and eventually a third-place finish, was very eye-opening for me. They have everything you need to make a long run in the playoffs: good guard play, size on the wings, and the ability to rebound the basketball on the inside. Once again, this is a TEAM in all facets. Great job, Lobos!
Article Written by: Robert Carroll [Ball So Hard, Lead Scout]
December 11th, 2023
