With state high school association sanctioned programs wrapping up their regular seasons, it’s that time for a number of prep schools as well. The Grind Session held its final regular season event of the 2023-24 campaign at Napa Valley College, titled “The Crush In The Valley 2”, brought teams from a handful of states and Canada to wine country. Host school Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) ran the table, going 3-0 on the weekend and remaining undefeated within Grind Session Power Conference play at 16-0. The crew presently sit at No. 8 in the latest FAB 50 National Rankings.

Here are a few of the best stock-risers from the Crush In The Valley II:

Mikey Lewis, 6’3, PG/SG, Prolific Prep (CA), 2024
He's been on the radar for quite some time, but despite his lofty numbers for the Oakland Soldiers and for Accelerated Prep, it feels like people sleep on him at times. The electric scorer puts pressure on defenders any time that he has the rock, has made huge strides as a playmaker for others, and has developed into a serious on ball defender against either backcourt spot. Lewis is St. Mary’s most heralded recruit and will undoubtedly find himself in contention for a number of post-season high school all-star games.

Lucas Toukam, 6’7, PF, Bella Vista Prep (AZ), 2026
While I had seen Lucas Toukam before, I was watching without a roster and had no idea that he was only a sophomore. Built like a grown man, the sophomore showed no fear on the floor, rebounded the ball outside of his area, and showed no problem converting through traffic at the rim. Toukam utilizes every bit of his 7-foot-3 wingspan on both ends of the court and will be a name to watch on the AAU circuit this spring.

Carter McDole, 6’7, SF, DNA Prep (CA), 2024
An intriguing long term prospect, Carter McDole started off his high school career at national power Montverde Academy (FL) then transferred to Orlando power Olympia HS, and is wrapping up his career out west at DNA Prep in LA. The lefty is able to play both forward spots, is an outstanding facilitator for others, and uses his athleticism to change the game on both ends of the court. McDole is a high upside two way forward whose best days of basketball are certainly ahead of him.

Aidan Sherrell, 6’11, C, Prolific Prep (CA), 2024
It’s hard for a McDonald’s All American to technically be considered a “stock riser,” but Aidan Sherrell showed that people may have him a bit lower than they should in the national rankings. The Alabama commit was much more assertive on the offensive end, was a game changer with his ability to keep plays alive on the offensive glass, and showed his developing range to the 3-point line. The Detroit native has ascended just as much as anyone in the national rankings over the past 18 months and there aren’t many bigs with higher upside in ‘24 than Sherrell.

Dace Pleasant, 6’5, SG/SF, Elite Prep (WA), 2024
There weren't many people who were more productive at Crush In The Valley than Dace Pleasant, who averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds while shooting the lights out in Elite Prep’s two games in Napa. Pleasant has an old school game, utilizes his size to make crafty finishes at the rack, and is a constant threat on the court wherever he is because of his deep jumpshot. The Seattle wing still remains wide open in terms of his recruitment.

Xaviel Rodriguez, 6’5, SG/SF, Accelerated Prep (CO), 2024
One of the better pure shooters of the event, Xaviel Rodriguez was a constant floor spacer for Accelerated Prep throughout the Crush In The Valley. He showed effortless range with his feet set, had no shortage of confidence letting it fly, and possesses a sturdy frame. The Puerto Rican product spends a considerable amount of time training with NBA players in Vegas at Impact Basketball, only making his transition to the collegiate level that much easier.