Two weekends also, I was able to evaluate prospects at the New Balance P32 Regional in Rockwall, Texas and at The Circuit Duel in DFW at North Lake (Irving, Texas). We recently took a look at the top underclass prospects at New Balance and now take a look at the top rising seniors (2027s) at the Duel in DFW.
While the rest of the Ballislife staff was busy putting on the 2026 Ballislife SeaWorld All-American Game last weekend, I was evaluating and fighting brutal traffic at the Nike EYBL stop in Atlanta . Because everyone was so busy, we'll now go back and take a look at the action from the Duel in DFW and will follow up with a report on the top 2027s at EYBL.
Marcus Spears vs. Dawson Battie
In a tightly contested matchup between two elite 2027 five-star prospects, Marcus Spears Jr. of Drive Nation and Dawson Battie of Southern Ties, it was Drive Nation who came out on top in a one-point victory. Both prospects showed why they’re among the top players in their class, impacting the game in different ways.
Spears made his presence felt primarily on the defensive end, where his versatility and instincts stood out. He showed the ability to guard multiple positions, using his size and mobility to switch across the floor effectively.
What really separated him was his anticipation as a rim protector. Spears consistently read plays early, rotating at the right time and making impactful contests around the basket. His timing and feel defensively give him unique value, especially for a player with his positional flexibility.
Offensively, Spears showed flashes, including knocking down a catch-and-shoot three, which points to upside in his perimeter game (side note: His motor on the glass is unmatched). While his offensive skill set is still developing, there is clear potential. As he continues to polish his overall game, particularly offensively, his ceiling remains very high. Regardless of what he still needs to improve on, Spears' impact on the game was clear, and still is the No. 1 player in 2027.
Battie showcased a next-level physical profile, bringing strength, size, and presence that immediately stands out. Offensively, he displayed an inside-out scoring punch, proving he can be effective both around the rim and facing up. At times, finishing against length gave Battie some trouble, as defenders were able to contest and alter shots in the paint. However, one of the more encouraging aspects of his performance was his adjustment as the game progressed.
Rather than forcing tough shots, Battie began taking what the defense gave him, showing improved decision-making and composure. That ability to adapt is a strong indicator of his long-term development.
Matchup Takeaway
Spears impacted winning with his defense, versatility, and instincts, while Battie impressed with his physical tools and evolving offensive approach.
As both continue to develop, this matchup served as another glimpse into their high-level potential and future impact.
Reese Alston Keeps His 5 Star Status
Reese Alston of Cooz Elite Pro16 continues to make a strong case as arguably the best point guard in the 2027 class nationally, and his recent performances only added to that conversation.
In wins over Iowa United and Team Elevate, Alston showcased a rare blend of speed, control, and scoring ability that makes him extremely difficult to defend. He is hard to keep in front, with the ability to make moves at full speed without losing momentum. That combination of pace and control allows him to consistently break down defenders and create advantages.
A dynamic scorer who can produce in a variety of ways, Alston's shiftiness and ability to change directions makes him tough to contain and showed the ability to score in bursts and take over stretches of the game.
Even as a high-level scorer, Alston did a strong job of getting his teammates involved. He balanced scoring with playmaking, making the right reads and keeping the offense flowing. That ability to impact the game beyond just scoring adds another layer to his value as a lead guard.
Eval Takeaway
Reese’s performances reinforced why he’s viewed as a top-tier point guard in the 2027 class. With his combination of shiftiness, explosiveness, and scoring ability, paired with his willingness to involve teammates, he brings a dynamic presence that only a few players nationally in 2027 can match.
Jae’Qurian Lincoln: One To Keep Tabs On
Jae’Qurian Lincoln put together an impressive showing playing for Apex Pro16, proving himself as one of the more productive and versatile wings in attendance. In a time where the NCAA transfer portal often dominates recruiting attention, Lincoln made a strong case he is a player who should still be firmly on Division I coaches’ radar.
Lincoln is the definition of a jack-of-all-trades wing, impacting the game across multiple areas. He averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds per game, showing his ability to both score and control the glass from the wing position. His production reflects how consistently he was involved in winning plays.
Jae is also a good two-foot athlete, which shows in his ability to finish through contact, rebound in traffic, and play with balance around the rim. His athleticism isn’t just about explosiveness—it’s functional and translates directly to in-game production.
Eval Takeaway
Lincoln’s performance warranted him The Circuit Duel In DFW 17U MVP. A productive, versatile wing who impacts winning in multiple ways. With his combination of size, rebounding, control, and all-around production, he is a player who should continue to draw Division I interest, even in a recruiting landscape heavily influenced by the transfer portal.
Get To Know: Tristone Hawthorne (SIPP United)
Triston Hawthorne was one of the most impactful defenders at the Circuit Duel in DFW, anchoring the paint for Sipp United Pro16 and earning Defensive MVP honors for his dominant performance.
At 6’7 with long arms, Hawthorne played the role of an undersized 5, but made up for it with elite defensive instincts and activity. He averaged an eye-popping 8 blocks per game over the weekend, consistently protecting the rim and altering shots at a high level.
Hawthorne’s impact comes from his length, anticipation, and quickness off the floor. He does an excellent job reading plays, rotating at the right time, and meeting opponents at the rim. His ability to get off the ground quickly allows him to contest multiple efforts and recover defensively. His style of play gives shades of Ja'Vier Francis, who used to play at University of Houston, as he embraces physicality, plays with a high motor, and uses his tools to make a defensive impact despite not being a traditional center’s size.
Get To Know: Tim White (Top Achievers)
Tim White made a strong impression for Top Achievers, showcasing himself as one of the most physical and imposing interior players in the 17U division.
At 6’9 with a big, powerful frame, White brings a level of strength that immediately stands out. He’s as strong as an ox and isn’t afraid to use his body, consistently carving out space in the paint and establishing deep position.
What separated him from others at the event was his ability to play through contact at a high level. White embraced physicality on every possession, finishing tough baskets in traffic and absorbing hits without being knocked off balance. Among all 17U players in attendance, he was arguably the most effective at finishing through contact.
He also brings a physical presence on the glass and sets a tone inside with his willingness to battle. His style of play is built on toughness, effort, and imposing his will in the paint.
Eval Takeaway
Bigs come at a premium and what Tim can become when he gets older, it could cost a lot for his services one day. As his body gets more sculpted, I think we will see a productive college player. I’m not going to say nobody knows who this kid is, but D1 schools need to really take a look at him.
ASAK 3SSB Backcourt
In a back-and-forth battle vs. Legynds EYCL, which ended in a game winning basket by Jonathan Bradley, the ASAK 3SSB backcourt consisting of Bradley and Josiah Jones proved to be the difference, delivering timely shot-making and high-level self-creation throughout the game.
Bradley consistently applied pressure on the defense as a paint toucher, using his length and aggressiveness to get downhill. With long arms and a large finishing bag, he was able to convert in traffic and finish through contact. His ability to collapse the defense opened things up, and he showed a knack for making key plays when it mattered most.
Jones complemented Bradley perfectly with his wiggle and shot creation ability. He’s a guard who can score in stretches, using his handle and pace to create separation and get to his spots. When he gets going, he has the ability to impose his will on the game, knocking down tough shots and keeping the defense off balance.
Other Duel in DFW 2027 Standouts
Wesley Zenon, 6’3 SG - 3D Empire: Steady off-guard that knows how to play. Dependable second side scorer with a high feel for the game. D1 level player in my opinion.
Kellen Cantrell, 6’2 SG - 3D Empire: New addition to the squad. Cantrell bombed triples from standstill to movement threes. Good to see him let it fly with supreme confidence.
Jayden Hopkins, 6’2 PG - Southern Ties: Quick guard that finished vs length and competed at a high level defensively. Wasn’t any quit with him and was key cog in a near comeback win vs Drive Nation.
Gavin Paez, 6’4 Wing - Drive Nation: 6’4ish wing that used size and physicality on defensive end. Thought he did a good job bumping guys off their spot. Offensively, showed adequate drive game and finished through contact while launching off one foot.
Tyran Frazier, 6’9 Forward - Iowa United: Toolsy, high ceiling wing-forward who’s slowly piecing the puzzle together.
Chauncey Cravens, 5’11 PG - Legynds EYCL: Ball of energy guard that got to the paint at will, shouldered offensive load, and leads.
Drew Guy, 6’5 SG - Texas Impact: Played one game at the event, but Drew used his size (6’5) sturdy frame to punish weaker defenders with his drive game.
Brodrick Wyatt, 6’4 Wing - Cooz Elite: Powerfully built wing-guard with a well rounded skill-set. Productive, a legit perimeter option that gets a lot done.
EJ Coppock, 6’4 CG - Ballers Nation: A big project combo guard that has deep shooting range. The best basketball is ahead of him. Has spurts of on and off ball, high level scoring and play-making.
Quincy Baker, 6’3 CG - YGC: Versatile young guard with a dependable mid-range pull and sound decision maker.
Kingston Rottinghaus, 6’5 Wing - All Arkansas Red: Under the radar 6’5 spot-up guy that has translatable skill and feel.
Gavin Green, 5’9 PG - Team Blessed: Steady, ball moving pg that scores within the flow of the offense and looks to manage it.
Dylan Matlock Reed, 6’4 Wing - DC Kings: Tough perimeter southpaw scorer that is a scholarship level talent. Can see D1’s on him this summer. Especially after June or July.
