With the much of the attention (and rightfully so) being given to the winners bracket of the Crocs Platinum Division Bracket at the Tarkanian Classic, there were a number of players whose respective teams stumbled early on, therefore playing them in one of the consolation brackets. Losses happen, so this wasn't a bad thing by any means and there was still an absurd amount of talent in the consolation brackets being recognized by the NBA scouts, D-1 coaches, and writers alike.
Already having profiled 6-foot-3 five star sophomore Tai Bell (who had another ridiculous 37-point performance) and soaring 6-foot-6 junior swingman OJ Popoola in our last piece, here are a six more names who put on a show throughout the consolation brackets at the Tarkanian Classic:
Archie Weatherspoon V, 6'3, PG, Rangeview HS (Colorado), 2027
Making his case for the top junior in Colorado, Archie Weatherspoon V showed that he could thrive against the nation's finest at Tarkanian. Capable of playing either guard spot, Archie kept pressure on the D with his deep range, showed great touch in the paint, and really knows how to draw fouls. The 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 8 fouls drawn against an athletic Dallas Carter squad show the impact that he is able to have on the game as a big playmaker.
Mason Magee, 6'0, PG, Basha HS (Arizona), 2026
With the NCAA transfer portal reaching all time heights, many players are slipping through the cracks, making the mid-major level of basketball as strong as it has been in recent memory. Many of the players you see playing in power conferences spent time at the mid-major level before transferring up and Mason Magee has that type of potential. The explosive lead guard was in attack mode any time that he had the rock, got to the paint at will, and made a number of creative finishes once he got to the rim.The fearless style of play that Magee brings to the table was evident in his 19-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist showing against Hillgrove and should allow him to help USF from day one as a freshman.
Lleyton Leonard, 6'4, SG, Basha HS (Arizona), 2028
Well known on the West Coast since winning MVP of the Pangos Jr. All-America Camp as an 8th grader, Lleyton Leonard is now showing that he's a big time prospect at the high school ranks. The long armed lefty is a fluid jump shooter with his feet set (hit 4 threes against Georgia power Hillgrove HS), was able to disrupt the game with his length, and could beat you with straight line drives. Already holding high major offers, Leonard is continuing to build his reputation as one of the better two way sophomores in the West Region.
Terrell Jackson, 6'9, PF, Dallas Carter HS (Texas), 2028
While his numbers may not have reflected it due to limited offensive touches, Terrell Jackson showed the promise that has made him one of the better sophomore bigs nationally. He showed remarkable footwork getting to his shot with back to the basket, ran the floor like a guard, and showed incredible range getting out to defend on the perimeter. The MVP of the Pangos All South Frosh/Soph Camp is just scratching the surface and is bound for a monster year in the Dallas Independent School District.
Donovan Williams, 6'3, PG/SG, Oak Ridge HS (Florida), 2026
Donovan Williams made the transfer from storied program Oak Hill Academy to Florida power Oak Ridge, but brought the same game that made him a high major prospect. The bulldog guard brought physical play on the defensive end, sought out contact offensively, and shot the ball well from deep to solidify himself as a scoring threat. Heading to Central Florida, the combination of toughness and ability to defend should allow him to see time right away in the Big 12.
Chase Robertson, 6'5, SG, Desert Pines HS (Nevada), 2026
A player who I wasn't familiar with going into the event, Chase Robertson stood out the second that I laid eyes on him in the auxiliary gym at Bishop Gorman. Able to get his own shot off of the bounce or facilitate for others, Chase did a little bit of everything as a creator for Desert Pines in their hyped matchup with Palisades (Cal.). The NorCal transfer already holds D1 offers, but it's still wide open in terms of his recruitment.
Editor's Pick
Tarkanian Classic HS Division: Back Gym Gems