There were a plethora of talented prospects on display on the first day of the prep division of the Tarkanian Classic. The big game was the matchup between FAB 50 No. 2 CIA Bella Vista vs. Dynamic Prep, but there were 13 other games in the main gym that included a variety of prospects that project on various levels. I break down prospects and things that caught my eye.
Malachi Jordan, Mateen Cleaves Jr. Impressed
FAB 50 No. 24 Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) captured a 73-62 win vs So Cal Academy (Calif.). Five-Star 2027 (junior) wing Malachi Jordan strung together 18 points and shot over 50 percent from the field. A physical, all around wing that was effective as a driver and made a few shots from deep. His positional size, strength and array of skills made him a tough cover.
Mateen Cleaves (2028) had a perfect shooting outing. The son of 2000 NCAA Final Four hero for Michigan St. had 12 points on 5-5 shooting and 2-2 from the free throw line. He’s a stocky built guard with a strong base and a physical driver who connected on open threes. He can guard taller players because he can’t get pushed around. A big guard, he’s fine playing on and off the ball.
Clash of The Big Men
Zephyrhills Christian Academy (Zephyrhills, Fla.) vs. Iowa United Prep (Des Moines, Iowa) was a dog fight. The game came down to the final seconds and Iowa United collected a 56-55 comeback win. The story here was between two five star big men in Mizzou signee Toni Bryant (Zephryhills) and Houston signee Arafan Diane (Iowa United). Toni’s performance was loud, as he accumulated 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks and went 2-3 from 33-point range. Bryant was active as a help-side defender, made athletic plays on both ends and even if he didn’t gain the rebound, his attempts to get one were higher than my previous viewings of him. He’s an athletic stretch big with legit shooting chops.
Arafan didn’t score until the second half. Honestly, he barely touched the ball in the first half. His statline wasn’t as impressive as Bryant’s, collecting 7 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, but he took over late in the game and showed why he’s a 5-star big. An enormous, skilled post that will punish you on the block. Plus footwork, uses his body very well and can pass out of double teams. Toni won the individual matchup, but Diane imposed his will when his team needed him most and got the win.
Get To Know: Hassan Abulkadir
CIA Bella Vista’s Grind Session Team (as opposed to the EYBL Scholastic team that is currently No. 2 in the FAB 50) had a tremendous 61-58 win vs FAB 50 No. 13 Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas). There was a 2028 prospect that caught the eyes of several scouts in attendance. CIA Bella Vista big fella Hassan Abulkadir strung together a near double-double (9 points, 10 rebounds) as he was finishing above the rim, was attacking the glass and using his length to alter shots at the rim. He moves well, he finishes plays and his motor stayed on. The post from Bahrain is one of the best 2028 prospects at this event.
Get To Know: Boyuan Zhang
Veritas Prep’s available senior Boyuan Zhang was impressive vs ABC Prep National (N.M.). A highly skilled 6’6 lefty wing that’s a dependable second side scorer. Adequate at attacking closeouts with either hand and uses his body to finish through contact. Shows promise as a movement shooter, with nice elevation and touch. Knows how to relocate and puts himself and teammates in position to score. I was very impressed with Boyuan and colleges from a wide range of levels were, too. If he goes to the right college, he’ll have a very good career.
Eighth Grader Playing Varsity
There was only one reason I stayed past 10 pm local time to watch the last game of the night. By the way, shout out to Ronnie Flores for giving me the scoop. Anyways, it was to see the eighth grader (2030) out of Wilson Academy in Georgia. Emmanuel Ouedraogo stands 6’10 and holds a skill set beyond his age. He keeps the ball high on rebounds and offensively, when he snatches a board, he finishes well. He’s mobile, he out-runs the opposing big down the floor and had a few put-back dunks in traffic. His timing and coordination to block shots at its peak or to finish above the rim off of misses was eye popping for someone that hasn’t entered high school yet. Obviously not a finished product, but with someone that tall with a strong skill foundation is one to track.
Other Day 1 Tark Standouts
D.J. Smith, 2026 6’10 PF/C – ABC Prep National (N.M.): Has vastly improved. Shooting it from deep with confidence and efficiency while playing through contact better. Still skinny, but Smith is playing well as of late and his recruitment has picked up as a result.
Josiah Rose, 2028 6’4 SG – Oak Cliff Faith Family (Texas): Continues to play a big role for Faith Family as a sophomore and accumulated 22 points on 8-13 shooting on Tuesday.
Anthony Felesi, 2026 6’5 SF – Utah Prep (Pitt Signee): A hyper athletic wing guard that stays in attack mode. A tremendous slasher that does the little things too to impact winning. I feel the shooting consistency will be there one day and he’ll be even more of a problem. A lot to like with this prospect now and long term.
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