With no shortage of coverage from the Ballislife team throughout the three day Tarkanian Classic Prep Showcase, the Tarkanian Classic High School Division is now up on us. With nearly 200 high schools from coast to coast, games are spread all throughout Las Vegas and there is talent at every level filtered throughout Sin City. While the Crocs Platinum Division steals much of the attention on the main court at Bishop Gorman, there were players filtered throughout all of the other gyms who you will definitely be seeing on NBA rosters some day. College coaches and NBA teams realized that, too.
Our own Ronnie Flores focused on the Platinum Division, which lived up to its reputation at Bishop Gorman in terms of high level basketball as the favorites advanced to Monday’s semifinals. While the high school division may have not brought as many five star prospects as the prep division, it certainly brought a better overall brand of basketball, more fans, and a different level of intensity. Schools were playing for not only their own pride, but team development and in games that could prove substantial in both state and the FAB 50 national rankings.
With over 100 D1 colleges, 15 NBA teams, and 100 members of the media credentialed, the eyes that mattered were certainly there for the Tarkanian High School Divison and the players understood that. The bracket style play provided a substantial amount of incentive to stay on the winning side of the bracket.
Tai Bell, 6’3, PG, Mater Lakes Academy (Florida), 2028
There wasn’t a more dominant performance that I personally witnessed in the opening day of the Tarkanian high school bracket than Tai Bell’s 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in a narrow loss to Palisades. The son of NBA vet Raja Bell has his father’s relentlessness and toughness, but also has an innate ability to get to his own sweet spots at virtually any time that he wants, which is why he is one of the very best point guards in the class of 2028.
JJ Watts, 6’8, PF, Riviera Prep (Florida), 2027
With a motor that doesn’t stop, you almost got tired just watching JJ Watts of Riviera Prep. The relentless forward kept a ton of plays alive on both ends of the floor, can defend all over the floor, and was playing at the rim at every available opportunity. Ranked in the Top 75 by most scouting services, Watts has the tools to ascent higher as his offensive game continues to grow.
NaVorro Bowman Jr., 6’3, SG, Norte Dame (California), 2027
A model of consistency, NaVorro Bowman Jr. didn’t do anything too flashy, but produced at a high rate throughout the early part of the Tarkanian Classic. The junior combo guard has great touch on his finishes once he gets into the paint, and utilizes his change of speed to throw defenders off. Top it off with his elite ability as a defender and bloodline (he is the son of former NFL linebacker NaVorro Bowman), you see why many are excited about the prospectus of the younger Bowman.
Zach White, 6’6, SF, Notre Dame (California), 2026
Able to play all three perimeter positions at times, Zach White is the perfect fit in today’s game of position less basketball. The big wing spearheaded the top of Notre Dame’s defense, handle the ball well as a playmaker, and had no problem finishing through contact once he got to the paint. Heading to San Diego State, White has the tools and the game to be the next jumbo guard in line for the Aztecs.
OJ Popoola, 6’6, SG, Palisades HS (California), 2027
One of the better two way wings that we saw on opening night of the high school division, O.J. Popoola showed all the goods in Palisades win over Mater Lakes Academy. He was incredibly explosive when getting downhill (especially going left) and off the dribble, showed potential as a 3-point shooter and has lockdown ability as an on ball defender. The lineage is there for success as well, with his father (Christian) playing at UNLV, older brother (Christian Jr) playing for Utah, and twin brother (EJ) all playing D-1 basketball by the time it is all said and done.
RJ Livingston, 6’2, PG, Riviera Prep (Florida), 2026
Coming into high school with a bit of pressure as the son of all-time high school great (as well as former NBA player and G-League coach) Randy Livingston, “RJ” Livingston took some time to carve out his own legacy, but certainly has done so and reminded everyone with his play at Tarkanian. Heading to play for his father at Texas State, the younger Livingston has the game to make an impact from the second he steps foot on campus in San Marcos.
Quincy Douby Jr., 6’4, SG, Riviera Prep (Florida), 2027
The most natural pure scorer that we saw in the opening night of Tarkanian’s high school division was easily Quincy Douby Jr. The angular guard can create separation on just about anyone, gets his shot off with super high release, and converts contested shots at a remarkable clip for a young guard. The son of former NBA first round pick Quincy Douby (who was also a scoring machine at Rutgers) already holds high major offers and will provide an electric burst to whatever program he joins.
