The First Look presented by 5statehoopreport was a quality scholastic warm-up before going into the regular high school season. There will be three parts to our recap from the event held at Waxahachie High School. We are going to start with our evaluations of the 2026 performers from the event.
Goosby v Lanier
There was a high profiled matchup with Melissa (TX) vs Parkview (Little Rock, AR). Melissa is led by top 20 ranked senior Austin Goosby and Parkview has top 100 ranked senior Jacob Lanier. The game went back and forth with each team accumulating runs throughout the matchup. Parkview came out with the win and Lanier was fantastic offensively. Collecting over 30 points and it was a loud 30 for Lanier. Step back threes, finishing on drives to the basket and his positional size, functional handle and ability to create enough space to get shot off was on display. The Nebraska commit did himself a lot of good last Saturday. Goosby didn’t orchestrate a high scoring exhibition but showed his versatility on both ends. A connecting piece that can play right away in college because he’s a good decision maker, defender, with tremendous upside as a scorer. Can plug him in a lot of spots on a college team.
Brennan Big 4
San Antonio Brennan, ranked No. 25 in the preseason Ballislife FAB 50, had an impressive showing at The First Look. A come from behind win vs No. 47 Bartlett (Ark.) and a loss vs No. 29 Oak Cliff Faith Family. UTEP commit Donovan Criss was impressive. At about 6’5 and operating as the secondary ball-handler and primary in stretches. His self-creation skills have improved and using his body to generate space off the bounce. Austin Peay commit Talon Todd got to his spots, provided physical ball pressure and was a catalyst in Brennan’s comeback vs Bartlett. Big fella Delano Tarpley has slimmed down and moved a lot better since my last viewing in the summer. Getting off the ground quicker and showing he’s a quality option on the block with intriguing passing chops. Isaiah Ward’s mid-post work, high motor, ability to finish through contact and success as a team defender was on display. He’s an available wing that’s a D1 level player. Ward will be a very solid option later on in the season or later in the spring.
Texas Storm vs Leadership Prep
What a fast paced, physical matchup it was! Leadership took a commanding lead, but Texas Storm came back and brought it to a one to two possession game. Leadership ultimately came out with the win and due largely to their duo of Aeneas Alexander, a University of North Texas Commit, and Jacksonville commit Lyndell Buckingham Jr. Alexander, in my opinion, is a steal for UNT. At 6’8 with translatable inside-out scoring chops, his high skill level with his height and frame stand out. I think he’ll have a very productive college career. Buckingham Jr is a constant paint toucher with vertical pop and finishing craft. He chose a school where he’ll have the opportunity to log a lot of minutes early.
For Texas Storm, the backcourt duo of UT Dallas commit Tyson Heard and Lamar commit Brayden Jones put on a show. Heard has added muscle to his frame and is making deep range threes. He also utilizes step backs to create separation. He’s a gamer that has a short memory on his misses and launches the next one with confidence. Talking about a gamer, Jones is one of them. Made multiple threes and handled the pressure that the Leadership Prep guards handed out. Brayden needs minimal space to launch and when his mind is made up to score, he can do that in bunches.
More 2026 Standouts
Michael Gatewood, 6’1 CG – Waxahachie: A wired to score guard that plays with an edge about him.
Ayden Hansberry, 6’2 CG – Parkview (AR): Athletic and wild motor guard that is just everywhere on the court. Was productive with his play and is a Division 1 talent.
Mansley Dorneval, 6’3 Guard – CSJV: A well paced guard with impressive off the dribble scoring chops.
Micah Griggs, 6’2 CG – PSAT Academy: Attacking guard that rebounds like he’s 6’5.
Izaiah Carter, 6’1 PG – Molina: Lefty, downhill guard that looks for all the contact on drives. Tough as nails.
J’Den Shields, 6’3 Guard – South Central Prep: Big guard that’s a physical driver with adequate pull-up game.
Theo Brannon, 5’10 PG – South Central Prep: True point that’s the conductor of the band.
Victor Hassan, 6’8 PF – South Grand Prairie: Colleges should circle his name. Tall, promising frame with plus motor, athleticism and anticipation skills.
DeBraylan Randle, 6’3 CG – Lake Highlands: Adequate sized guard that can play both guard roles. Liked his aggression when the ball was in his hands and promise as a passer off the live-dribble.
Kayden Johnson, 6’4 CG – Faith Family: Next-level framed guard that plays in control and impactful on both ends. Especially defense.
Keyaun Williams, 6’2 Guard – LD Bell: Wiry, off the bounce scoring guard who, when his body fills out, will be a productive college player as well.
Da’Montrell Bussey, 5’9 PG – Lancaster: Tough, pesky, downhill guard is a traditional head coach Ferrin Douglas special.
Kayden Gray, 6’2 Guard – Kimball: Muscular guard that makes tough shots and uses strength on drives. Creates advantages in the half-court setting.
Jayden Buchunam, 6’6 Forward – St. Michaels: Sturdy built, power athlete that’s a physical finisher.
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