2025 Hoophall Prep Showcase Standouts

By David Cordova,
This weekend, we traveled to Massachusetts to the Hoophall Prep Showcase at the Butova Gymnasium on the campus of American International College in Springfield. Many of the nation’s top ranked prep school programs came in to compete in front of college coaches and professional scouts. The college scouts were out in sizeable numbers, and dozens of D1 offers were made to players on the spot each day of the four-day event. There were many great teams and players that held their own. Below are the standouts from the event that we caught.
Ryan Moesch 6-0, Point Guard, Cushing Academy (MA), Class of 2026 - Moesch has terrific quickness and elusiveness, that he uses to help him distribute the ball to his teammates in order to put them in position to score. Has the ability to play tough defense and force the opposition into turning over the ball. Has a penchant for getting his shot off efficiently. He can shoot as well, dropping six daggers threes in one of his games. He added to his growing pile of D1 offers, by picking up offers from Iona and Fairfield.
Christian Jeffrey 6-3, Point Guard, Mount Zion Preparatory Academy (MD), Class of 2025 - (University of Maryland commit) Jeffrey has been spearheading MTZP to the top of the Elite Prep League standings and into a National Top 10 ranking thus far this season. Jeffrey is a guard that has plenty of strength and is able to be a great playmaker when on the court. Has excellent court vision and is able to find his teammates and put them in position to score. Has a nice shooting touch from long range.
Ian Archbold 6-6, Shooting Guard, Blair Academy, Class of 2028 - A guard that is able to make hustle plays, as he is a solid rebounder and will go after loose balls. Is able to drive to the basket and finish in transition. Has the ability to get his shot off successfully from three-point range and from the perimeter.
Leo Curtis, 7-1, Forward, CATS Academy (MA), Class of 2025 - A forward with plenty of length who is able to dominate around the post area. Has a nice wingspan, which aids in him getting rebounds and blocking shots, making him a force in the paint area. Has the ability to score offensively around the post area, as he is able to make hook shots and finish at the rim.
Carlos Rodriguez, 6-2, Shooting Guard, Academy of Central Florida (FL), Class of 2025 - A guard that is able to play on the perimeter and control the tempo of the game for his team. Is able to create for himself off the dribble and attack in transition. Is a good finisher that is able to score with ease when going to the basket. Has a nice shooting touch from long range.
Preston Merrick 6-5, Hotchkiss School, Class of 2026 - A guard that has plenty of toughness and athleticism on both ends of the court. Is able to make great plays on the defensive end, such as blocking shots and getting rebounds. Is able to make strong drives to the basket, where he also finishes successfully.
Ford Okehi 6-1, Point Guard, Taft School, Class of 2025 - A guard that has plenty of speed and is always active on both ends of the court. Has the ability to force the opposition into turning the ball over and can get steals. Has the ability to get downcourt easily and loves to drive to the basket easily. Has a solid mid-range jumper.
Brandon Benjamin 6-7, Forward, St. Thomas More School, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to a solid force when he’s on both ends of the floor. Is able to put the ball on the floor and can outmuscle the opposition when in the low-post for rebounds. Is able to absorb contact when going to the hole and is able to finish successfully and get to the free-throw line.
Badara Diakite 6-10, Forward, South Kent School, Class of 2025 - (University of Iowa commit) A forward that has plenty of length and size, and also has plenty of versatility in his game. Has a long wingspan, which aids in him obtaining blocks and rebounds on both ends of the court. Is a dominant force when he is in the post, as he likes to play above the rim. Is able to step out and shoot from long range.
Peter DaCruz 6-7, Forward, Knox School, Class of 2025 - A forward that has plenty of versatility when he is on the floor. Is a player that moves with a quick first step whenever he’s on the perimeter. Has great footwork and is always ready to anticipate the pass when he’s in the low post, so that he can get his hook shot off or finish efficiently. Will step out and hit midrange jumpers, as he has a nice shot.
Teshaun Steele 6-7, Forward, Darrow School, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to put the ball on the floor and is a very athletic player on both ends of the floor. Is a player with a nice, silky-smooth jumper that can shoot the lights out. Is able to create for himself off the dribble and is always known for streaking to the basket.