Hoopfest Top Performers: Evaluating the Best from Dallas

The 2024 Hoopfest in Dallas showcased an array of exceptional basketball talent across various classes. Standout athletes demonstrated remarkable skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ, solidifying their statuses as top prospects. Below is an in-depth evaluation of the top performers from the event:

Class of 2025

Aaliyah Chavez

• Position: Point Guard
• Height: 5'11
• High School: Monterey High School, TX
• Projection: High Major Division I Prospect

Dynamic Guard with Strength and Versatility

Aaliyah Chavez is a 5'11" point guard widely regarded as the top recruit in the Class of 2025. Known for her scoring ability, court vision, and leadership, Chavez dominates both ends of the floor with precision and poise. Offensively, she excels in creating her own shot while also facilitating opportunities for her teammates. Her ability to handle the ball under pressure, combined with her smooth shooting mechanics, makes her an offensive centerpiece.

Chavez’s confidence qualities shine in high-pressure situations. Whether executing plays in the half-court or pushing the pace in transition, she controls the game’s tempo with composure and shot making.

Offensive Versatility

Chavez’s ability to score at all three levels—around the rim, mid-range, and from deep—makes her a nightmare matchup for defenses. Her quick first step allows her to blow by defenders, while her ability to knock down shots off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations adds depth to her offensive arsenal.

Strengths:

• Scoring Versatility: Proficient in creating her own shot and scoring efficiently from all areas of the court.
• Shot Creator: Shot making and creating at a high level.
• Big Game Potential: Poised and confident.

Defensive Prowess

Chavez pairs her offensive game with an impressive defensive presence. Her lateral quickness allows her to stay in front of opposing guards, while her anticipation skills enable her to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers.

Strengths:

• Perimeter Defense: Consistently pressures ball-handlers and contests shots.
• Basketball IQ: Reads plays effectively to position herself defensively.

Projection

Aaliyah Chavez’s elite scoring ability, leadership, and defensive intensity position her as a high-major Division I prospect with immediate impact potential. As she continues to refine her already well-rounded game, she is poised to make a significant mark at the collegiate level and beyond.

Ariana Meriedy

• Position: Wing/Forward
• Height: 6'2
• High School: Riverdale Baptist School, MD
• Projection: Mid Major Prospect

Dominant Two-Way Player

Ariana Meriedy is a 6'2" Wing/Forward with the size and skill to excel on both ends of the floor. Her physicality and defensive prowess make her a force in the paint, while her offensive versatility allows her to contribute both as a post scorer and perimeter threat.

Meriedy thrives under pressure, as evidenced by her clutch performances at key moments. Her ability to impact the game inside and out makes her one of the most well-rounded prospects in her class.

Strengths:

• Defensive Presence: Alters shots and protects the paint with authority.
• Rebounding: Tenacious on the boards, securing second-chance opportunities for her team.
• Offensive Versatility: Combines polished post moves with a developing perimeter shot.

Projection

Meriedy’s unique blend of size, skill, and competitive fire makes her a high-upside collegiate prospect.

Nylah Wilson

• Position: Guard
• Height: 5'9
• High School: IMG Academy
• AAU Team: Boo Williams 17U EYBL
• Projection: High Major (Auburn Commit)

Dynamic Guard with Strength and Versatility

Nylah Wilson is an athletic and versatile guard who thrives in high-pressure situations. At 5'9", she combines her strength and agility to dominate on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Wilson's ability to attack the basket with precision and finish through contact highlights her aggressive scoring mentality. Her strong footwork and control allow her to navigate defenses effectively, whether driving to the rim or pulling up for a mid-range jumper.

Wilson’s rebounding ability is a standout feature for her position. She competes relentlessly on the boards, often outworking taller opponents to secure key possessions for her team.

Defensive Prowess

Defensively, Wilson excels at guarding multiple positions thanks to her lateral quickness and physicality. She applies pressure on the perimeter, disrupts passing lanes, and consistently challenges shots. Her versatility makes her an asset in various defensive schemes, whether switching onto bigger players or containing quicker guards.

Strengths:

• Rebounding: Exceptional ability to compete on the boards, especially as a guard.
• Interior Scoring: Strong finisher at the rim, capable of absorbing contact and completing plays.
• Defensive Versatility: Effective in guarding multiple positions, contributing to team defensive schemes.
• Athleticism: Quick first step and explosive movements enhance her offensive and defensive impact.

Projection:

Nylah Wilson’s combination of strength, versatility, and competitive edge positions her as a top tier prospect. Her ability to impact the game as both a scorer and passer makes her a valuable addition to any program. Wilson has the potential to elevate her game to elite levels at the next level.

Aziyah Farrier

• Position: Wing
• Height: 6'2
• High School: Frisco Liberty, TX
• Club Team: IFN
• Projection: Mid Major + Prospect

Dynamic Scorer and Playmaker

Aziyah Farrier is a skilled Wing with an innate ability to read the game and create opportunities for her team. At her core, Farrier is a playmaker who thrives in facilitating the offense while being a consistent scoring option.

Her court vision and basketball IQ allow her to dissect defenses and keep opponents off balance. Whether distributing the ball or taking matters into her own hands, Farrier makes smart decisions that lead to positive outcomes.

Strengths:

• Playmaking: Exceptional ability to create opportunities for teammates.
• Basketball IQ: Makes sound decisions under pressure.
• Scoring Threat: Keeps defenses honest with her ability to score off the dribble or from range.

Projection

Farrier’s ability to balance scoring and facilitating positions her as a highly valuable asset for collegiate programs. Her growth as a dual-threat guard solidifies her as a top prospect.

Taylor Barnes

• Position: Wing
• Height: 6'0
• High School: South Grand Prairie, TX
• Projection: High Major (Cal Commit)

Taylor Barnes is a dynamic 6'0" Wing who brings relentless energy to both ends of the floor. Known for her hustle plays and defensive intensity, Barnes excels in transition and creates scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her quickness and ability to push the pace make her an asset in up-tempo systems.

Offensive Impact

Barnes thrives in transition, where her speed and decision-making allow her to finish at the rim or find open teammates. She demonstrates excellent court awareness and is effective at driving to the basket against set defenses.

Strengths:

• Transition Offense: Excels in pushing the pace and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.
• Athleticism: Uses her speed to beat defenders and create space.
• Defensive Energy: Relentlessly pressures ball-handlers and disrupts passing lanes.

Projection

Taylor Barnes’ high-energy playstyle and versatility position her as a strong prospect for Cal who values tempo and defensive intensity. Her ability to impact the game on both ends ensures she will thrive at the next level.

Sania Richardson

• Position: Point Guard (PG)
• Height: 5'5
• High School: Grind Prep
• Club Team: CyFair Elite EYBL
• Projection: High Major (SMU Commit)

Elite Shot Maker and Scorer

Sania Richardson is a 5'5" guard who stands out as one of the top offensive threats in her class. With smooth shooting mechanics and a natural ability to create her own shot, Richardson is a consistent scoring option from all levels of the court. Her offensive versatility makes her a focal point for defenses, yet she continues to deliver with efficiency.

Offensive Versatility

Richardson’s ability to score in isolation, off the dribble, and from catch-and-shoot situations highlights her well-rounded offensive game. She is particularly dangerous from beyond the arc, where her accuracy stretches defenses and opens up driving lanes for herself and her teammates.

Strengths:

• Shooting: Consistent and reliable from three-point range and mid-range.
• Shot Creation: Exceptional at creating opportunities for herself in isolation.
• Offensive IQ: Makes smart reads to exploit defensive weaknesses.

Projection

Sania Richardson’s scoring ability and offensive polish position her as a scoring guard at the next level.

Class of 2026

Ari Johnson

• Position: Forward
• Height: 6'4
• High School: Monterey High School, TX
• AAU Team: Team Moriah Jefferson P24
• Projection: Mid Major+ Division I Prospect

Dominant Interior Force

Ari Johnson is a 6'4" forward/center with the physicality and presence to dominate in the paint. Her rebounding ability and shot-blocking instincts make her a defensive anchor, while her developing offensive game adds to her value.

Defensive Dominance

Johnson’s ability to control the boards and alter shots consistently impacts games. Her size and athleticism allow her to excel in pick-and-roll defense and one-on-one matchups in the post.

Strengths:

• Rebounding: Secures key possessions on both ends of the floor.
• Shot-Blocking: Alters and denies shots effectively in the paint.
• Physicality: Uses her strength to establish position and control the paint.

Projection

Ari Johnson’s combination of defensive dominance and offensive potential makes her a high-upside prospect for collegiate programs.

Amari Byles

• Position: Wing
• Height: 6'2
• High School: Faith Family Academy, TX
• Projection: High Major Division I Prospect

Explosive Scorer and Creator

Amari Byles is a 6'2" Wing who excels at creating her own shot and attacking the basket. Her quick first step and ability to finish through contact make her a dangerous offensive player. Byles also has a reliable outside shot, adding to her scoring versatility.

Offensive Versatility

Byles thrives in both half-court and transition settings, using her speed and athleticism to create opportunities. Her ability to drive and kick to open teammates highlights her playmaking skills.

Strengths:

• Penetration: Effective at attacking defenses and finishing at the rim.
• Shooting: A reliable option from beyond the arc.
• Athleticism: Quick and explosive, with the ability to create separation.

Projection

Amari Byles’ scoring ability and versatility position her as a high-upside guard prospect. Her ability to play multiple roles offensively makes her an ideal fit for programs seeking dynamic backcourt players.

Class of 2027

DeAndra Minor

• Position: Combo Guard
• Height: 6'0
• High School: Grind Prep Academy, OK
• AAU Team: Nike ProSkills 17U EYBL
• Projection: High Major Division I Prospect

Two-Way Playmaker

DeAndra Minor is a 6'0" guard who combines defensive intensity with playmaking skills. Her maturity and court awareness set her apart, allowing her to facilitate the offense and lock down opposing guards.

Defensive Impact

Minor’s instincts and lateral quickness make her a standout defender. She excels at reading passing lanes and pressuring ball-handlers, often converting defense into offense.

Strengths:

• Defense: Creates turnovers and disrupts offensive flow.
• Ball-Handling: Strong control, allowing her to navigate through defenses.
• Playmaking: Sets up teammates effectively and keeps the offense fluid.

Projection

DeAndra Minor’s defensive tenacity and offensive poise position her as an emerging prospect with significant potential. Her ability to impact the game on both ends makes her a valuable addition to collegiate programs. She has the makings of a top player nationally.