3SSB kicked off its 2025 season in Bryan, TX and Ladera Ranch, CA. The majority of the teams were in Bryan and that’s where make5media setup shop for the weekend. The focus for this weekend was the class of 2027 and 2028 but I need to mention a few of the 2026’s that stood out.
Caleb Holt (Game Elite) With his athleticism, speed and strength, Holt is one of the best players in the nation in transition. His ability to finish through contact, playing with force, is next level. On many occasions, when the defense thought they had him bottled up he used that strength and athleticism to finish plays on his way to 22 points per game. As his jumper improves, which it has, the ceiling rises higher. With his work ethic and focus, I’d bank on that.
Deron Rippey Jr. (New Heights) Can you be a top 20 player and be under appreciated, an after-thought? The answer in this situation is, yes. Rippey has extended range on his jumper, navigates ball screens and reads with precision, maybe the best athlete at the position in high school, defends and rebounds at his position. All this and you may get, “oh yeah, and Rippey”. He’s a BATTLECAT that keeps coming at you, no breaks. I would like to see him play off two more to minimize the bits he takes attacking the basket and utilize the floater he has in his bag. He has the goods.
Greg “Pop” Dunson (Atlanta Celtics) Has a smooth pace, utilizes the ball screen as good as any point guard in the country and makes you pay for going under. When he gets into the teeth of the defense he was deft in finding corner shooters, cutters and lob threats or scoring, finishing at 23 points per game. He plays with his head up, looking to advance the ball with the pass, always looking to kick up the floor.
Here are some of the top 2027 performers on the weekend:
2027
Martay Barnes (AR Southeast Elite) Shook of a slow early spring and delivered during first session. When Barnes has his jumper going he’s tough to guard and shows why he’s a top25 player. He didn’t waste dribbles beating the defender, utilizing his quick first step or attacking overzealous closeouts.
Kevin Savage III (Game Elite) The speedy guard is what you tag as a winner. He does was it takes to lead his 17U squad. He gets consistent paint touches to get to his floater or finding his shooters and cutters. Going under screens are a no-no against him with his shot making ability beyond the ar. He defends with passion and is ready for the smoke
Kamaje Jenkins (Atlanta Celtics) The athletic wing showed more to his game this weekend. Known for his high flying finishes and tough slashing drives, Jenkins showed vision make creative passes when defenses converged to stop him. The added dimension opened up offensive opportunities for him and his teammates.
Shawn Foster (Phenom United) Showed his creativity off the bounce to get to his midrange or finishing at the rim with either hand. His athleticism affords him to make tough finishes while eluding on coming shot blockers. He can stretch the defense off the catch or dribble.
Avery Moses (Southern Assault) His 34 point outburst on Friday set the stage for a good weekend. Moses is relentless attacking the paint where he can finishes through the bumps. When not attacking the basket he has a reliable jumper from the line and pull-up game.
Kamari Whyte (New Heights) Swiss Army knife wing with a corresponding motor. Whyte is a tough defender, turning defense to offense, very good at attacking on ball reversals and effective on the glass. Streaky shooter but doesn’t settle, knowing where his bread is buttered right now. Competitor.
Eye Openers
2026 F Mikehi Williams (AE5) I walked in the gym with Williams turning the corner and putting his defender in the rim. The athletic wing is dynamic on the break with above the rim finishes but can also knock down shots from the perimeter. He’s shown improvement every year and scoring/summer 2025 may be his time to shine.
2027 CG RJ Moore Jr (Garner Road) Smooth operator utilizing change of speed and pace to beat defenders. Don’t sit on the drive though because he has range and is a willing shooter off the bounce or catch.
2027 Caleb Lundy (New Heights) Quick off the bounce and can utilize his skills to navigate through traffic. Lundy is very talented and has a up north feel of the game.
2026 Joseph Hartman (AR Southwest Elite) Finds his spots in the offense, while being a consistent has an outside shooter. Played within in his game and made correct descions.