June 25th was our 10th Next Up Recruits Elite Exposure camp and the 6th in Kentucky. The camp was loaded with talent, media, and college coaches. It was a great day for campers who attended from multiple states to showcase their skills and gain exposure. So far, nearly 900 campers have gone on to college to play basketball and from the looks of this weekend, there will be plenty more added to the camp alumni list.

As follows are notes on some, but not all of the campers who stood out on the day for the Classes of 2025, 2026, & 2027:

2025

Vince Dawson III – 6’5 SG – 2025 – Great Crossing (KY)

A super intriguing prospect that has a high-level skill set. He brings good length that allows him to be a solid two-way player. He scores the ball well on all 3 levels and makes tough shots. He comes with a college ready build already. Easily one of the best guards in the entire camp. SEMO just offered Dawson and many more will be coming soon.

Malachi Moreno – 6’11 C – 2025 – Great Crossing (KY)

A big man with extreme upside and shows that he has a nice feel for the game already. He has a great back to the basket game and displays great vision out of the post making impressive passes. He can put it on the floor when needed and he has a very solid perimeter game with nice touch on his jump shot. He provides good rim protection and timing when blocking shots.  

Elijah Clinton – 6’6 G – 2025 – Western (KY)

A high energy athlete with a lot of potential. He showed a ton of explosiveness with his leaping abilities, and he displayed a very good pull-up jumper. He plays above the rim and dunks everything in transition. Spreads the floor way out because of the range on his jump shot. He was very active on the defensive end.

Julian Bunton – 6’3 G – 2025 – DeSales (KY)

An athletic and aggressive scoring guard that scores it well off the bounce. He showed a good ability to change directions and pace very quickly. He is shifty with the ball and has a tight handle making it tough for defenders to pick his pocket. He showed a good passing ability seeing the floor as he brought it up.

EJ Walker – 6’7 W – 2025 – Lloyd Memorial (KY)

He showed his abilities to be able to play multiple positions and guard multiple positions. He has a knack for being a high-level playmaker when the ball is in his hands. He is always in the right spots, and he rebounds very well. After boards, he always looks to push in transition himself instead of having to look for guards. He has a very high IQ, and he truly understands the game of basketball.

Landon Vanderwarker – 6’7 W – 2025 – Northside Christian (OH)

He is extremely active on both ends of the floor and he rebounds it very well against bigs. He has good touch around the rim, and he has no problems bullying smaller defenders. He displayed his versatility by playing inside and out at camp. He spreads the floor with his perimeter game, and he puts it on the floor and gets to the rim as well.

Jasper Johnson – 6’4 PG – 2025 – Woodford County (KY)

A silky-smooth lefty with a shifty handle and a long frame. He was getting whatever he wanted at camp. He showed off his ability to stop on a dime and get a shot off quick, and he showed off the hesi game too, freezing the defense. He sees the floor great and always makes the right passes when needed. He can get to the rim and finish above defenders. Can step out and knock the deep ball with NBA range at any given moment.  

Kaden Magwood – 6’2 PG – 2025 – Oak Hill Academy (VA)

A premiere scorer that does so in bunches. He put his entire bag on display at our camp doing anything he wanted with the ball. He makes high level plays for himself, and others and he impacts the game even when the ball is not on his hands. He showed that he is hard to control when he is coming full speed downhill.

Tanner Willis – 5’10 CG – 2025 – Taylor County (KY)

Has a really good I.Q. for the game. He has a nose for the ball, rebounds well for his size, and plays with great effort. He has a pure jump shot, and when he gets going he can fill it up in bunches. Looking forward to seeing his future development.

Layken Lyons – 6’1 CG – 2025 – Taylor County (KY)

A relentless ball of energy. This young man’s motor never stops. He can score the ball at all three levels, and will not back down from a challenge. His energy extends to both sides of the ball, which makes him a tough defender who battles for rebounds outside his area. Layken refuses to get out worked.

Armelo Boone – 6’2 – 2025 – Frederick Douglass (KY)

A long, skilled guard that has shown he is not a 1-dimensional player. He has all of the tools to be very good. Can create for others, but also can go and get a bucket for his team as well. A lights out shooter with great range. A tough 2-way player.

Aveion Chenault – 6’3 G – 2025 – Frederick Douglass (KY)

An athletic wing with good length. Chenault is another great 2-way player from the city of Lexington. He will lock you down on one end and give you buckets on the other. A very effective slasher and finisher at the rim. His jump shot continues to improve as he shows when burning up the net from beyond the arc.

Jaden Stewart – 6’5 SF – 2025 – Pike Central (KY)

This kid has good size for position and has all of the fundamental tools to make an impact on the court. Versatility is what he brings to the table for his team. He can score and defend both inside / out.

Lawson Rice – 6’6 SF – 2025 – Butler County (KY)

A big-time rebounding machine that can push it on the break or run the floor. Scores it well around the rim. Good and willing passer. His motor stays running on high. His stock is rising.

Jordan Mabe – 6’7 SF – 2025 – South Laurel (KY)

One of the more versatile kids at camp and in the state of Kentucky. Has good size and length with guard skills. Defends multiple positions, rebounds, and blocks shots. Can shoot the ball very well and handles are good for his size. He impacts the game in a number of ways on both ends.

Javeon Campbell – 6’7 PF – 2025 – Western Hills (KY)

Big, strong, and a bully around the basket. He owns the paint on both sides when he is in the game. Has good hands and touch. Runs the floor hard. If he can keep working to improve his body, he has a serious chance to be a problem at the next level. A lot of potential for the young Power Forward.

Ethan Dunn – 6’0 G – 2025 – Bryan Station (KY)

A hard-nosed guard that is tough to stay in front of. Has a really nice mid-range game and can score it over big men on the drive. Will get it and go coast to coast up tempo in transition. Gets end to end fast.

Julius Edmonds – 6’6 SF – 2025 – Western HS (KY)

A strong body wing that is a mismatch nightmare in KY. Can bully in the post, but also can score off the bounce from the wing. Will snag a rebound and push full court for an easy layup. He has a nice mid-range game and is a versatile defender. One of the top 2025 players in the state.

Kayson Brown – 6’1 CG – 2025 – Henry Clay (KY)

A high IQ guard that can play on and off the ball. Plays with a lot of confidence offensively showing that he is skilled with the ball in his hands. Scores it well off the bounce and can get to the basket with a variety of moves. Finishes in traffic and shoots it well from beyond the arc. This rising sophomore has talent and a high ceiling.

Maki Cary – 5’11 PG – 2025 – Huntington Prep (WV)

A quick PG that has the ball on a string and good court vision. Finishes really well from mid range and comfortably with his off hand when driving to the basket. His jumper has good mechanics and has range from three. He is a good playmaker that can make plays for teammates, but also score when needed.

Santonio Waide – 5’10 PG – 2025 – Woodford County (KY)

This young man is extra quick and shifty with the ball. He seems to be able to get by his man whenever he wants. A very crafty finisher at the rim. Makes great reads and gets the ball out of his hands when the defense collapses.

Jonah Butler – 6’4 G – 2025 – Calloway County (KY)

Great size at his position for a rising sophomore. Butler is a solid 2-way player that gets in done on either end of the court. He does a lot of the dirty work. Plays hard, rebounds, defends, and gives all of the extra effort. An intriguing player to keep an eye on at Calloway County.

Saxton Howard – 5’10 PG – 2025 – Lexington Christian Academy (KY)

A hard-nosed PG that leaves nothing on the floor. Saxton is a special player with great instincts. He is a high-level passer and has crazy range on his jump shot. Has no problem creating offense and shoots it very well off the dribble. One of the better 2025 PG’s in KY.

Isaiah Cochran – 6’6 SF – 2025 – Collins (KY)

Skilled with size at his position. The wing can put the ball on the floor and go to work. Has a good 3 ball and a solid mid-range pull up shot. Is a mismatch with smaller guards which he will post up and score on. Versatile defensively, can defend out on the wing or in the post.

Noa’Sosa Friedman – 5’11 PG – 2025 – Louisville Collegiate (KY)

The crafty lefty plays with good pace and feel.  Plays hard on both ends of the floor. Can score it in a number of ways which he showed at camp. A very tough PG that has good vision and dropped some nice dimes to his teammates.

Dereon McNulty – 5’11 G – 2025 – Fort Knox (KY)

A bit undersized for a shooting guard, but he showed that he can still score it when needed. He showed that he can knockdown the 3 ball with a good looking stroke and showcased a nice euro step in transition to finish at the basket.

Eli Craig – 6’0 G – 2025 – George Rogers Clark (KY)

A natural scorer with a pretty jump shot and crazy range off the bounce. Scored it well at camp and has had a good showing in AAU as well putting up consistent numbers that jump off of the stat sheet.

Rashaad Faulkner – 5’11 G – 2025 – Bryan Station (KY)

The lefty got hot in multiple games scoring from all over. Moves well without the ball and can shoot the ball from 3. Had multiple jumpers created off the bounce with his step back. Showed that he is not shy of contact. Finishes with it no problem.

Logan Busson – 6’2 G – 2025 – Frederick Douglass (KY)

Showed off his sharpshooting skills with range getting hot in the 5 on 5 portion of camp. Has a quick catch and shoot trigger and can score in bunches. Was getting to the rack off the dribble as well.

Keashawn Jordan – 6’5 F – 2025 – Male (KY)

A strong body post player that uses his size and physicality to his advantage. A space eater with good hands and touch around the basket. Rebounds well and can hold his own defensively.

Yamil Rondon – 6’0 PG – 2025 – Cooper (KY)

A crafty PG that can both score and create for others. Shifty with the ball and has in the gym range from 3. Shoots it off the bounce or off the catch. Finishes well when driving and has good court vision. Plays with major confidence. He is one of the better PG’s in the KY class of 2025.

Nick Osborne – 6’2 PG – 2025 – Bethlehem (KY)

An elite shooter that doesn’t care who’s guarding him. It’s simple, hand down, man down, and he will make you pay. Has a great hesi that he likes to use to get by his man and does so effectively while finishing at a high rate when driving to the basket.

Elijah Walton – 6’5 SF – 2025 – University Heights Academy (KY)

A wing that has a lot of athleticism and a serious chance to be a good college prospect. Still raw offensively, but things are starting to come together for the rising sophomore. He has the tools to be an elite defender. He can get downhill off the bounce and finishes above the rim. Can shoot the 3, but more of a slasher at the moment. Has some serious potential.

Jace Wardlow – 5’11 G – 2025 – Bowling Green (KY)

Quick and likes to push the tempo. Has a good skill set on both ends of the floor. He has no problem getting downhill and finishing in traffic. Shoots the ball really well from 3 and has a nice step back jumper in his bag. Wardlow has a chance to be one of the better guards in the 2025 class if he keeps working hard.

Briar Griffin – 6’0 PG – 2025 – Bowling Green (KY)

Sees the floor well and a is a playmaker that gets into the paint. Scrappy and tough on ball defender. A crafty finisher at the rim and can knock down the open 3.

Julian Miles – 5’11 CG – 2025 – South Oldham (KY)

One thing Julian showed us during camp is that he is as consistent a shot maker as they come.  He has the ability to score from all over and in a variety of ways.

Austin Sperry – 6’3 G – 2025 – Breathitt County (KY)

One of the bounciest players in this class. Sperry is a kid that plays with the dog mentality. He is tough and puts in a lot of work to be as good as he is. He can score at all 3 levels and has a keen ability to see defensive movement and find open teammates when attacking the basket. A sharpshooter but also as crafty a finisher as there is in this state. Already holds a D1 offer.

Nate Richardson – 5’9 PG – 2025 – Ballard (KY)

Small, but finishes well for his size at the rim. Has a good handle and uses his quickness to get downhill and create for himself and others. He is a playmaker at the PG spot.

Luke Gregg – 6’0 CG – 2025 – Pendleton County (KY)

A smart guard that makes the right plays. He doesn’t force the issue on offense, lets the offense flow. A goof facilitator that can thread the needle on passes. Has a nice-looking shot and can make from deep range. A high IQ player that is a good asset to any team you put him on.

Aaron Phipps – 6’5 W – 2025 – Huntington Prep (WV)

An athletic swing man that can impact the game in various ways with his ability to pass, score, and defend multiple positions. He is going to be a problem for opponents in the future as long as he continues to work on his game. He is likely to blow up on the national scene at Huntington Prep.

Jaunte Jenkins – 6’1 G – 2025 – Woodford County (KY)

Jenkins seems to be blossoming as a player at the right time. He has good length and uses it effectively to finish over defenders when he gets to the basket. A very capable shooter from 3. He is a tough defender out on the wing. Look for him to play a nice chunk of Varsity minutes this year and be productive.

2026

Amari Owens – 5’10 PG – 2026 – Montgomery County (KY)

The young, upcoming PG has the ball on a string, super quick, shifty, and finishes well in traffic when attacking the basket. He is a good passer with vision and has a very capable 3 ball. Owens is one of our favorite PG’s in the 2026 class that we have seen thus far. He has a very promising future in hoops.

Terry Cayson Jr. – 6’1 G – 2026 – Frederick Douglass (KY)

An athletic guard that will go up and dunk when given the opportunity. A good playmaker that can create offense. Shoots the ball well from 3, but seems most comfortable when attacking the basket. Absorbs and finishes with contact very well at his age. A promising looking prospect with a lot of upside.

Jordan Bender – 6’6 SF – 2026 – TBD

Bender continues to grow like a weed physically, but his game is also growing as well. You can tell that he puts in a lot of hard work because he is becoming a promising wing prospect for the future. The young lefty dunks with ease and has become a 3-way scorer. He rebounds well for his size and alters shots with his length. Keep an eye on this kid. His stock will continue to rise.

Jakobi McRoberts – 6’2 G – 2026 – DeSales (KY)

A prospect to keep an eye on for the future. He is a quick, shifty, and a good athlete that plays hard and doesn’t lack toughness. A playmaker for himself and others. Did not shy away from the older competition at camp. 

Cayon Gaines – 6’4 F – 2026 – Western HS (KY)

Gaines has great size and strength for his age and he knows how to use it to his advantage.  He has a lot of skill and can bully players in the post, but also has a capable jumper from 3. His passing and vision are solid for his position. A good rebounder on both ends and alters a lot of shots.

6’0  G  Bray Kirk – 6’0 G – 2026 – Lyon County (KY)

A skilled playmaker with good size for his age at his position. Has a tight handle and sees the floor. Stays aggressive on both ends and made some eye-catching plays throughout the day. This young man has a bright future in Lyon County.

Kerriawn Berry – 6’2 G – 2026 – Trinity (KY)

He came to compete and turned a lot of heads in doing so. Played hard and we loved his ability to facilitate and make his teammates better. Showed that he has a good feel for the game, great touch from the mid-range, and is developing a solid overall offensive game. A lot of upside for the Louisville native.

Louis O’Keefe – 6’1 PG – 2026 – IMG Academy (FL)

Like his older brother, Louis is an elite shooter with range. He is an unselfish playmaker that finds open teammates. His ability to score, handle, see the open floor, and pass make him a swiss army knife on the court. He is a player that high major schools will be looking at sooner than later.

Dawson Gilbert – 6’0 CG – 2026 – Adair County (KY)

A young developing prospect that came into camp off a stellar performance at the John Lucas Middle School Combine. He had a slow start, but once he found his stride it was evident he was in good company. Was not afraid to mix it up with the bigger players and impressed with his ability to shoot the ball from anywhere with precision. It will be interesting to watch his development over the coming years, but if he trends like we think he will…look out. 

Lane Hord – 6’0 G – 2026 – Taylor County (KY)

Did not show his youth. He was not afraid to bang and scrap with anyone. He played hard and had some bright moments on the day rebounding and finishing at the basket. I look forward to seeing him again, and watching his progress over time.

Jackson Keene – 6’1 PG – 2026 – East Ridge (KY)

Was handing out buckets with several high-level players on the floor. A 3-level scorer. Knock down 3 ball, deceptive off the bounce, and has a skilled finishing package. Excellent passer and feel for the game.

Clay Willis – 6’3 F – 2026 – South Warren (KY)

Has good length and is a good athlete that can play above the rim and block shots. Good shooter in the mid-range. Can put it on the floor. Still developing, but definitely on our radar early on.

Jacob Spurlock – 6’2 G – 2026 – Boyd County (KY)

The rising freshman has been as consistent as anyone this summer scoring the ball and continued that at camp. He is an elite shooter with a quick release, but can score in other ways as well. Gets his teammates involved and knows how to play the game. He will be one of the top 2026 prospects in the state.

Anthony Thompson – 6’1 SG – 2026 – Lebanon (OH)

The smooth lefty is a deadeye knock down shot with range. He has a good length, a tight handle, and can get downhill to finish. Thompson did not back down from the older players at camp, as a matter of fact, he went right at them. It’s easy to see that he will be a top player in the state of Ohio for 2026. 6’1 now, but will continue to grow. He is going to be a serious problem and one heck of a basketball player.

Jayden Johnson – 6’5 G – 2026 – Trinity (KY)

Johnson is currently the #1 prospect in the state of Kentucky and he showed why in his performance at camp. He is an athletic guard that is a dominate 3 level scorer, a high level defender, and rebounds very well for his position. A highly skilled prospect with a bright future ahead of him.

 

Malachi Ashford – 5’8 PG – 2026 – Paris (KY)

A high IQ player with exceptional court vision. Ashford can run the show and makes everyone around him better. He has a tight handle and shoots the ball well with range. Has a nice floater in his bag as well. Seems to always make the right play.

2027

Jack Logsdon – 6’4 SG – 2027 – Larue County (KY)

One of the very few 2027 prospects in this event and he held his own.  Had active hands defensively. Moved well without the ball and got rewarded for it multiple times. Had some good rebounds and putbacks in traffic. Was impressed with how he competed being one of the youngest in the gym.