High School Basketball

Men's college basketball fans will have to wait until Thursday to catch the start of the Sweet 16 games in the NCAA tournament, but they can get a first glance at the top high school prospects who will likely be the top players next season in the 2019 McDonald's All American Game.

The 24 selected players will square off on Wednesday in Atlanta's State Farm Arena.

The West team will be led by the No. 1-ranked player on the ESPN 100, James Wiseman, while the East team will be led by the No. 2-ranked prep star, Cole Anthony.

Both squads will be loaded with talent headed to March Madness stalwarts like Duke, UNC, Kentucky and Tennessee.

      

2019 McDonald's All American Game Info

When: Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta 

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Halftime performance: Migos

            

Highlights, Stats for Top Prospects

James Wiseman (F/C, Memphis)

The last time Memphis had a top-ranked player of the caliber of James Wiseman in its class was in 2007-08, when Derrick Rose led them to the championship game.

Now, though, the dominant 7-footer will bring the spotlight back to a team looking to bring in top recruits for years to come.

"Memphis is a great city. For me to just stay and to be a savior or icon; I'm truly blessed to have that," Wiseman told Sports Illustrated's Tristan Jung. "It just brings hope for the city of Memphis; it's a great feeling."

Wiseman is also a versatile big man capable of changing fortunes, so the Tigers—who lost to Creighton in this year's NIT—could make a return to the Big Dance next season.

"He's going to have a major, major impact," Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway told Drew Hill of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "He's going to have his ups and downs, but because of his athleticism, the attention that he'll draw, and what he can do offensively and defensive, he's going to have a huge impact."

On the heels of averaging 25.5 points, 14.3 rebounds and 5.4 blocks per game, the 17-year-old shot-blocking machine was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year for 2019.

Wiseman will be a defensive anchor for the West squad and put on a clinic down on the low block with his signature jump hook over his right shoulder and his wow with the improved range on his jump shot.

                 

Cole Anthony (G, Undecided)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTH5F_V4H9Y

Cole Anthony may be still undecided on where he'll ply his trade next season, but that shouldn't detract from the show he'll deliver on the biggest stage in prep school basketball.

The 6'3" combo guard out of Oak Hill Academy, nicknamed "The Phenom," is already off to an incredible start after winning the Powerade Jam Fest 3-point contest on Monday night.

In addition to his deadly three-point shot, Anthony is known for his ability to create off the bounce and leaving defenders in his wake on the way to the basket.

The 18-year-old has a lethal first step and has racked up so many highlights that there are numerous compilation videos of his greatest hits on YouTube.

Anthony was made for games like this because of his competitive fire and ability to get others involved.

Basketball is also in his blood because his father is NBA veteran Greg Anthony, who played college ball at UNLV and won a national championship in 1990.

Anthony has narrowed down his collegiate choices to five: North Carolina, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Georgetown and Oregon.

He will announce where he'll be playing at the Geico Nationals in April.

              

Vernon Carey Jr. (F/C, Duke)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWlfkqaY9s

Vernon Carey is headed to Duke, so the winning tradition will continue in Durham, North Carolina.

The 6'10" big out of University School in Fort Lauderdale led his school to back-to-back state championships while averaging 21 points and nine rebounds per game.

The 18-year-old son of former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey is a certified baller, but don't expect him to be the same kind of player as the outgoing Zion Williamson.

Carey is burly at 275 pounds, but he plays a different kind of game. He plays bully ball and finishes strong around the rim.

"Vernon Carey Jr. brings a unique combination of power and skill to the court," ESPN's national recruiting director Paul Biancardi told Jeff Borzello. "What makes him special is his ability to dominate in the paint while also being effective with his face-up game. His nimble footwork and soft touch is not talked about enough at his physically imposing size. His future upside lies in conditioning."

Look for him to dominate the boards and knock down shots from behind the arc. 

             

Isaiah Stewart (F/C, Washington)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA9-HtBCsDI

Washington may have lost in the NCAA tourney to UNC, but it's got one heck of a consolation prize in Isaiah Stewart.

The 6'9", 245-pound post player is a throwback who goes to work in the interior.

The 17-year-old has a 7'4" wingspan and the strength to move bodies down low. Not only is he a beast on the offensive glass, but he's also got a nice jumper.

Stewart led La Porte, Indiana's La Lumiere School, to a 28-0 record in his senior year and won the 2019 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for High School Player of the Year after averaging 18.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.

He also helped the Lakers land the No. 1 overall spot in the Super 25 Power Rankings heading into the Geico Nationals in April.

                           

Follow Maurice Bobb on Twitter, @ReeseReport

Stats courtesy of MaxPreps.com and recruiting information obtained from 247Sports

Before the current stars of college basketball return to the floor in the Sweet 16 Thursday, the sport's future will be on display at Wednesday's McDonald's All-American Game. 

The high school class of 2019 doesn't have a once-in-a-generation talent like Zion Williamson, but there are plenty of prospects worth watching Wednesday who will make an impact on the collegiate game. 

Duke and Kentucky are among the schools represented by multiple stars in the game, which will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. 

Florida, Villanova and Arizona also have a pair of recruits participating in Wednesday's game, while Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, Memphis and Louisville are among the other elite programs boasting recruits in the showcase event. 

                         

2019 McDonald's All-American Game Info

Date: Wednesday, March 27

Time: 7 p.m. ET 

TV: ESPN2 

                 

Rosters

East

Precious Achiuwa, F, Undecided

Cole Anthony, G, Undecided

Armando Bacot Jr., F/C, Committed to North Carolina

Vernon Carey Jr., F/C, Committed to Duke

Anthony Edwards, G, Committed to Georgia

Trayce Jackson-Davis, F/C, Committed to Indiana

Josiah-Jordan James, G, Committed to Tennessee

Scottie Lewis, G/F, Committed to Florida

Jaden McDaniels. G/F, Undecided

Wendell Moore Jr., G/F, Committed to Duke

Isaiah Stewart, F/C, Committed to Washington 

Trendon Watford, PF, Undecided

                  

West 

Bryan Antoine, G, Committed to Villanova

Josh Green, G, Committed to Arizona

Matthew Hurt, G/F, Undecided

Tre Mann, G, Committed to Florida

Nico Mannion, G, Committed to Arizona

Tyrese Maxey, G, Committed to Kentucky

Isaiah Mobley. G/F, Committed to USC 

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Committed to Villanova

Oscar Tshiebwe, F/C, Committed to West Virginia

Kahlil Whitney, F, Committed to Kentucky

Samuell Williamson, G/F, Committed to Louisville

James Wiseman, F/C, Committed to Memphis

                   

Top Prospects to Watch

James Wiseman

The next step in the evolution of the Memphis program under head coach Penny Hardaway will come next season when the Tigers bring in the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2019, according to 247Sports.

James Wiseman is the prized possession of the No. 8 recruiting class in the nation, and his commitment to Memphis was a huge deal, as the Tigers were able to keep one of the top prospects in their area at home. 

The 7-foot big man will be one of the focal points of the West's game plan on both sides of the court, as he looks to take advantage of his matchups against the nation's other top forwards and centers. 

According to 247Sports' Evan Daniels, Wiseman put together a strong two days of practice down in Atlanta: 

Strong showing for Memphis signee James Wiseman the past two days. Showing off range on his jump shot & shooting it with confidnece. Played with good energy, was active and ran the floor.

— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) March 25, 2019

Wiseman should be one of the top freshmen in college basketball next season because of his ability to dominate in the paint and stretch the floor with his jumper. 

If he builds on his skill set and achieves success in The All-American with Memphis, Wiseman could put himself in contention to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, but as of right now, there's a wide-open field to earn that title. 

                     

Cole Anthony

The son of former UNLV and NBA point guard Greg Anthony is the top uncommitted recruit in the nation. 

According to SNY's Adam Zagoria, Cole Anthony's college decision is down to North Carolina, Oregon, Wake Forest, Georgetown and Notre Dame: 

2019 @The_ColeAnthony is down to UNC, Oregon, Wake, Georgetown and Notre Dame. Plans to announce in early April. pic.twitter.com/tQvrs7GNKW

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 25, 2019

Before he announces his intentions for next season, Anthony has an opportunity to show why he's such a coveted recruit and the No. 4 overall player in the 247Sports rankings. 

During his conversation with reporters in Atlanta, Anthony made it clear his goal is to get to a Final Four in his freshman season, and that could affect his decision to go to North Carolina depending on which players stay or leave for the NBA, per 247Sports' Evan Daniels.

"We just want to monitor and see who ends up staying at each school and who ends up leaving to make sure we have enough talent as a freshman to make it to the Final Four," Anthony said. "That’s my goal." 

The Tar Heels are the favorite to land Anthony's signature, and if he lands with Roy Williams' program, he could make a similar impact on the program that Coby White has had this season. 

North Carolina's current recruiting class is small, but it already includes one McDonald's All-American in Armando Bacot. 

Landing Anthony's commitment would be a huge boost for the Tar Heels as they look to reload if White and Nassir Little both decide to go to the NBA. 

                         

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Recruiting information obtained from 247Sports.com.

College basketball has taken center stage in the sports world with March Madness in full flight.

The 68 teams that were originally in the field have been narrowed to 16, and the tournament will resume Thursday at four regional sites in Kansas City, Missouri, Anaheim, California, Washington D.C. and Louisville, Kentucky

However, the world of college basketball is not just about the 16 teams left in the tournament. It's also about the next platoon of great players who will be competing in college basketball in the 2019-20 season.

Those players will be on display in the McDonald's High School All American Game Wednesday night at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

This game regularly attracts the attention of college coaches and recruiters, because a number of the players on both rosters remain uncommitted to where they will attend college and play next year. 

It also is a gathering for pro scouts, who are looking for talented pro prospects who will be drafted in 2020 and beyond. The idea of the best young players in the nation competing against each other makes the game a must-see for all interested in the future of the sport.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.

Here's a look at the McDonald's All American rosters and a more detailed look at three of the top players in the game.

    

East roster
Precious Achiuwa (No. 13, uncommitted)
Cole Anthony (No. 4, uncommitted)
Armando Bacot (No. 21, North Carolina)
Vernon Carey (No. 3, Duke)
Anthony Edwards (No. 2, Georgia)
Trayce Jackson-Davis (No. 18, Indiana)
Josiah James (No. 16, Tennessee)
Scottie Lewis (No. 12, Florida)
Jaden McDaniels (No. 5, uncommitted)
Wendell Moore (No. 22, Duke)
Isaiah Stewart (No. 6, Washington)
Trendon Watford (No. 27, uncommitted)

West roster
Bryan Antoine (No. 14, Villanova)
Josh Green (No. 11, Arizona)
Matthew Hurt (No. 8, uncommitted)
Tre Mann (No. 26, Florida)
Nico Mannion (No. 10, Arizona)
Tyrese Maxey (No. 9, Kentucky)
Isaiah Mobley (No. 17, USC)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (No. 15, Villanova)
Oscar Tshiebwe (No. 24, West Virginia)
Kahlil Whitney (No. 7, Kentucky)
Samuell Williamson (No. 33, Louisville)
James Wiseman (No. 1, Memphis)

      

James Wiseman

Wiseman is a Memphis native, and he has decided to stay at home and play for the Tigers.

The 7'0" power forward has all the tools to be an elite player at the NBA level, per NBAdraftroom.com. It starts with his athletic ability that allows him to play over the rim and get to places that most players can't reach. He also has a sharp post-up game and moves well around the basket.

He can be dominant on the defensive game with the ability to block or alter shots. He has excellent defensive instincts, and in addition to protecting the rim, he can fly out and alter perimeter shots as well.

He needs work on the nuances of the game like switching on defense, and he is too dependent on his dominant (left) hand for his offense, but both are areas that should change as he gains more experience.

       

Anthony Edwards

The shooting guard from Atlanta has decided to go to Georgia, and he has ideal size for the position at 6'5" and 215 pounds. Edwards is an aggressive scorer who will take the ball to the rim and finish, per 247Sports.

Edwards is an explosive athlete who understands how to excel on the offensive end. Not only will he look for his shot and make it, but he is an impressive passer who will deliver the ball to teammates and allow them to get involved.

He has the tools to play defense at a high level, but this is not his most consistent area at this point. He has an excellent chance to be the No. 1 draft pick in the 2020 draft, according to 247Sports.

      

Vernon Carey

Duke always gets its share of the nation's most elite high school players, and Carey is the No. 3 player in the nation, per 247Sports.

He is a powerful 6'10", 275-pound center who has soft hands and excellent touch around the basket, along with some impressive back-to-the-basket moves. He is a powerful and aggressive rebounder, and he is difficult to stop when pursuing missed shots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWlfkqaY9s

His game is still growing, and he has added an outside shot that extends towards the college three-point line.

The 247Sports website said that he needs to "monitor staying in shape," which could be a concern throughout his career.

Parity won't exactly be the theme of the 2019 McDonald's All American Game.

When 24 of the nation's best high school players take the floor at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Wednesday, one of the two teams will likely be more favored to win.

That squad is the East team, which will have five of the six top-ranked prospects on the ESPN 100: Cole Anthony (No. 2, uncommitted), Vernon Carey (No. 3, Duke), Isaiah Stewart (No. 4, Washington), Anthony Edwards (No. 5, uncommitted) and Jaden McDaniels (No. 6, uncommitted).

Don't feel bad for the West team, though. They'll be led by the No. 1 player in the country in James Wiseman (No. 1, Memphis).

Noticeably absent will be one of the most intriguing and highest-ranked talents (No. 13) in the class,  LaMelo Ball. He wasn't nominated, but he'll still be missed.

The 42nd annual classic will still be entertaining, though, as 13 of the best college programs will be represented.

Here's a look at the top three players who will be on hand for the storied exhibition.

              

Cole Anthony

Rumor has it the uncommitted Cole Anthony is headed to North Carolina.

If that's true, Tarheels head coach Roy Williams should be over the moon to land the prized point guard recruit out of Oak Hill Academy.

The 6'3" combo guard is known for being a lethal two-way player with an explosive first step. He's athletic, quick, relentless and not afraid of the big moment—in fact, he relishes it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTH5F_V4H9Y

Anthony is also great at creating off the bounce and attacking the rim. He's also drastically improved his outside shot.

The Heels missed out on Keion Brooks (No. 23) out of La Lumiere School, but if they land Anthony, they'll still have a decent recruiting class.

The 18-year-old comes from basketball royalty as his father is 11-year NBA veteran Greg Anthony, and the teenager projects to be a future lottery pick.

Anthony likely won't stay in Chapel Hill for more than one year, so UNC should relish his competitive fire and above-the-rim showmanship before he takes his talents to the league.

        

James Wiseman

Based on his decision to play for Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway, James Wiseman puts a lot of stock in loyalty.

The first 7-footer to be ranked No. 1 in the country announced he was headed to play for the Tigers in November, and it didn't come as much of a shock because he'd played for Hardaway's AAU team and Memphis East High School in Tennessee.

The versatile lefty led East to a state championship last season under Hardaway as a junior and continues to dominate as a senior.

This year, the 17-year-old is averaging 25.5 points, 14.3 rebounds and a whopping 5.4 blocks per game.

The recent Gatorade Player of the Year winner is a shot-blocking machine with an intimidating fervor on defense. He is Bill Russell-esque in the way he can take over as a defensive anchor.

No. 1 recruit and Memphis commit James Wiseman wins @Gatorade National Player of the Year https://t.co/mYJ1nR0re4

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 19, 2019

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. presented Wiseman with the award and was impressed by the Tigers' recruit.

"The way he plays the game—he plays like a team player," Jackson told Slam magazine's Isaiah De Los Santos. "He's been so good at if someone triple-teams him or doubles him, he's able to kick it out to his players. And he's able to dominate inside and outside as a versatile player himself. He does so well at all of that stuff."

Memphis will get a boost as a basketball powerhouse with Wiseman in the fold, and fans will enjoy the way he runs the floor, scores at will and rejects opponents' shots with impunity.

Hardaway has already made a name for himself as a player and high school coach. Now, with Wiseman committed and ready to make an indelible impact, he'll make a name for himself as a college coach, too.

      

Vernon Carey Jr.

The rich just keep getting richer.

That tried-and-true aphorism applies to Duke, as they landed five-star center Vernon Carey Jr. just one year after successfully recruiting Cam Reddish, RJ Barrett and the explosive future No. 1 NBA draft pick, Zion Williamson.

"The reason why I chose Duke is Coach K, just the recruiting class they're bringing in this year, Wendell Moore and Boogie Ellis, and hopefully some guys can come with me," Carey told SportsCenter. "They see me as a positionless player, they said I can be anywhere on the court. That worked well with me."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWlfkqaY9s

The 6'10" center out of Fort Lauderdale's University School is a big talent, both figuratively and literally.

Weighing in at 275 pounds, he'll be able to bully opponents on the low block and finish strong or show off his mobility with his soft touch around the basket.

As the son of former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey, the 18-year-old is a natural-born athlete, who will have to improve his offensive skills under coach Mike Krzyzewski while he's in Durham.

Carey is a rebounding machine who can stroke it from deep. There's no doubt the Cameron Crazies will have plenty to root for with the addition of the No. 3-ranked big, who will pair well with the tough and defensive-minded small forward Wendell Moore.

                

Follow Maurice Bobb on Twitter, @ReeseReport

Recruiting information obtained from 247Sports

LaMelo Ball had an eventful night as Spire Academy (Ohio) earned a 102-83 win over Springdale Prep (Maryland) in a game played at Towson University.

The highly touted prospect was playing in his first game after suffering a broken finger earlier this month but came through with 14 points and 12 assists Monday, per Spire Academy Director Justin Brantley.

He also looked like his old self while running the floor and finishing with some fast-break dunks:

LaMelo is officially back 🔥

(via br_hoops/IG) https://t.co/41IxabkfKQ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2019

Melo is dunking EVERYTHING and Spire is leading 54-45 at the half 🤯 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/hclvWbmpp0

— Overtime (@overtime) February 19, 2019

NOOOOOOO LAMELO 😭😭😭 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/kSUtt2A3Nt

— Overtime (@overtime) February 19, 2019

There is no indication the injury suffered on the final dunk was anything serious.

Although he is often known for his shooting, this ability to push the tempo and finish at the rim is a major reason Ball is considered a 5-star prospect and the No. 19 overall player in the 2019 class, per 247Sports.

Meanwhile, the game also featured plenty of drama, as the two teams got into a scuffle that cleared the benches (Warning: NSFW language in videos):

LAMELO BALL FIGHT BREAKS LOOSE AT HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAME! SPIRE ACADEMY VS SPRINGDALE PREP pic.twitter.com/ppwW8D7ll5

— Lambo (@NoMercyLambo) February 19, 2019

Malace at Towson. Spire academy brawl. Melo didn’t throw a punch, but I just love the guy @SLAMonline @BleacherReport pic.twitter.com/bGOE8u7ieY

— Nick Cretella (@NickCretella) February 19, 2019

Ball stayed away from the fight, walking around the action and avoiding any contact with the opposing team.

He remained focused on the prize and helped his team add another win to its impressive season.

Spire's next scheduled game is home Wednesday against Teays Valley.

LaMelo Ball scored a game-high 31 points in a 97-88 win for Spire Academy (Ohio) over Oldsmar Christian (Florida) on Sunday.

The game took place at Graves County High School in Mayfield, Kentucky, as part of the Jackson Purchase Jam event.

After dropping 36 points Saturday, Ball changed his jersey number from No. 1 to No. 24 for Sunday's contest.

The change didn't seem to impact Ball's play, as he was aggressive and effective in attacking the basket.

As seen in this highlight courtesy of Overtime, Ball imposed his will from the early going by getting into the paint and finishing at the rim:

LaMelo switched his number to 24 👀 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute @thegrindsession pic.twitter.com/qYYxzzIZGn

— Overtime (@overtime) February 3, 2019

He also showed off his silky touch with baskets such as this floater late in the opening half:

Spire’s behind 47-44 at halftime 😖 @SPIRE_Institute @thegrindsession pic.twitter.com/pvsTfPROYX

— Overtime (@overtime) February 3, 2019

Spire trailed by three at halftime despite Ball's best efforts, but Ball and Co. managed to storm back and come away with the victory.

Ball even mustered a breakaway dunk that put Spire up by nine with less than six minutes remaining:

Listen to the crowd on Melo’s dunk 🤔 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute @thegrindsession pic.twitter.com/VlM1nUF0OR

— Overtime (@overtime) February 3, 2019

While LaMelo did miss an open dunk in the waning seconds of the game, it was inconsequential in Spire's impressive victory.

After picking up yet another win, Ball and Spire will prepare for their next game against Prolific Prep (California) at the Smoky Mountain Showdown in Athens, Tennessee, on Friday.

LaMelo Ball and Spire Academy kept on rolling Sunday night, knocking off Lutheran East 118-96.

Ball was solid for Spire, posting 19 points and 10 assists in the win. As usual, his game wasn't lacking flair:

LaMelo Ball with 19 points and 10 assists in a 118-96 DUB 🚨 @MELOD1P @ZO2_ @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/rX3v33hk5z

— Overtime (@overtime) January 28, 2019

Alongside Ball, Rocket Watts continued his string of strong play with 29 points, per Matt Goul of Cleveland.com, a night after he went off for 64 points. Lutheran East's EJ Farmer led all scorers with 37 points.

The win moved Spire to 16-1 on the season, with their lone loss coming against Prolific Prep earlier in January. There's little question that Spire is one of the more talented teams in the country, with all five starters and several reserves already holding scholarship offers from Division I schools, per Goul.

Ball is the most high-profile athlete of the bunch, but Watts may be the most talented. The 4-star combo guard is currently the No. 32 overall player in 247Sports.com's composite rankings and the No. 2 overall player in the state of Ohio. He is currently committed to Michigan State.

Spire Academy (Ohio) guard LaMelo Ball finished with 18 points and 10 assists in a 122-86 win over St. Edward (Ohio) on Saturday night.

Ball did not score his first points until the third quarter, as he instead deferred to teammate Rocket Watts for much of the game.

Watts, who is committed to play at Michigan State next season, racked up 64 points, including 15 three-pointers made.

Forty of Watts' 64 points were scored in the first half, and Ball dished out eight of his 10 assists in the opening half as well.

As seen in the following video courtesy of Overtime, Ball set up many of Watts' makes Saturday:

ROCKET WATTS HAD 64 🔥🔥🔥 @RocketWatts @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/Osxi1JdgNj

— Overtime (@overtime) January 27, 2019

Although Ball was largely content to be a distributor rather than a scorer, he showed off his range at times as well:

SPIRE WINS 122-86 🚨 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute @RocketWatts pic.twitter.com/HlKjuimg8T

— Overtime (@overtime) January 27, 2019

Spire improved to 15-1 with Saturday's win and bounced back from a blowout loss to Prolific Prep earlier this week.

Ball and Spire are next scheduled to be in action Sunday when they face Lutheran East.

     

Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Prolific Prep lived up to its name.

The Crew blasted LaMelo Ball and Spire Academy on Monday at the Flyin' to the Hoop tournament in Dayton, Ohio, beating them 94-59. Nimari Burnett was brilliant, scoring 34 points for Prolific Prep, while Ball acquitted himself well in the loss with 20 points and four assists, though he also had seven turnovers.

Box Score from @ProlificPrep v @SpireBasketball #FTTH2019 pic.twitter.com/7ge2IUWa86

— FlyinToTheHoop (@FlyinToTheHoop) January 21, 2019

The loss was Spire's first of the season. 

Ball showed off some of his skills in the blowout defeat, as Mike Schmitz of ESPN.com noted:

Ball showing off his ambidexterity so far today. Smooth change of pace in PnR into a lefty kiss. He’s made a couple creative, instinctual reads also. Splashed a corner 3 as well. Spire struggling as a unit. pic.twitter.com/Y7WrNu5I2Y

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 21, 2019

But Burnett was the man of the hour, flashing the ability that has made him an intriguing prospect:

All the fans came to see LaMelo but Nimari Burnett has completely stolen the show with Prolific up 28. All over the place defensively, putting pressure on the rim, making shots off the dribble and the catch. Showing a ton or passion. Big fan of his NBA potential.

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 21, 2019

Prolific Prep hands Spire their FIRST LOSS behind Nimari Burnett’s 34 🚨

Final Score: 94-59@NimariBurnett @ProlificPrep @FlyinToTheHoop pic.twitter.com/IzXrSoMeu0

— Overtime (@overtime) January 21, 2019

Burnett, a 4-star combo guard, is considered the No. 35 player in the Class of 2020, the No. 3 combo guard and the No. 6 player from the state of California according to 247Sports.com. 

Up next for Spire is a matchup with St. Edwards (Lakewood, Ohio) on Jan. 26.

LaMelo Ball's first half was one of his worst since joining Spire Institute.

In the second half, though, Ball flashed all the skills that make him one of the most promising prep stars in the country.

LaMelo scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half, helping lead Spire Institute to an 82-61 win over Brush High School on Tuesday. He added eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in the blowout.

His final points of the contest came on an incredible half-court shot with under 10 seconds remaining.

LAMELO FROM HALF COURT 🚨 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/88n1fXSzP2

— Overtime (@overtime) January 16, 2019

While his final stats look solid, it was anything but easy. LaMelo went into the break 1-of-5 from the floor, tallying just three points while struggling to make an impact on either end.

It was a completely different story in the second half, with Ball coming out and firing—and having his shots find the back of the net. He even got himself into lockdown-defense mode at times, including this impressive strip and finish.

LaMelo playing that LOCKDOWN 🔒 @MELOD1P @SPIRE_Institute pic.twitter.com/nHRKVdIJT7

— Overtime (@overtime) January 16, 2019

Spire's win moves them to 16-0 on the season.