By: Ross Van De Griek
We are officially at the midway point in the Grassroots season, where we will be highlighting our top players to watch in each class as we approach the high school Live Periods later this month. Here are 8 (eight) players to know in the upcoming sophomore class
6-5 SG Miles Simpson, The Villages Charter (FL), Bradley Beal Elite EYBL
The 6-foot-5 rising sophomore guard is a high-flying athlete who can finish above the rim at will, as well as having a dangerous step-back game on the offensive end. His length allows him to get off a solid shot against anybody, and he has a smooth release on his jump shot. On the defensive end, he can guard multiple positions with his strength and physicality. Overall, Simpson’s size and skill set allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself as well as his teammates. He can make an impact on the defensive end with his length and rebounding ability. College coaches need to start showing interest in the 6-foot-5 rising sophomore combo guard.
6-8 SF Cayden Gaskins, Christopher Columbus HS (FL), JET Academy EYBL
The 6-foot-8 rising sophomore small forward is one of the top-ranked prospects in the nation for his class. Like his older brother, Caleb, he is an elite shot blocker who plays with a ton of length, as well as being able to space the floor and defend out on the perimeter with his elite footwork. On the offensive end, he can score on all three levels, whether it’s off the catch or bounce. He has an improved jump shot where he is effective in the mid-range. Overall, he brings solid rim protection and can be efficient in a variety of ways where he is a double-double threat anytime he steps onto the floor.
6-8 PF Grant Duggins, Greensboro Day School (NC), Team CP3 EYBL
The 6-foot-8 rising sophomore power forward brings a unique skill set where he has size, length, and athleticism. On the offensive end, he brings a dominant presence down in the paint with touch, finishing ability, and poise, where he is also comfortable in expanding his game, where he can score in the mid-range as well as on the perimeter. He is also a quality passer in transition scoring opportunities and runs the floor exceptionally well for his size. On defense, he brings a ton of length, whether it’s his rebounding ability or blocking shots at the front of the rim. Overall, his inside-out scoring ability on the offensive end and versatility on the defensive end sets the complete package for the rising sophomore.
6-7 SF Aiden Thomas, East Rutherford HS (NC), Heat Elite
The 6-foot-7 rising sophomore wing is an emerging prospect college coaches will want to focus on early. Thomas brings a versatile skill set where he brings high motor, physicality, and toughness on both ends of the floor. On the defensive end, he positions himself as an elite shot-blocker, using his length and athleticism to his advantage. Thomas brings aggression on the boards on both ends of the floor; he is also an excellent floor spacer on the offensive end, where he can score on all three levels. Look for Thomas to have a breakout second half of the summer and will raise some stock heading into his sophomore season.
6-4 CG Brayden Wise, North Oconee HS (GA), JET Academy EYBL
The 6-foot-4 rising sophomore guard is coming off a weekend where he picked up offers from Georgia and Georgia Tech at the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association (GBCA) Live Period. On the offensive end, he does a great job when it comes to getting his teammates involved, knocking down catch-and-shoot three-pointers, and displaying a strong feel for the game. He is the younger brother of rising senior, Justin where he is more of the primary scorer from the two-guard position. On defense, he can apply consistent on-ball pressure, jump the passing lanes with his athleticism, and snatch down timely rebounds limiting the opposition from getting second-chance scoring opportunities.
6-5 SG Antwan “AJ” Scott Jr, New Bern HS (NC), Eight Way Basketball
Scott is a Top-20 ranked prospect in the 2029 class, according to SportsCenter NEXT. He is coming off a freshman season where he averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with New Bern High School. He is a dynamic athlete who can score on all three levels, whether it’s off the catch or bounce. He is an underrated defender who plays with a ton of length, whether it’s in the passing lanes or as a rim protector. In transition, he makes strong passes ahead as well as playing with speed and under control, where he doesn’t force action from the defense. Look for Scott to have a strong second half of the summer and go into his sophomore season raising more national attention.
6-3 SG Braeden Greenup, South Granville (NC), Team United EYBL 15U
The 6-foot-3 rising sophomore guard brings a lot to the table, where he displays physicality, toughness, and an elite motor on both ends of the floor. During the Nike EYBL Session 2 in Memphis last month, Greenup averaged 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He plays within the flow and doesn’t get rattled when facing pressure from the defenses, as his high IQ allows him to make strong reads and smart decisions when he has the basketball in his hands. During his freshman season with South Granville, he averaged 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
6-5 SG Austin Leonard, Grayson (GA), JET Academy EYBL
The 6-foot-5 rising sophomore shooting guard brings ideal positional size, length, and athleticism on both ends of the floor. During his freshman season, Leonard earned All-Region honors, where he was one of the lead catalysts for the Rams to make a run to the regional final. He is a capable scorer who can be effective on all three levels, whether it’s off the catch or bounce. Leonard already holds offers from Auburn, Florida State, and Georgia Tech. Expect many more schools to start calling for the 6-foot-5 rising sophomore guard as the summer rolls on.
Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024 and has been the Owner/Founder of Southeast Hoops Report since June 2026. You can follow along with his work on X (@SEHoopsReport), Instagram (sehoopsreport), and Facebook (@sehoopsreport).