TOC: Wings are proven to be elite on both ends

TOC: Wings are proven to be elite on both ends

By Robert Alfonso Jr. 

MARIETTA, Ga. – Players showed up to the Tournament of Champions with an opportunity to make an impression on a premier stage at Wheeler High.

These players helped led their teams and carved their names into the mind of many in attendance. Basketball programs across the country are looking for long and rangy wings to inset into their program. Those players were on the platform putting together some solid performances.

Here are some wings that made sure to get noticed early and often.

Arrinten Page | 2023 | Wheeler | was easily the most dominating player on the interior. He finished above the rim regularly at 6-foot-9. There was no matchup for him because his focus was to punish Kimball High inside. The Southern California signee finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Look for Page’s continued performance like this to help keep the Wildcats in the conversation nationally.

Decannon Wickware | 2023 | Kimball | had some bright moments throughout the matchup with Wheeler. The 6-foot-5 forward was punishing the rim whenever possible. He showed the ability to compete and play defense with a level of toughness. Wickware was relentless on both ends of the floor.

Ace Bailey | 2024 | McEachern | had one of the more outstanding performances of the weekend. He is one of the more highly-touted prospects in the country. His ability to make jaw-dropping plays on both ends of the floor. Bailey is so versatile. He can put the ball on the floor, shoot the deep ball, score in tight spaces, and plays above the rim. There was a play the 6-foot-9 youngster squeezed through a tight spot before driving baseline for a two-handed dunk. It got the gym buzzing and many in shock. His performance stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. He is just different.

Braedan Lue | 2024 | Alexander | is a take no-nonsense player on the hardwood. When the 6-foot-8 forward goes downhill his focus is to punish the rim. He finishes through contact and under control. Being able to extend the floor with a much-improved jumper. He defends the rim with the perfect combination of athleticism and toughness. Lue finished with 17 points on the night. 

Josiah Lawson | 2024 | Tucker | made an impactful impression on the main floor. This 6-foot-7 forward displayed versatility in scoring the basketball. He mixed it up inside and helped set a tone on the inside. His strength made him a force. Lawson shot the ball well too from the perimeter. He has good hands in rebounding the ball and the touch carries over with his jumper. Lawson finished with a team-high 21 points.

Cannon Richards | 2024 | Kell | continues to make significant improvements. He is an athletic 6-foot-7 wing with a great motor. His desire to hit the glass relentlessly rebounds the ball at an elite level. He finishes above the rim too.

Tylis Jordan | 2025 | Shiloh | had a strong performance against Holy Innocents. This budding star played with poise and played both ends of the floor with purpose. He established himself on both ends at 6-foot-7. There were moments he started the offense on the defensive end either blocking a shot or kicking out the rebound. He then shot the ball well from the mid-post and from three-point range. The improvements Jordan has made since August has been impressive. Look for him to continue garnering attention as Auburn made him an offer after going for 23 points.

Jacob Wilkins | 2025 | Parkview | has had a tremendous start to the sophomore campaign. The 6-foot-9 wing shot the ball well and caused mismatches on either end of the floor. He runs the floor like a rock skipping across water. His length helps him to get shots off over defenders and it contributes to his ability to block shots on the defensive end. He finished with 24 points in the game. Wilkins continues to make improvements with every game.