The fall basketball market is becoming saturated across the country. With semi-mandatory “fall high school leagues” being played virtually every weekend after Labor Day, the “off-season” really doesn’t offer much free time to high school players. Most of them have to be selective about what events to attend in order to maximize their opportunities and development while minimizing injury. Playing in team events virtually every weekend, some players needed an opportunity to showcase their talents in a different setting.
Enter the Stellar Hoops Elite 60.
Held at Charlotte’s Harding High School over the weekend, director Wayne Davis puts on two separate one-day, invite-only events just after the school year begins. Focusing largely on underclassmen and players who are flying under the radar, the Elite 60 2026 fall event brought both to the table.
Players such as Michigan State swingman Coen Carr (who shut down the 2023 Ballislife All-American Game dunk contest and game), Timberwolves rookie Isaiah Evans, Top 5 2027 DeMarcus Henry, Miami physical monster Somto Cyril, and Top 10 2027 LJ Smith are just a few to have graced the court at this event before they blew up.
The fall edition was undoubtedly spearheaded by an exceptionally talented group of freshmen. Many haven’t played the first game of their ninth grade year, but have already grabbed D-1 offers. The combination of size and skill for these young prospects took us back a bit, especially when you consider they were playing against some seniors at the event.
That being said, here’s a comprehensive look at the top freshmen the fall 2026 Stellar Hoops Elite 60 had to offer.
Eddie Rios III, 6’1, PG, Schoolhouse Prep (FL), 2030
The most polished freshman the event had to offer was Eddie Rios III, son of former top-50 recruit and Miami Hurricanes point guard Edwin Rios. The cerebral lead guard is elite at playing the game at his own pace, has super deep range, and is a willing facilitator for others. Already holding a D-1 offer from FIU, Rios III will add plenty more as he projects as a high major prospect at this point.
Braylen Weaks, 6’4, SG, Cannon School (NC), 2030
The most unstoppable 1-on-1 scorer of the second day of the Elite 60 was undoubtedly Braylen Weaks, a talented shooting guard out of Charlotte. The natural scorer knew how to get buckets with limited dribbles, was efficient with his pull-up jumper, and had a variety of creative takes to the rack. The son of former Florida Gators two-guard and Adriatic League MVP Kenyan Weaks has basketball in his DNA, making him a definite name to remember.
Checking out some sleepers from the Southeast with size and length at @StellarHoops Elite 60. Saw DeMarcus Henry, Isaiah Evans, Coen Carr, Sadiq White, Kaharri Coleman, and more here far before they were known as elite prospects. pic.twitter.com/XzLlw5DByd
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) September 27, 2026
Treyvon Smith, 6’7, PF, Gray Collegiate (SC), 2030
Considered by many to be the top 2030 in South Carolina, Treyvon Smith held his own against the older competition at the Elite 60. Already blessed with a crazy frame, he embraced the physicality in the paint, showed that he could hid mid-range jumpers, and played above the rim on both ends. Already holding D-1 offers, Treyvon will be playing for perennial SC power Gray Collegiate for his high school ball.
Jay’den Lewis, 6’1, PG, Gray Collegiate (SC), 2030
Another freshman out of South Carolina that has drawn considerable buzz, Jay’Den Lewis showed why at Stellar Hoops. The powerful lefty was great going downhill, had outstanding court vision, and shot it well enough from deep to keep defenders honest. Already holding D-1 offers, he and Treyvon Smith will form the best 2030 duo in the Palmetto State.
Zyon Butler, 6’7, C, Harding HS (NC), 2030
A big man who looks like he’s far from done growing, you can’t really ask for more out of a guy like Zyon Butler in an event like the Elite 60. The developing post made a number of tough catches, showed soft touch at the rim, and exerted effort on both ends of the court. There’s still plenty of refinement that needs to be done, but he has the tools to be a key piece for a loaded Team United squad.
Gabriel Gates, 6’8, PF/C, Schoolhouse Prep (FL), 2030
Owning the ideal physical makeup that you’d hope for out of a young big man, Gabriel Gates was able to make an impact with his physical gifts at the Elite 60. The big time athlete is a constant lob threat, can really run the floor, and is expanding range as a shooter facing up. Built like an elite football prospect, the future is incredibly bright for Gates if he continues to progress.
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