2026 has taken “fall basketball” to new heights. While many schools can’t even consider playing as a team until their official high school practices start, states such as California, Nevada, Colorado, and Washington allow high school programs to essentially operate year round as “club teams”.
Naturally, there have been a number of for profit fall events that have been popping up out of the woodwork each weekend that provide little to no value to. players and are simply a money grab for the admission fee. However, events such as The Border League, Dinos Trigonis‘ Ron Massey Memorial, Ryan Silver‘s AOG event series, and the LA based HS Fall Invite provide substantial value to players, scouts, and college coaches alike.
Add Ani Umana‘s First Look to the latter category.
.@Ballislife #FAB50 national programs Oak Cliff Faith Family (@OakCliff_FFA ) and Allen HS (TX) going at it as if it was state title game at @Ani_Umana “s first look with absurd intensity on defensive end from both. https://t.co/JjT4JPs2Bj
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) November 7, 2026
Held at perennial Texas power Duncanville High School, The First Look was an invite only event that blended prep school powers against some of the best traditional high schools that the DFW had to offer. Preseason Ballislife FAB 50 No. 7 Oak Cliff Faith Family went up against No. 25 Allen HS (Tex.) in a spirited affair that saw Faith Family cruise.
Iowa United Prep made the journey to South Dallas, host Duncanville unveiled its massive amount of underclass talent, and high major prospects were present in every single game. Despite the college basketball season having already started, over a dozen D-1 programs were in the building including the likes of Oklahoma, Baylor, SMU, and Houston.
Umana, who is one of the most well respected scouts in the nation and has done work with ESPN, Ballislife, and a host of other outlets, made the event a treasure for media, scouts, and college coaches alike. Accurate rosters were distributed, games ran on time, and a comprehensive list of the top prospects was sent out just in case there were some sleepers that you weren’t aware of.
Oak Cliff Faith Family went undefeated against a pair of hard nosed squads filled with D-1 talent in Duncanville and Allen to set themselves apart from the pack. However, there were big time prospects in every single game played in the Sandra Meadows Memorial Arena. Here’s a closer look at the six of the top performers who caught our eye at the 2026 First Look:
Xavier Young, 6’10, C, Oak Cliff Faith Family (Tex.), 2027
Despite being the age of a young junior (his original class), Xavier Young was the most physically imposing big man that The First Look had to offer. The 16 year old carved out super deep position in the paint, looked to rip the rim off at every opportunity, and dominated the interior without having any plays ran for him. Having recently committed to LSU, Young will be required to spend two years at the college level and with an SEC weight program, can develop into one of the more physically dominant bigs in the conference.
Cadarian Urune, 6’4, SG/SF, Allen HS (Tex.), 2027
Perhaps my favorite player to watch in the entire event, Cadarian Urune was a straight dog against EYBL Scholastic powers Faith Family and Iowa United. The gritty swingman shot the ball well from the perimeter, was an elite offensive rebounder, and defended four different positions on the floor. Urune’s big time athleticism, willingness to defend, and shooting ability make him a really nice get for Lamar in the Southland Conference.
Jamal McKnight, 6’0, PG, Iowa United Prep (Iowa), 2027
Donned as the next guard from New York since his elementary school days, Jamal McKnight captivated the South Dallas crowd with his absurd handle at the First Look. The incredibly shifty guard changed paces like no other in Duncanville, had a full bag of finishes with English on them, and was a vocal leader. Heading to Utah next season, McKnight will have plenty of opportunity to get minutes right away as a catalyst for the Utes
Lamar Holden, 6’7, SF/PF, Parkview HS (Ark.), 2027
Right there in the conversation for the top senior in Arkansas, you could see the versatile skillset that has people buzzing about Lamar Holden. A bit of a throwback, Holden simply punished people from the mid-post with his ability to shoot over you, create separation on his fadeaway, or absorb all of the defense’s attention. Toss in the fact that he has an ideal frame and does have three point range, it’s easy to see why he’s a name that could get hot in the late signing period.
Bae Bae Groom, 6’3, PG/SG, Duncanville HS (Tex.), 2028
In Duncanville’s win over EYBL Scholastic power Iowa United, there wasn’t anyone better than Bae Bae Groom. The dynamic combo guard hit a number of deep threes, got to the line at will with his relentless drives, and brought a competitive nature unlike most to the hardwood. The ability that Groom has to play a variety of roles in the backcourt make him a key asset for a Duncanville squad that has State title aspirations.
King Taylor, 6’5, SF, Oak Cliff Faith Family (Tex.), 2028
One of the best glue guys that we saw in the event, King Taylor did all the little things that proved essential to Faith Family walking away with two wins at the First Look. The lanky forward was insanely active on both ends of the court, provided a shot blocking presence, and was a lob/offensive rebound threat. Taylor’s ability to impact the game in so many different ways have already earned him a half dozen D-1 offers.
Editor’s Pick
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