While much of the nation is operating at max capacity with “fall basketball,” prep school basketball has been in full swing for nearly two months. Given that there is no official governing body to designate an athletic calendar for these programs, prep schools, in theory, can play games from September through June, if desired. Given the travel expenses and remote locations of several schools, scheduling can be a logistical and financial nightmare for many.
Enter the Attitude of Gratitude Power 32.
Final game of @aog_events Power 32, capping off stop 2 for outstanding first year prep league that easily had over 100 players who will eventually play D-1 basketball lace em up this weekend. https://t.co/09ZFG4GWju
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) November 9, 2026
Blending the top prep programs in the West Region, AOG founder Ryan Silver assembled several of the nation’s finest prep programs under one roof for the Power 32. Already having started the season in Seattle, the Power 32 moved on to the AOG home base of The PHHacility in Phoenix for what shaped up to be an elite weekend of basketball that featured squads from 10 different states and Canada fighting for scholarships as well as their spot in the Power 32 rankings.
In a space where many players are upperclassmen or even fighting for scholarships as fifth-year players, you don’t see many freshmen logging considerable minutes. Here’s a deeper look at players from the classes of 2030 and 2031 who made an impact at the AOG Power 32:
David Whitaker, 6’2″, PG/SG, Iowa United Prep (Iowa), 2030
One of the best two-way guards in the event regardless of class, David Whitaker was an absolute game-changer in keeping Iowa United undefeated in P32 play. The insanely strong guard put immense pressure on the ball defensively, was a constant shot-blocking presence, and may have created more deflections than anyone in the event. Factor in his explosive straight-line drives to the rack and you’ll see why he is the best that Iowa has to offer in the Class of 2030.
Alijah Alexander, 6’8″, PF, Canyon Academy (Ariz.), 2031
Considered by most to be the best Class of 2031 prospect in Canada, Alijah Alexander made the move to the lower 48 and is playing high-level prep ball in the CIA Bella Vista family as an eighth grader. Using his physically mature frame, Alijah was able to hold his own against older foes, was reliable shooting the ball from mid-range, and initiated the break off defensive rebounds. In fact, many onlookers were simply dumbfounded once they realized that they were looking at a player who was still in middle school, serving as a testament to the potential that Alexander offers.
Jamal Washington Jr., 6’3″, SG, Albuquerque Prep (New Mex.), 2030
The top freshman in the state of New Mexico lived up to his reputation at the AOG Power 32 during Albuquerque Prep’s undefeated weekend. Jamal “Deuce” Washington was a creative finisher with either hand, had deep 3-point range, and utilized his length on both ends of the floor. Futhermore, Washington holds D-I offers from blossoming Sam Houston State, Washington appears to be next up out of Albuquerque Prep.
Harlem Graham, 6’3″, PG/SG, Canyon Academy (Ariz.), 2030
A big-time shot creator, Harlem Graham burst onto the scene with his MVP performance in the top-30 game of the Pangos All-West Frosh/Soph Camp and continued his high-level play at the AOG Power 32. Harlem got it done from either backcourt spot, created separation to get his shot off the bounce, and proved that he could get it done off the ball. The Canadian guard also proved to be an electric scorer once he gets hot, and showed that in bursts at the Power 32.
Cason Harkless-Gilkey, 6’1″, PG, JP Academy (Tex.), 2031
A player that I wasn’t familiar with, Cason Harkless-Gilkey proved that he could get it done during his time with JP Academy. The shifty lead guard was outstanding getting into the paint, got the rock to teammates in their sweet spots, and was a creative finisher at the rim. Previously, Harkless-Gilkey made an impact with Houston Hoops in the Jr. EYBL and should be a contributor throughout the season for JP Academy.
Carmelo Mason, 6’3″, SG, Albuquerque Prep (New Mex.), 2031
A player who shined at the Pangos Rocky Mountain Summit, it was great to see Carmelo Mason against older competition at the Power 32. The lanky guard is a big-time shooter who was a constant floor spacer. He also got to his mid-range jumper easily, and knew how to score efficiently with limited dribbles. The younger brother of Xavier-bound guard Brandon Mason Jr. (6-foot-7) has plenty of growth left in him and is already getting it done on the national level.
Editor’s Pick
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