School Days Elite Basketball Runs: Player Profiles and Insights
08/19/2024
The School Days Elite Basketball organization has been fostering young talent and honing the skills of future basketball stars. Their roster for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes showcases a diverse group of athletes, each bringing distinct abilities and potential to the game. Here's a detailed overview of the standout players:
1. De’shawnta Malone (2025, 5-8 PG, Lansing Waverly)
- Position: Point Guard
Malone is known for his aggressive playing style, which allows him to be a disruptive force on both ends of the court. His exceptional shooting ability makes him a constant scoring threat, allowing his team to stretch defenses and create opportunities.
2. Shannon Henderson (2025, 6-8 PF, Stockbridge)
- Position: Power Forward
With good length and athleticism, Henderson excels at running the court, which is pivotal for fast breaks and transition play. His capabilities as a rim protector make him invaluable on defense, while his improving post moves suggest a bright future in offensive versatility.
3. Izaiah O’Dell (2025, 6-6 SF, Grand Ledge).
- Position: Small Forward
O’Dell is showing significant improvement in his game, utilizing his athleticism to run the floor effectively. His ability to attack the rim and finish strong, along with being a good rebounder, positions him as a dynamic force on both offense and defense.
4. KJ Torbert (2026, 6-2 CG, East Lansing).
- Position: Combo Guard
KJ Torbert could potentially be the top player in the 2026 class. He was the definitely the best player in gym. His skills on both offense and defense are exceptional. Without a doubt, he is a D1 talent.
5. Derek Thomas (2026, 6-3 SF, Lansing Waverly).
- Position: Small Forward
Known for his inside presence, Thomas is effective in the paint and has recently developed a reliable mid-range jumper. His rebounding skills add depth to his game, making him a well-rounded contributor.
6. Nicholas Farr (2026, 6-0 PG, Warren Cousino).
- Position: Point Guard
Farr brings solid fundamentals to the point guard position, along with good shooting ability. His court vision helps facilitate the offense, and he is becoming more adept at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
7. Mason Dowdy (2026, 6-2 CG, Mason).
- Position: Combo Guard
An incredibly athletic player, Dowdy combines his physical abilities with a solid shooting stroke, enabling him to stretch defenses and penetrate them effectively. His athleticism makes him a key player on both ends of the court.
8. Xavier Pendergrass (2026, 6-7 SF, Lansing Waverly).
- Position: Small Forward
Pendergrass has shown tremendous growth in his gameplay, demonstrating dominance on both ends of the court. His offensive and defensive capabilities make him a dual threat, with increasing skill in scoring efficiently.
9. Jaden Garwood (2026, 6-5 CG, University of Detroit Jesuit).
- Position: Combo Guard
Garwood’s high basketball IQ allows him to make smart plays, along with his physicality on the court. Emerging as a good shooter, he is also starting to improve his rebounding and defensive efforts, indicating his growth as a player.
10. Trey Miller (2026, 6'7" SF, St. Paul).
- Position: Small Forward
Trey Miller is a versatile forward who possesses a smooth playing style, making him a do-it-all player. With his height and skill set, he is starting to come into his own as a key contributor on both ends of the court.
11. Mario Murray (2026, 5-10 PG, Lansing Sexton)
- Position: Point Guard
As a point guard, Mario is the floor general. He does whatever it takes to secure victories, showcasing strong leadership qualities on the court. His ability to read the game and facilitate plays makes him a key asset, while his leadership qualities inspire those around him.
12. Brandon Mercer II (2026, 5'9", PG, Holt)
- Position: Point Guard
Quick and explosive, Brandon is a dynamic point guard who possesses exceptional scoring ability. His agility and speed make him a difficult matchup for defenders, allowing him to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates.
13. Solomon Spann (2026, 6'2", PG, University of Detroit Jesuit)
- Position: Point Guard
Solomon stands out for his intelligence on the court. Known for his scrappy defense and strong shooting ability, he is a reliable team player who enhances the offensive flow. His high basketball IQ allows him to make sound decisions under pressure.
14. Kington Thomas (2027, 6-4 CG, East Lansing)
- Position: Combo Guard
Kington represents the younger talent in the program with a high upside. At 6-4, he brings a combination of size and skill, making him a valuable player in both guard positions. His potential is evident, and with continued development and experience, he could become elite.