The Kentucky Expo Center was rocking on night one of the Grassroots Showcase. With a long list of prominent teams, many exciting matchups, as well to Tom Izzo, Juwan Howard and plenty of other college coaches in the building, there was plenty of buzz in the gym. Here are just a few of the many players that stood out on day one. 

Xavier Booker – 2023 – F/C – George Hill All Indy

In the most hyped game of the day, with George Hill All Indy taking on 1of1 with Mikey Williams, Booker shined. The ultra-skilled big man led the way with 27 points in the victory. He has all the abilities of a lengthy 6’10” big but also showed out with his ability to put the ball on the floor and hit some jumpers. The stock continues to soar for Booker who has unlimited upside with all his tools. 

Ty Fernholz – 2024 – G – WI Blizzard

While Will Hornseth gets plenty of the attention for this team (and there’s great reason for it), Fernholz is not a player to miss. The two guard led the way in his teams 20-point victory scoring 22 points. He was lights out from deep going six of eleven on his three-point attempts. More than just a knock down shooter though, the sophomore is a high IQ guard that can make plays off the dribble as well. 

Owen Freeman – 2023 – PF – Mid Pro Academy

Another highly touted big man making the list. Freeman was just dominant inside with a very efficient 18 points. With his size, strength, and moves, the Iowa commit was just unstoppable tonight when he got the ball around the paint. He was finishing everything strong scoring right through and on defenders, getting it done in a crowd. Also, worth mentioning, Danny Stephens had a very effective game with 16 points. 

Lyncoln Koester – 2025 – PG – Illinois Wolves

Koester impressed with so many aspects of his game. While only a freshman with his team playing up, he has a high IQ and feel plus advanced skill set. He plays well with the ball in his hands running the point and creating for his teammates with his vision but also shot the ball extremely well from deep. A freshman guard to keep an eye on moving forward. 

Azavier Robinson – 2025 – G – George Hill All Indy

Games after game Robinson continues to play at a high level showing he is one of the top playmaking guards in his class in the region. He excels getting to the basket and finishing but also hit some shots from the outside. The freshman was playing with great energy to be all over the floor making plays, including a trio of blocks in the opening minutes of his game.