LAS VEGAS — The Border League is the top team event of the fall, with the top high school leagues from across the country gathering under the bright lights of Sin City for three days of high-level competition. On Sunday night, NBA scouts and college coaches sat courtside as the nation’s No. 1 player, AJ Dybantsa, took on the nation’s No. 2 player, Cameron Boozer.
Dybantsa and Utah Prep took home the narrow victory over Boozer and the Explorers (Florida), 69-68. Dybantsa’s performance in the first half was incredible as he showed off his elite shot creation, patience as a ball handler and defensive versatility with his 2.30 meter wingspan. He finished with 28 points (including five 3s) and four rebounds in the win, while Boozer recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for the Explorers.
“I just had to take on that challenge, go against Cam [Boozer]. He is a tough competitor and I just had to play defense and our team did a great job with the spacing, so I am happy we won,” Dybantsa said after the match.
Dybantsa and Boozer are projected to be at the top of the 2026 NBA draft. Here’s a look at seven top performers scouts were following closely all weekend.
If there were still questions about who is the best player in high school basketball regardless of class, Dybantsa silenced all the critics this weekend with how well he played. The skills he possesses at 6-9, along with how well he reads the game, are so impressive, and he also turns into an elite defender, sitting down and guarding the switch outside the perimeter. On Saturday night, he took over a tough game against the Florida Rebels and finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in a 64-58 win. There are few players at the high school level who can take possessions and consistently make the right reads. The way Dybantsa handles the game at just 17 years old is the reason so many teams are eyeing the 2026 NBA Draft.
Dybantsa’s recruitment was unique, with only a few bluebloods in the game and BYU the favored landing spot. New BYU head coach Kevin Young and his staff made Dybantsa a priority and were in the gym all weekend for Utah Prep games. Kansas State, Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina, Baylor and Auburn are also in the mix for the No. 1 player in the country.
The 6-9 forward has been a highly touted recruit since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, and has been one of the most consistent players over the years with his solid all-around play. Boozer is the best passer for rebounds and has improved his ball handling, sometimes leading the break. His size and passing skills are reminiscent of a young Kevin Love, and while his three-point shot didn’t land consistently last weekend, the confidence he shows in the pick-and-pop shows promise at the NBA level.
Boozer and his twin brother Cayden recently committed to Duke and are both following in their father Carlos’ footsteps at the next level.
While twin brother Cameron is consistently among the top three, Cayden’s rise and improvement throughout his high school career has also been impressive. He led the EYBL in assists (6.5 per game) and is comfortable with the ball in his hands. He is patient in the half court and always looks up in transition, hitting teammates upfield for easy buckets. The Explorers played a little chaotic at times in the Border League, but it’s Cayden’s attitude that brings it all together with multiple options off screens, whether that’s Cameron or junior Jaxon Richardson for easy lobs in the pick-and-roll.
McCoy is the No. 1 junior in the country and has such a complete game for his age. His defense is where he excels, locking down both positions in the backcourt. The 6-4 point guard had a series of offensive possessions where he hit a step-back 3 with a big to the face and then hit a turnaround jumper in the corner during a close game against AZ Compass in a one-point win.
UCLA had three coaches watching McCoy and his teammate Christian Collins on Saturday, while Arizona, Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, USC, Kentucky and Oregon are other schools in the mix.
Collins performed a week earlier at USA Basketball’s junior minicamp and didn’t miss a beat in the Border League. His combination of length, size and skills make him an intriguing NBA prospect. The 6-8 forward showed true inside-outside play and is improving his perimeter reads from pindowns and pick-and-pop situations. He is patient and has great body control at the rim.
Collins’ list of schools includes Oregon, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, USC, ASU and Cal, with Kentucky head coach Mark Pope making the trip to California for a workout earlier this month.
Brown has added some weight to his frame since joining DME Academy (Florida) for his senior season. The 6-3 guard has always been a deadly shooter, but he shows more craftiness in the lane, finishing with floaters over bigger opponents and stronger players. He has the ability to take over games and is comfortable with the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. Brown is known as a goalscorer, but his most underrated attribute is his passing, and he was great as a facilitator last weekend.
Brown made a recent visit to Kentucky in late September and the five-star guard is also in the mix for Indiana, Ole Miss, UCF, Alabama, Providence, Louisville and Texas.
What Burries did against powerhouse Montverde Academy on Saturday was one of the most impressive performances of the weekend. Although his team, The Vale (California), fell short, Burries was the best player on the field. He’s a strong guard who can work his way to the rim, but he also hit numerous 3s off the dribble over the weekend.
Burries, a 6-4 senior guard, just returned from recent visits to Alabama and Arizona. Assistant coaches from both programs were present throughout the weekend, as well as three coaches from UCLA. Coaches from Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, SMU and BYU and several NBA scouts are keeping an eye on Burries as he progresses and plays his senior season.
