Prospects to Watch at Derek Smith Invitational

Cameron Marks, Colin Duncan, Kyle Krupp, and Aiden Zemba • December 1, 2023 • 470 Views

Tiger basketball team is starting off with a bang this year as it hosts the Derek Smith Invitational this weekend. The Invitational is host to some of the most talented prospects in the country, including the only team in the history of high school basketball to have the number one player in multiple classes on the same team in Prolific Prep. The event features three of the nation’s top 25 teams (Prolific Prep, Link Academy, Bishop O’Connell) and five teams from Kentucky (Seneca, Bardstown, Frederick Douglass, Desales, St. X). Here are some players to look out for when watching the games:

*Highlight videos are linked with player names.

AJ Dybantsa – Prolific Prep (Jersey #3)

#1 Player in the 2025 class
Reigning Gatorade POTY in Massachusetts
6’8 SF
19.1 pts, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 60.8 shooting pct(41.2 from three)
Member of the Team USA U16 team.
Offers: Alabama, Kentucky, UCONN, UNC +30 more.

Tyran Stokes – Prolific Prep (Jersey #4)

#1 player in class of 2026
From Louisville
6’7” PF
Member of Team USA U16 team.
Most explosive player in the Event
Offers: Kansas, Louisville, Kentucky, Texas, UCLA +30 more.

Jayden Quaintance– Word of God (Jersey #25)

#8 player in the class of 2024
Kentucky Commit
Started for U16 Team USA
6’10 C
$400,000+ NIL evaluation
“He tries to dunk everything within 10 feet”— college scout
Offers: Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Kansas,+16 more.

Labaron Philon– Link Academy (Jersey #11)

#3 PG in the nation in the class of 2024
6’4” 177lbs
Signed with Kansas
Had offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Cincinnati, and Auburn

Zoom Diallo– Prolific Prep (Jersey #5)

#1 PG in the class of 2024
6’4
Washington Gatorade player of the year
20 ppg
First year with Prolific Prep (Curtis High School, in Washington, last year)
Offers: Arizona, Gonzaga, USC, +16 more

Bryson Tucker– Bishop O’Connell (Jersey #3)

Ranked 26th in the 2024 class
Member of Team USA U18
6’7 200 lb SF
#1 player in Virginia and top 20 player in the class of ‘24
Offers: Duke, Villanova, Michigan State, +10 more

Below is the listed game schedule. Tickets are $25 dollars and can be purchased here.

About the Contributors

Cameron Marks, Staff Writer

Cameron plays baseball for the Tigers. He participates in frequent games of 2-on-2 pickup basketball and has the pick and roll operating skills of a prime Rajon Rondo with the midrange of late career Chris Paul. He also own and operates a soon to be Fortune 500 pressure washing and sealing company. Lastly, he has created a perennial powerhouse of a fantasy football team, with many saying he has the GM skills of Chris Grier in the way he is able to fleece high value players with little-to-no return for the opposing team.

Colin Duncan, Staff Writer

Colin Duncan has a masters degree in ball. He is the reigning bowl mania champ. One time bee sting survivor. Also Colin plays Stick n puck for Saint X.

Kyle Krupp, Staff Writer

Kyle Krupp is a big time two-sport athlete who plays football in the fall and baseball in the spring. Kyle is undoubtedly the biggest Louisville fan on the planet and has been to almost every home football and basketball game since 2013. Kyle is a major sports buff who knows a ton of random information that contributes nothing to the world (i.e. WR Corey Davis from Western Michigan was selected with the 5th pick in 2017). Kyle also has an elite broadcasting voice that has been self-compared to Joe Buck and can be heard calling the freshman and JV baseball games all spring.

Aiden Zemba, Staff Writer

Aiden Zemba is an accomplished baseball player representing Saint Xavier. He possesses huge enthusiasm for watching baseball on TV, whether it's MLB or college games. During his downtime, he enjoys socializing with his friends, whether it involves visiting their houses or exploring various things outside of the house such as going to Main Event. Aiden frequently visits Standard Country Club as a distinguished member. His dedication to his academic pursuits is equally remarkable, as he diligently applies himself to excel in his studies and sports.

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Prospects to Watch at Derek Smith Invitational