In front of a packed house at Thanksgiving Hoofpest in Duncanville, Texas, two of the top high school basketball programs in the country squared off in a matchup that lived up to the hype-and then some. Dallas (Texas) Dynamic Prep edged out Orlando (Fla.)
Southeastern Prep, 78-73, in a game that wasn’t just about the final score. It was a showcase of elite talent, future college stars, and most notably, a head-to-head battle between the top two players in the Class of 2027.
When No. 1-ranked Marcus Spears Jr. and No. 2-ranked CJ Rosser stepped onto the court, it was clear we were watching something special. Both are listed as power forwards, and on paper, they share similar physical tools-length, strength, and athleticism. But once the ball tipped, the contrast in their games was striking.
Spears Jr., suiting up for Dynamic Prep, brought a polished, versatile game to the floor. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t force the issue but still manages to leave his fingerprints all over the game.
Whether it was stretching the floor with his jumper, finishing through contact in the paint, or switching onto smaller guards defensively, Spears showed why he holds the top spot in the rankings. His feel for the game is advanced, and even in a high-pressure environment, he played with a calm, composed demeanor that you don’t often see from a high school sophomore.
On the other side, Rosser was electric for Southeastern Prep. He plays with a relentless motor and thrives in chaos-attacking the rim, crashing the boards, and igniting fast breaks.
His energy was contagious, and he kept Southeastern in the fight from start to finish. Rosser may not have the same polish as Spears at this stage, but his upside is undeniable.
He’s explosive, aggressive, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. If Spears is the technician, Rosser is the disruptor.
What made this matchup even more compelling was how often the two were matched up directly. There were stretches where they guarded each other, trading buckets, defensive stops, and physical blows in the paint.
It wasn’t just a battle of talent-it was a battle of wills. And while Spears’ team came out on top, Rosser made sure everyone knew he belonged in that top-tier conversation.
Beyond the headline matchup, the game was loaded with future Division I talent. Ten players on the floor were ranked in the Top 150 of either the 2026 or 2027 classes, and the overall level of play reflected that.
The pace was fast, the execution was sharp, and the intensity never dipped. It felt more like a college scrimmage than a high school showcase.
Dynamic Prep’s win was a team effort, but Spears’ leadership and poise were central to closing the game out. Southeastern Prep pushed them to the wire, and Rosser’s impact was undeniable, but in the end, Dynamic made just enough plays down the stretch to seal the win.
For fans, scouts, and coaches in attendance, this game was more than just a holiday tournament highlight-it was a glimpse into the future of the sport. Spears and Rosser are still early in their journeys, but if Friday night was any indication, we’ll be hearing their names for years to come.