Flyin’ to the Hoop Day 2: Houston Commits Shine, Webber Heats Up, and 2027 Stars Make Their Mark
Kettering, Ohio - Day two of the Flyin’ to the Hoop Invitational had everything you want in a high school hoops showcase: packed gym, high-level matchups, and a sideline full of college coaches getting a firsthand look at the future of their programs. From committed stars putting on a show to rising underclassmen making their presence known, Sunday in Trent Arena delivered.
Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from a loaded slate of games.
Houston Commits Give Fans a Glimpse of What’s Coming
If you’re a Houston fan, you had to like what you saw. The Cougars’ future was on full display as commits Arafan Diane and Ikenna Alozie squared off in one of the day’s most anticipated matchups-and neither disappointed.
Diane, a physically imposing big man, controlled the paint from the jump. He established deep post position with ease, used his frame to seal defenders, and consistently got to his sweet spot with a soft hook shot.
But it wasn’t just scoring-Diane drew double teams all game and made smart, unselfish reads out of the post. He embraced contact, got to the line often, and took over late when his team needed a bucket.
He finished with a strong 19-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Alozie, meanwhile, showed why he’s one of the more versatile guards in his class. He thrived in transition, knocked down mid-range pull-ups, and created clean looks for teammates with sharp decision-making.
While Diane did his damage on the block, Alozie answered with finesse and pace on the perimeter. The back-and-forth between the two commits gave Houston fans a tantalizing preview of what could be a dynamic inside-out duo in the making.
Avery Houston Keeps Trending Up
Another name that continues to climb the radar is Avery Houston, a 6-foot-2 junior guard with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for scoring in bunches. Houston dropped 19 points and showed off the full offensive toolkit-whether it was pulling up off the dribble, knocking down catch-and-shoot threes, or spacing the floor to open up lanes for others, he made a consistent impact without needing to dominate the ball.
That ability to play within the flow of the game while still putting up numbers is exactly what college coaches love to see. Speaking of which, Houston is set to take an unofficial visit to Iowa next month-don’t be surprised if his recruitment starts heating up soon.
Webber and Sanders Go Toe-to-Toe in a Thriller
In one of the most electric games of the weekend, Jacob Webber and Jonathan Sanders put on a show that had the crowd buzzing and scouts scribbling notes.
Webber, a 6-foot-6 Purdue commit and the No. 70 overall prospect, came out on fire-literally. He drilled four straight threes to open the game and ended the night 7-of-10 from deep.
His final triple, a clutch dagger late in the game, helped seal a win for La Lumiere. When Webber’s in rhythm like that, he looks every bit the part of a high-major wing who can stretch the floor and change a game with his shooting.
Sanders, a Notre Dame commit and the No. 64 overall prospect, was equally impressive-even in defeat. He poured in 26 points, grabbed seven boards, and dished out three assists while playing with relentless energy on both ends.
His three-point shot wasn’t falling consistently, but it didn’t matter-he got to the rim, made plays in the mid-range, and defended with intensity. Sanders’ all-around impact was undeniable, and he showed exactly why he’s considered one of the most complete guards in his class.
Curry and Tyson Light It Up in Overtime Battle
Even in a loss, Bryce Curry and Joshua Tyson made sure their names were on everyone’s radar by combining for 52 points in a high-octane overtime thriller.
Tyson, ranked No. 59 in the class of 2027, was a two-way force all game. He set the tone defensively by jumping passing lanes and applying pressure, then turned it up offensively with relentless drives and efficient finishing. Tyson ended with 28 points on 13-of-18 shooting and was one of the most dynamic players on the floor all night.
Curry wasn’t far behind. The No. 129 prospect in the 2027 class showed off his deep shooting range and scoring versatility, hitting four threes and finishing with 24 points on a blistering 9-of-11 from the field. He was a constant threat off the dribble and showed he could score at all three levels.
With college coaches watching closely, both Curry and Tyson made strong cases to be among the top guards in their class. Their chemistry, shot-making, and motor stood out in a game that had the intensity of a March tournament.
Final Thoughts
Day two of Flyin’ to the Hoop delivered everything you’d hope for in a national showcase: stars rising to the occasion, future college standouts showing why they’re so highly regarded, and underclassmen proving they belong in the conversation. From Houston’s commits putting on a show to Webber’s shooting clinic and Tyson’s breakout performance, the future of college basketball was on full display in Kettering. And if Sunday was any indication, that future is looking very bright.