Rankings & School Lists Select Item - Class Of - 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2010 2009 2009JC 2008 2008JC 2007 2007JC 2006 2006JC 2005 2005JC 2004 2003 2003JC 2002 2002JC 2001 2001JC      Shabazz Muhammad is the ringleader of the 2012 class. Check out our top-10 player rankings from the past. You'll recognize these names. Program Profiles Select Item HotList U      TimeTravel: 1980 Top Recruiting Classes Parade of Programs: Conference breakdown from the Recruiter's Handbook Video Exclusives Select Item NCAA Calendar      Event Calendar: PrepStars.com features a comprehensive event calendar, courtesy of the NCAA

AROUND THE NATION: HOLIDAY EVENTS

PrepStars.com staff
readermail@prepstars.com
December 29, 2011

The post-Christmas week of high school basketball always is a significant one. While events do occur at various points in the season, the sheer number and high concentration of top tournaments makes this week and weekend especially important.

That said, there always are a few surprise to emerge as well as big names living up to their elite status. Perhaps the most signature performance delivered so far was by elite sophomore Jahlil Okafor. The 6-10 C from Chicago mesmerized the crowd at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach during his first outing, going for 36 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 14-16 from the field. Some scouts believe Okafor is the finest frontcourt prospect in the country, regardless of class.

Meanwhile, another sophomore playing at the BBC, T.J. Peak, established a national name for himself. The 6-4 WG at Gaffney (SC) High erupted for 40 points in one contest, showcasing tremendous athleticism and shooting ability.

Over at the High School OT Holiday Invitational in North Carolina, Florida State signee Montay Brandon was very impressive. Brandon isn’t a shooter, but the strong and athletic wing creates action off the dribble and excels on the defensive end as well. His running mate on the wing at Wesleyan, big-time sophomore Theo Pinson, also isn’t a great shooter but is a true defensive ace and a gifted transition scorer.

Out in California, mercurial forward Anthony January appears to have benefited from his transfer from Compton to Woodland Hills (CA) Taft. January always has been a talent, but at the Torrey Pines event he has showcased more maturity and productivity. A UTEP commitment, he didn’t sign in November and reportedly is considering reopening the process.