Hillcrest Prep

Phoenix, AZ

Grind Session

5 players

Program Scout Report

Overview

Hillcrest Prep, located in Phoenix, AZ, stands as a premier national prep basketball program renowned for developing elite talent. Competing in the highly competitive Grind Session, the program consistently attracts top prospects, showcasing their skills against the nation's best. Hillcrest Prep serves as a crucial launching pad, preparing its athletes for successful collegiate and professional basketball careers.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach Marcus Gantt leads Hillcrest Prep with a philosophy centered on defensive intensity, mental toughness, and rigorous preparation. Under his guidance, the program has achieved significant success, most notably developing DeAndre Ayton, who became the number one NBA draft pick. Gantt's coaching approach builds resilient players, stacking good days and bad to prepare them for the demanding environment of professional leagues like Overtime Elite.

Player Development

Hillcrest Prep boasts an impressive player development pipeline, highlighted by its most prominent alumnus, NBA #1 overall draft pick DeAndre Ayton. The program is dedicated to preparing athletes for high-level competition, consistently placing players in college programs across the nation. Through a focus on fundamental skill refinement and mental fortitude, Hillcrest effectively grooms its talent for potential professional pathways.

Culture & Academics

The school environment at Hillcrest Prep is characterized by a demanding and disciplined culture, where players are pushed to excel both on and off the court. It emphasizes rigorous daily preparation and resilience, mirroring the challenges faced in professional basketball. This intensive program fosters a high-performance atmosphere geared toward athletic advancement.

Recruiting Outlook

Hillcrest Prep maintains a strong recruiting pipeline, consistently attracting high-caliber prospects to its roster, currently featuring five tracked players. The program's ability to draw national talent is evident with top prospects like Quentin Rhymes (2025, #119) and Al'Tariq Reevey (2026, #273). Competing in the Grind Session and developing future collegiate and professional athletes ensures Hillcrest Prep's continued trajectory as an elite prep destination.

Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team

Coaching Staff

Marcus Gantt

Head Coach

Tenure: 8 years

Marcus Gantt is the esteemed head basketball coach at Hillcrest Prep, leading one of the nation's premier prep programs. Under his expert guidance, Hillcrest Prep has become a distinguished launching pad for elite talent, famously developing DeAndre Ayton, the eventual number one NBA draft pick. Coach Gantt is celebrated for his commitment to intense preparation, likening each challenge to a fight. His coaching philosophy emphasizes building players by "stacking the days," navigating both good and bad, while embedding a strong defensive mindset. He focuses on toughening up his Bruins, preparing them for the demands of professional leagues like Overtime Elite (OTE), a testament to his dedication to player development and long-term success.