Hillcrest Prep

Phoenix, AZ

Grind Session

5 players

Program Scout Report

Overview

Hillcrest Prep is a Phoenix, Arizona program competing in the Grind Session conference, a circuit known for its high-level prep competition. The program operates within the national prep basketball landscape as a destination for prospects seeking elevated exposure and a structured postgraduate-style development environment. Its place in the prep ranks is defined by its ability to attract ranked talent across multiple classes.

Coaching Staff

Marcus Gantt serves as head coach of Hillcrest Prep and leads the program's day-to-day basketball operations. Detailed background information on his career path and honors is limited in the available research, but his role places him at the center of player evaluation, roster construction, and development. His leadership guides a program that continues to draw nationally ranked prospects.

Player Development

Hillcrest Prep's development model is reflected in the ranked prospects it currently carries, including Quentin Rhymes in the class of 2025 and Al'Tariq Reevey in the class of 2026. Specific NBA alumni and college placement figures are not available in the current data, so the program's track record is best evaluated through the caliber of players it continues to recruit. Prospective families should look to individual player progression as the clearest indicator of the pipeline.

Culture & Academics

Hillcrest Prep is based in Phoenix, Arizona, offering players a warm-weather, year-round training setting within a competitive prep circuit. Specific details on academics and facilities are not available in the current data.

Recruiting Outlook

Hillcrest Prep currently has five tracked players, led by Quentin Rhymes, ranked No. 119 in the class of 2025, and Al'Tariq Reevey, ranked No. 273 in the class of 2026. The presence of ranked prospects across multiple classes points to a program that is building continuity in its recruiting. Its trajectory will depend on its ability to add top-tier talent to this foundation and convert Grind Session exposure into high-level college opportunities.

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.