The 5 Must-Watch Stars On The Huntington Prep Basketball Roster For The 2024-2025 Season
The Huntington Prep basketball program continues its legacy as a national powerhouse, and the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be another pivotal year for the West Virginia-based academy. As of late December 2025, the new roster is loaded with elite talent, blending seasoned seniors with high-potential underclassmen who are already on the radar of major NCAA Division I programs across the country. The focus remains on player development, aiming to mold the next generation of professional talent, a tradition the program has upheld since its founding.
The success of the Huntington Prep Express is built on a foundation of high-level coaching and a rigorous national schedule designed to prepare players for the collegiate and professional ranks. The program, officially known as Huntington Expression Prep (HEP), consistently attracts top-tier recruits looking to follow in the footsteps of its numerous NBA alumni. This year's squad features several intriguing prospects who are set to make a major impact on the national prep basketball scene.
The Architects of the Dynasty: Coaches and Program Profile
The foundation of any elite program is its leadership, and Huntington Prep has maintained stability under its current head coach, Arkell Bruce. Bruce is an integral part of the program's success and is now entering his eighth season at the helm of the Express. His tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of developing professional-ready talent and maintaining a competitive national schedule.
Program Profile: Huntington Expression Prep (HEP)
- Official Name: Huntington Expression Prep (HEP)
- Location: Huntington, West Virginia
- Founding Year: 2009
- Head Coach: Arkell Bruce (Entering 8th Season)
- Program Focus: Basketball-centric college preparatory academy
- Noteworthy Fact: Despite its national standing, the program has historically lacked affiliation with certain governing bodies, which has prevented it from competing in some end-of-season championship tournaments.
The Express Roster: Key Players to Watch in 2024-2025
While prep school rosters can be fluid, the core group of players for the 2024-2025 season features a mix of high-profile recruits and powerful frontcourt players. These are the athletes expected to lead the charge for the Express this year, drawing scouts and media attention to every game.
1. Darryn Peterson: The Marquee Recruit
Darryn Peterson is arguably the biggest name currently associated with the Huntington Prep program. A highly-touted prospect in the Class of 2025, Peterson is a dynamic 6'5" Combo Guard (CG) whose presence immediately elevates the team’s ceiling. His combination of size, ball-handling ability, and scoring prowess makes him a must-watch player and a focal point of the team's offense. Peterson is expected to be a major college recruit, and his performance this season will be heavily scrutinized by scouts.
2. Bryant Ajiero: The Frontcourt Anchor
The Express frontcourt gets a significant boost from Bryant Ajiero. Listed as a 6'8" Forward, Ajiero is a Freshman who brings size and versatility to the paint. His development throughout the season will be crucial, as he represents the next wave of Huntington Prep big men known for their athleticism and defensive presence. Ajiero's potential makes him a high-upside player in the coming years.
3. Taviun Chandler: Senior Leadership
As a Senior, Taviun Chandler is expected to provide essential leadership and stability. Chandler is one of the players mentioned on the 2024-2025 roster and will be relied upon to set the tone both offensively and defensively. Senior guards often dictate the pace and composure of a prep team, making Chandler's role vital to their success in high-pressure national matchups.
4. Jamari Tubbs: The Backcourt Contributor
Another key Senior on the roster is Jamari Tubbs. Like Chandler, Tubbs’ experience is invaluable. Prep school basketball is a grind, with constant travel and competition against the nation’s best. Tubbs will be a reliable scorer and distributor, complementing the high-wattage talent of players like Peterson and ensuring the team maintains depth in the backcourt.
5. Ethan Dalton: A Name to Track
While specific details are sparse, Ethan Dalton is another player listed on the current roster who will be looking to make his mark. In a program known for turning overlooked talents into collegiate stars, Dalton represents the kind of player who could emerge as a breakout performer as the season progresses. Watching his role evolve will be a key storyline for fans and recruiters.
The Legacy: Huntington Prep Alumni Who Defined the NBA
The true measure of the Huntington Prep program is its extensive list of alumni who have gone on to success in college and the professional ranks. This "Express" pipeline to the NBA is a major draw for prospective players, establishing the school as a genuine basketball factory. The names below represent the high standard of excellence the current roster is striving to meet.
Notable Huntington Prep Alumni (NBA & Collegiate Stars):
- Andrew Wiggins: Arguably the most famous alumnus, Wiggins played at Huntington Prep in 2013 before becoming a number one overall NBA draft pick and an NBA Champion.
- Miles Bridges: A dynamic forward who played at the school and went on to have a successful NBA career.
- Gorgui Dieng: The Senegalese center played for the Express in 2010 and enjoyed a ten-season career in the NBA.
- Sim Bhullar: Attended Huntington Prep in 2012 and became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA.
- Jaemyn Brakefield: A successful collegiate player who is part of the program's history of producing top forwards.
- Braydon Hawthorne: A recent notable graduate who played his senior season at Huntington Prep and committed to the Kentucky Wildcats.
- Onuralp Bitim: A Turkish small forward who has also made his way into the professional ranks after his time with the Express.
What to Expect from the 2024-2025 Season
The 2024-2025 Huntington Prep Express team will once again compete on a demanding national schedule, traveling across the country to face other elite prep schools and academies. The goal is not just to win, but to showcase the talent of the players against the highest level of competition possible. Coach Arkell Bruce’s squad will be looking to leverage the star power of Darryn Peterson and the stability of its senior core (Taviun Chandler, Jamari Tubbs) to secure a high national ranking and cement their status as one of the premier developmental programs in high school basketball.
For college recruiters, the Huntington Prep roster is a goldmine. The blend of experienced high school players and raw, high-potential underclassmen like Bryant Ajiero ensures that every game is a scouting opportunity. The program remains a vital stop for coaches seeking the next NBA-caliber talent, continuing the storied tradition established by the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Miles Bridges.
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