When Chad Wilson brainstormed and launched the Hoop Buzz Invite over seven years ago the former high school standout, was following a calling, as "Putting on events of that caliber in something I've always saw myself doing once the ball stopped bouncing for me". He takes pride in "now I'm doing it ".

Wilson shared HBI 2023 was the event's fifth actual iteration, given a two year COVID-19 pause. Per Wilson, his "motivation for me to get it going again was I feel as though it's a staple event in our area that brings teams from different conferences both public and private matched up in one setting that do not typically play each other'".

Such compelling battles also interest him personally, as does "creating an intense atmosphere and experience for the players and having the media come out and cover them, because for some the ball won't bounce after their senior year".

Below are a number of standout guys from the HBI 2023.

Shane Pendergrass - Class of 2025, 6'8" F, Gwynn Park, 16 points - Pendergrass claims offers from George Mason, Bryant, NJIT, while interest has been received from Maryland, UMBC, Penn State.

They see a good shooter with a high upside. Must get stronger, rebound better and burnish perimeter skills.

Ty Bevins - Class of 2024, 6'5" G/F Gwynn Park, 10 points - At times Bevins plays at least four, sometimes five positions, but make no bones about it, he's tracking as a versatile, lead guard for college. Has embraced leadership, makes others better and can get a bucket.

Hits the weights, and needs to continue.

A smart person and player, Bevins has a slew of interest and offers, the former including Georgetown, Mason, NJIT, Temple and Charleston, while a slew of others have shown interest.

Jaeden Johnson - Class of 2023, 5'10" G, Wise, 29 points - A well placed source dropped an assist, suggesting it wise to pay attention to Johnson, and was not wrong; Johnson is an aggressive, relentless offensive player, loving to score at rim. Has a tip jumper, but makes shots.

Strong and verbal, Johnson needs to focus more on controlling tempo, finding teammates and being the best on-ball defender he can be.

Washington Adventist, Bowie State and Shepherd have all shown interest. It should be a slew more.

Staccardo Washington - Class of 2023, 6'6" F, Wise 8 points - Washington or 'Stacks' as he's called is an uber fastbreak finisher, one that will posterize you.

Going forward, Stacks needs to further his ball handling and shooting, while also rebounding out of his area.

Bowie State, Howard and Shepherd have shown interest.

Greg Jones - Class of 2023, 6'5", G/F, Hayfield, 17 points - Headed to American, Jones can hit threes, ball in the paint, rebound and defend. Makes winning plays.

Better ball patting would make his game even more dangerous.

Darryl Holloway - Class of 2023, 6'2" G, Hayfield, 25 points - Holloway or 'DJ' largely controlled tempo, managed the offense, shot well and found teammates. Uses his size to an advantage. Competes.

Can walk the ball up too much, needs to transition it faster also. In college, will need to work better off ball.

Belmont Abbey has offered him, while Norfolk State, UCal and Denver's MSU have shown love.

Francis Folefac - Class of 2025, 6'6", F, Mt. Zion, 16 points - Folefac was a force in the paint, where he scored, rebounded, defended. Has a knack for the ball.

Needs to extend his shooting range and at minimum become a better straight line driver.

Morgan State, Mount St. Mary's and Delaware State are showing interest.

Bobby Montgomery - Class of 2025, 6'5" G/F, Mt. Zion, 2 points - Didn't score much, but impacted the game nevertheless with energy, effort and activity Is a long, high upside wing.

Also competes with Mt. Zion's prep team. Colleges will notice.

Justin Gilmore - Class of 2024, 6'2", G, Jakson-Reed, 15 points - A transfer from DC rival Gonzaga this year, Gilmore came off the bench and immediately became offensively aggressive; he attacks the tin, a lot. Will also pull up from deep.

Should become more effective as a passer, for college ball.

Rob Dockery - Class of 2024, 6'8" Wing, Jackson-Reed, 22 points - A Texas A&M commit, Dockery is a defensive minded, tough slasher that competes and wins. He seems to just put his head down and work.

For Texas A&M maximization, Dockery would be well served to work on his ball handling in traffic - he's more straight line driver now - developing more wiggle. A relatively quiet guy, communication needs advancement as well. Is a solid shooter, whose range can be expanded.

Dorian Credle - 6', Class of 2023 Guard, Takoma Academy, 16 points - Strong and cagey, Credle, an coaches son, loves to get into the paint where he scores a the rim or via runner.

For college ball, must share the rock, make plays for others and control tempo more consistently.