Winston Lin

Over the weekend of March 8-9, athletes from across the country gathered at Duncanville Fieldhouse in Frisco, Texas for the GasoNextGen Tournament.
Among them, freshman Wes Jackson showcased his talent to gain the appraisal of college scouts and tournament administrators.
Sophomore Dawson Battie presented his talents at the tournament, demonstrating his impressive shooting ability, along with sharp court vision.
Unlike a traditional multi-day camp, the GasoNextGen event was a one-day showcase, where players were assigned to teams based on age rather than experience.
The opportunity to showcase their abilities with new players from out-of-state was pivotal for their development as a player.
“It was really a new opportunity for me to play with new people,” Jackson said. “It gave me a chance to show my skills without restrictions, without coaching—just freedom to hoop and get my name out there.”
Jackson didn’t disappoint, playing several impressive games throughout the tournament.
Across three showcase games, he put up solid numbers: 15 points, six rebounds, and an assist in the first game; a standout performance of 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the second; and 10 points, four rebounds and an assist in the last game.
His hustle and determination allowed him to put up an impressive performance among a camp of athletes brewing with talent.
“A couple of (scouts) came up to me, took pictures, or wrote down what they saw me do. It felt good to know someone was watching and that my hard work is really paying off. I spent countless hours in the gym before— it felt good.”Jackson said.
Not only did he get the recognition he was searching for, but also he built valuable connections and gained confidence, fueling his passion for next season.
However, for athletes the showcase isn’t just about exposure. It represents their commitment to the game of basketball.
“It definitely takes a lot of time,” Jackson said. “If it’s something you want to be good at, you’re going to have to make sacrifices. You gotta get in the gym. Right now, I’m learning how to balance everything—training, school, and I don’t have a lot of time to be with friends—but it’s the choice I made and I’ll stick by it.”
Looking ahead, his goals are clear: make varsity next year, showcase his talent, then go DI for college basketball.
“I want to play at the highest level I can and get those opportunities to really test myself,” Jackson said. “Varsity would be that next step—to see what I need to work on, what I do well, and prepare for the next level.”
With talent, determination, and a sharp scholastic future, Jackson is making all the right moves on and off the court.