High School Dunkers: Best Of The Best

who are the best high school basketball dunkers

There have been many impressive high school basketball dunkers over the years, with some going on to have illustrious NBA careers. One of the best in-game dunkers of all time, Lebron James, was wowing crowds with his high school dunks twenty years ago. Other notable names include Shawn Kemp, who was a dunking machine in high school, and Zion Williamson, who performed pro-level dunks while still at school. Vince Carter is also considered one of the all-time greats, with a perfect record in college, the NBA, and the Olympics. More recently, the Dallas area has produced some impressive dunkers, including TJ Caldwell, Cason Wallace, and Arterio Morris.

Characteristics Values
Height 6'2" (Williams, Omaha Biliew)
6'6" (Tounde Yessoufou)
6'4" (Carr, Cason Wallace, TJ Caldwell)
6'8" (Morez Johnson)
6'3" (Arterio Morris)
6'10" (Teammate of TJ Caldwell)
Weight 284 lbs (Zion Williamson)
Nationality American (TJ Caldwell, Cason Wallace, Arterio Morris)
Jamaican (Bill Walker)
Liberian (Jimma Gatwech)
Handedness Ambidextrous (Omaha Biliew)
Notable Achievements First player at any level to dunk under both legs during a game (Jimma Gatwech)
Tearing the hoop from its ceiling mount (Tounde Yessoufou)
Jumping over a 6'10" teammate (TJ Caldwell)
Jumping over a teammate (Arterio Morris)
Jumping over Frederic Weis yards away from the rim for the slam (Vince Carter)

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T.J. Caldwell: Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy superstar

T.J. Caldwell, a student at Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy in Dallas, Texas, is a basketball prodigy. Standing at 6'4', the four-star Mississippi signee is a superstar dunker, capable of performing spectacular moves with ease. His signature move involves jumping over a 6'10" teammate, going between his legs, and then dunking the ball. This feat of athleticism and coordination has earned him the admiration of his coaches and peers, with Faith Family coach Brandon Thomas stating that Caldwell could "probably compete in the NBA dunk contest right now as a high school senior."

Caldwell's skills have not gone unnoticed, as he received the most votes when Dallas-area basketball coaches were asked to nominate the best dunkers in the region. He was closely followed by McDonald's All-Americans Cason Wallace and Arterio Morris, both of whom are highly touted recruits. However, it is Caldwell's ability to execute jaw-dropping dunks with apparent effortlessness that sets him apart.

In addition to his signature move, Caldwell possesses an impressive arsenal of dunks. He has been known to showcase his skills during pregame warm-ups, often saving the best for last to thrill the crowd. His repertoire includes a between-the-legs dunk, a windmill, and a 360-degree dunk, all of which he executes with finesse and power.

Caldwell's talent extends beyond dunking, as he is also a skilled player with court vision and passing abilities. His all-around game, combined with his exceptional dunking prowess, makes him a force to be reckoned with on the court. There is no doubt that T.J. Caldwell is a rising star in the world of high school basketball, and his future in the sport looks incredibly promising.

With his natural athleticism, flexibility, and determination, T.J. Caldwell of Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy is undoubtedly one of the best high school basketball dunkers in the country. His ability to excite crowds and leave spectators in awe positions him as a superstar in the making, and we can expect to see even more spectacular dunks from him in the future.

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Cason Wallace: McDonald's All-American

Cason Wallace, a 6-foot-3 class of 2022 five-star prospect, has proven himself as an exceptional McDonald's All-American. He first came into the spotlight when he showcased his skills in front of 50-plus NBA scouts and personnel at the McDonald's All-American event, dazzling them with his high-intensity defence and impressive ball-handling skills.

Wallace, a Kentucky signee, is considered a top player in his class, ranked as the #5 player by On3 Consensus. He was also recognised by ESPN's NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony as one of four players who stood out during the East-West scrimmage. Wallace's talent was further highlighted during the Powerade Jam Fest, a highly anticipated event within the McDonald's All-American Games.

Wallace's journey to becoming a McDonald's All-American began at Richardson High School in Dallas, where he honed his dunking abilities. His older teammates encouraged him to dunk, and while there were some initial setbacks, he quickly mastered the art. Wallace's instinctive approach to dunking, combined with his natural athleticism, sets him apart. He has performed impressive moves, such as the tomahawk windmill, and even expressed his intention to attempt a 360-degree dunk.

Cason Wallace's selection as a McDonald's All-American is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. This prestigious recognition, which has been a platform for many high school basketball players to showcase their skills on a national stage, serves as a launching pad for Wallace's promising career. His performance at the McDonald's All-American event, alongside other elite athletes, solidifies his status as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.

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Arterio Morris: Kimball coach Nick Smith praises his competitive drive

Arterio Morris, a four-star recruit and the 2020 Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year, is a highly-rated high school basketball player from Kimball, Dallas. After leaving for a prep school in California, Morris returned to Kimball, helping them become a state title-worthy team.

Kimball coach Nick Smith has praised Morris's competitive drive, saying:

> "He dunks all the time in practice, but he takes it to a whole other level in games. He is a fierce competitor. I think that drive in him motivates him to take his dunks to another level."

Smith also recalled a particular instance of Morris's dunking prowess:

> "His sophomore year, we were at Woodrow Wilson, and he got on a fast break, and he had already dunked like twice, but he threw the ball in front of him, bounced it in front of him, and went up and caught it with two hands and dunked it. I haven’t seen a kid in high school do that, especially at his height."

Morris's ability has seen him attract offers from some of the biggest college basketball programs in the country, including Kansas, and he has been described as a potential future NBA player by his coach.

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Yessoufou: 6-foot-6 wing with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA and more

Tounde Yessoufou is a 6-foot-6 freshman wing with a powerful ability to dunk. In one game, Yessoufou dunked so hard that he tore the entire hoop from its ceiling mount. This impressive feat has led to him receiving offers from several prominent basketball programs, including Arizona, Arizona State, and UCLA.

Yessoufou's dunking prowess has already garnered significant attention and acclaim within the basketball community. His ability to generate force and elevation despite his height sets him apart from other players. This, combined with his age and potential for further growth and development, makes him a highly sought-after prospect for top-tier college basketball programs across the country.

Yessoufou's physical attributes, combined with his raw talent and power, make him a formidable opponent on the court. His ability to execute dunks with force and precision strikes fear into his opponents and excites the crowd. The impact of his dunks is further amplified by the style and flair with which he performs them, showcasing his natural talent and athleticism.

Yessoufou's talent has not gone unnoticed by scouts and recruiters from prestigious college basketball programs. Arizona, Arizona State, and UCLA have all expressed interest in Yessoufou, recognising his potential to contribute to their teams' success. These offers present Yessoufou with a unique opportunity to further develop his skills and make a name for himself at the collegiate level.

As Yessoufou continues to refine his skills and gain experience, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant players in high school basketball. With his impressive dunking abilities already turning heads, he is well-positioned to make a smooth transition to the collegiate level and continue his success on the court.

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Morez Johnson: 6-foot-8 junior committed to Illinois

Morez Johnson Jr. is a 6-foot-8 junior who played for the Illinois Fighting Illini before transferring to the University of Michigan in 2025. Johnson is an American college basketball player who previously played for the Michigan Wolverines of the Big Ten Conference.

Johnson enrolled at the University of Illinois in 2024, playing for head coach Brad Underwood. In his first collegiate game, he had three points, eight rebounds, and blocked a career-high six shots against Eastern Illinois. Johnson went on to have a successful freshman season with Illinois, playing in 30 games and starting eight times. He averaged 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Before joining the University of Illinois, Johnson played his first three seasons at St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago. He then transferred to Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, for his final season. As a senior, he was named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2024 and received offers from several top schools, including Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Texas. Johnson represented the United States national team at the 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup, winning a gold medal.

Johnson has proven himself as an elite dunker, showcasing a between-the-legs dunk in practice and throwing down powerful slams during games. His dunking abilities, combined with his height and skills, make him a formidable player on the court.

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