In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Michael Visenberg highlights prospects who stood out at Sports Academy National Cup after spending the weekend in Walnut Creek, CA at Ultimate Fieldhouse for the SANC’s 2025 Session 4:
Session 4 of the 2025 Sports Academy National Cup powered by Oakland Soldiers took place less than an hour away from the All-Star weekend festivities in San Francisco, with four courts running for two full days at Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek. While S4 featured some teams from the Preseason Session in Mesa, AZ and S2 in Thousand Oaks, CA, many new teams and players were introduced. S4 included 10 teams in the 2029 division, five teams in 2030, seven in 2031, and seven in 2032.
The winners and runners-up were awarded money for the Sports Academy National Cup Grand Finale, while third-place finishers were awarded free entry into the Grand Finale. 2030 saw Sports Academy Swish meeting Arsenal in the final, where the Sports Academy group ended up getting revenge from an earlier weekend loss to take the title, 63-61. The 2031 and 2032 titles went to newcomers from the Bay area, LakeShow, who had participating teams in every division. 2031 was won by LakeShow Pickney Elite, who won every game by double-digits, and the final, 83-72 over a strong SE Supreme (AZ) 2031 team that finished runner-up in the 2030 division in the Preseason Session. In 2032, LakeShow Duckett won a number of close games to go undefeated, and won the final 54-49 over Silicon Valley Soldiers 2032.
Even with a strong 2029 division, the main event featured two of the top 2029 teams in the country in Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue Jules going up against a Houston Hoops (TX) team that had not lost a game in 14 months. In what was a clash of two incredibly talented, fundamentally sound teams with maximum intensity, Soldiers Navy Blue ended up taking the 2029 title with an 87-75 victory in a game that was neck and neck until the last few minutes. It completely lived up to the hype, with a number of high level plays, and some players who undoubtedly will be in national high school rankings once they are released for the 2029 class. The Oakland Soldiers Camouflage team also claimed a 76-60 win over another newcomer, Showtime XVI, to lock in two Oakland Soldiers teams that punched their tickets to the Grand Finale.
The Sports Academy National Cup Grand Finale is still accepting teams from all over the country who want a chance to prove they are among the best in their respective divisions. It will take place March 22-23 in Thousand Oaks, CA, and as always, feature a ton of talent, and as competitive an environment you will find at the Middle School level. Session 4 should give a strong preview of competitors, and a bevy of players that stood out and are names to know moving forward.
Event Standouts
Kalani Abreu | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
Beyond his size and strength being immediately apparent, Abreu runs the floor very well and has good hands. This makes him a strong rim runner in transition, plus adds to helping establish consistent inside position in the halfcourt. He even shows a midrange game that gives a glimpse into potentially stretching the floor in time. His ability to put the ball on the floor and find teammates is another factor in what he gives the Arsenal offense. He is also a force on the glass, and he brings verticality, which affects and changes plenty of shots.
Yowin “Yoyo” Ajawin | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
After seeing him in the Sports Academy National Cup Preseason Session, you see a player that plays beyond his size and will not be outworked. Ajawin has great timing and toughness as a rebounder and he’s able to box out bigger opponents while even showing ability to get to balls out of his area. He fights for position down low, has nice touch and a midrange game that demands respect. Another great factor with “Yoyo” is how he constantly has eyes up the floor as soon as he gets the ball, as his effective outlet passing leads to a number of transition opportunities. Strong, with quick hands, he mainly guards opposing front courts though he flashes upside and versatility on defense.
Clement “CJ” Ani, Jr. | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
Already 6’1”, Ani, Jr. is a multi-level scorer that can play both on and off the ball. He has an effortless stroke from long range, and is someone the defense constantly has to keep track of. He can run the offense, with a bag of dribble moves to either get to his pull up or to the basket. His finishing creativity is top notch, and he is also an adept playmaker. Off ball, he runs the floor hard, cuts well, and is a tactful relocator. His size and movement also help him guard either backcourt spot, and he was a major factor in the Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue capturing the Session 4 title.
Krawford Bailey | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
Given his 6’4” size, Bailey is able to play both inside and outside, a jack-of-all-trades for Soldiers Camo. One of the better grab-and-go players in Session 4, he really can put the defense off balance after grabbing a defensive rebound. Getting the ball in the paint, he has a hook shot with either hand, while also being able to finish with craft. Something else that makes him dangerous is just how comfortable he is as a jump shooter from both mid and long range. On the other end, he guards multiple positions, with a good awareness of positioning and effective footwork on closeouts.
William Beckett | 2030 | Houston Hoops (TX)
The youngest player on the Houston Hoops team and one of the tallest players in Walnut Creek, Beckett brings a palpable energy every time he steps on the floor. There were no better rebounders during Session 4, his instincts and ground coverage both very impressive. Beckett shows great hands, footwork, and has the strength to get good interior position often. He thrives in traffic and through contact, while even flashing the ability to knock down the corner 3. He is also fearless on defense, effectively leveraging his physicality and mobility. His ability to come in off the bench and help his team not miss a beat bodes really well for when he is likely featured next year.
D’Ari Bruce | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
With size and athleticism that helped him play everywhere in the frontcourt at this level, Bruce has inside-outside ability and should be able to shift onto the wing, moving forward. He can high-point rebounds and score through contact, in addition to showing off a functional handle and creativity as a passer. Bruce can also hit catch-and-shoot three-pointers and finish at the rim with impressive solid vertical pop. His grit and length allow him to play bigger than his already impressive height at this level and his versatility helps make Soldiers Navy Blue one of the toughest matchups in 2029.
Yakai Craig | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
Craig’s ability to keep the ball on a string, finish around and through defenses, all while having outside shooting range, puts him among the better guards in the 2030 class in this year's Sports Academy National Cup. He uses a series of crossovers, is comfortable dribbling and finishing with either hand, with strong footwork to get through tight spaces. Has great craft as a driver, a pull-up game, and can be counted on to run the offense, as well. His event creation also showed up on the defensive end, as he has ability at the point of attack, showing good timing, even affecting and blocking shots in transition.
King Harris | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
Once again, Harris brought an impressive energy level and seems to be in constant motion any time he steps onto the court. He makes scoring look natural, with his ability to create off the bounce, finish with floaters, or with an array of jumpers. His ability to push the ball in transition, plus drive and kick, has made Arsenal a super potent offense beyond his raw scoring ability. Big time communicator on defense – he is adept at knowing when to double team and is really difficult to beat at the point of attack.
Walter Hennix III | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
The ead guard is one of the quickest players with the ball since the inception of the SANC, with explosive athleticism that helps him play well beyond his size. He can create off the bounce, finish just below the rim, get his teammates involved, and create space for pull-up jumpers. His nose for the ball and rebounding make him such a factor, and gave a number of teams issues in this session where Supreme played undoubtedly the most difficult schedule. Hennix III also has lateral ability and strength that cause opposing ball handlers plenty of issues. Ultimately, he’s a real competitor who gives his all in every game.
Vijay Keshaav | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
Athletic enough to play a number of different positions, Keshaav is a skilled wing who can beat you inside and out. He has ball handling ability and is a connective passer. He’s able to turn the corner and finish with craft, and he’ll even throw down an occasional dunk. His outside shooting is something to take into account, and he is a plus-rebounder, as well. Defensively, he is quite switchable, and can get into guards, and effectively guard up the lineup, as well. The effort he puts into his game is noticeable, and his performance in the final was a large part of what kept Houston Hoops in the game.
Chris Martinez, Jr. | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
CMJ’s ability to set up his teammates for a variety of great looks is a sight to behold. He gets to the paint often, willingly putting his body on the line while getting to the FT stripe at a good rate. His balance and confidence as a long range shooter are additional weapons in his arsenal. He’s able to find cutters and hit post entry passes on the money. On D, he gets low, fights through screens, and accumulates a ton of deflections and steals.
Draylan McClinton | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
McClinton had a monstrous Session 4, thanks to his ability to get position and score through contact around the basket. At 6’4”, he is usually the tallest player on the floor at this level, with soft hands and agility to make quick post moves. Double-teamed often, he is able to either draw contact or make timely kick-outs to teammates. His shot has improved each Session, and he is comfortable from the mid-range, while also being a force on the boards. On defense, he alters shots with his leaping and verticality, with quick hands that also can cause loose balls and really bother opposing interior players.
William Phillips | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
In January 2024 at Las Vegas Session 1, Phillips was a 6’1” wing who impressed with his long strides and physical tools, along with his budding skillset. Now all of 6’6”, with a strong chance to grow even more, he is playing above the rim, further honing his skill set, and is an absolute force in the Class of 2029. He uses a series of spin moves and cuts, and can self-create by using his burst and getting players on his hip. He’s also quite good at changing the length of his steps on drives, as well as finding teammates on the move. Defensively, he is now such a monster, with his added height, length, and ability to cover immense swaths of ground. The strides he has made in his shooting, and just in terms of his now even more exceptional tools, he is an easy national-level prospect that a number of college coaches will be tracking closely in the near future.
Mason Reed | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
Not many players in 2029 are better at running out in transition, catching, and finishing than Reed. He is at the rim on many drives, getting there off the bounce, or adeptly cutting in the halfcourt. He is unselfish, gets the ball moving quickly, and is relentless at putting pressure on the rim. He’ll provide glimpses of a game beyond that, but plays his role to a tee, and just does not seem to get tired. Defensively, he’s especially proficient at applying pressure on perimeter players and his athleticism helps him guard up the lineup when needed.
Phillip Reed, Jr. | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
Now at the 6’0” mark, Reed, Jr. is still on a different level in terms of quickness and his feel for the game. Also with nice elevation on drives, he’s now finishing so well around the rim, a perpetual threat to take his matchup off the bounce with his lightning first step or probe to find angles in the pick-and-roll. He uses precise footwork to create space, with his pull-up game from mid and long range more lethal than ever. His court vision is a major weapon, with teammates at times surprised just how open they are when they get the ball. He contributes in so many different ways beyond scoring, as a plus-rebounder with a nose for the ball along with defensive speed and instincts that stand out even at the highest level of competition. A well-deserved MVP nod for a player that has yet to lose a game in his time playing in the Sports Academy National Cup since its inception in 2023.
Judah Van-Ewijk | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
Even since last month's Session 2, Van-Ewijk has made strides as a finisher, handler, and in his playmaking. He’s able to produce points in bunches with his versatility as an outside shooter along with his ability to use his gravity to knife into the paint (an area he has clearly focused on). He has speed to blow by his man, while also utilizing manipulation in his footwork, with a combination of touch floaters and craft finishes off the glass. He can also finish and pass with either hand. He’s a pesky defender, using his instincts in the passing lanes, and lateral movement to disrupt opposing guards.
Mason Wallace | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
His blend of frame and athletic tools are immediately eye-catching, while his shooting from the corners and off movement make him a nightmare for opponents. His strong base makes him almost immovable at this age level, where he carves out position while finishing with finesse. Also active on the boards and he uses physicality and ground coverage to his advantage on defense. A multi-sport athlete who plays every position outside of quarterback in football, and also runs track, Wallace proved he is someone who impacts winning on the hardwood, as well.
Matt Barnes Defensive Spotlight
This award goes to the best defensive player in the session. The recipient must exhibit a high-level of defensive capability, affecting the game in multiple ways on the defensive end.
London Jackson | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
The 6’5” Jackson plays all over the floor for this Houston Hoops team, providing a scalability that will allow his coach to play him in virtually any lineup. He has timing as a rim protector, plus challenges shots, and is a high-motor rebounder. He’s switchable enough to guard every position at this level, and his athletic traits + drive/approach should translate well to operating more on the perimeter as he moves up levels. On offense, he finishes above the rim, and he has a deep lefty stroke which he can use in both pull-up and spot-up scenarios. His combination of size, inside-outside skill, and toughness should make him one of the more sought-after 2029 prospects in Texas – and ultimately the country – moving forward.
Additional Event Standouts
Omari Allen | 2030 | LakeShow (CA)
💡➡️ Size, agility and slashing
Damian Arellano | 2029 | Silicon Valley Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Movement shooting, touch, and relocation
Jeremiah Baptist | 2031 | SE Supreme (AZ)
💡➡️ Size, slashing ability, spot-up shooting
Justin Brownlee, Jr. | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
💡➡️ Size, ball skills, and off-ball movement
Myles Crismon | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, shooting, and floater touch
Marvin Crump | 2029 | Showtime XVI (CA)
💡➡️ Quickness, handle, getting into the paint, and shooting
Egypt Dean | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
💡➡️ Touch finishing, rebounding, and spot-up shooting
Reid Dickson | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
💡➡️ Movement shooting, playmaking, and understanding of spacing
Tyler Dwyer, Jr. | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
💡➡️ Long-range shotmaking, OTD creation, and defensive toughness
Jahkai Ellison | 2030 | CTBxGU (CA)
💡➡️ Hang finishing, footwork, and agility
King Griffin | 2029 | Showtime XVI (CA)
💡➡️ Attacking, shooting, playmaking, finishing through contact, and lateral quickness
Jaxson Harris | 2029 | Showtime XVI (CA)
💡➡️ Touch, multi-level shooting, and defensive versatility
Justin Harris | 2030 | LakeShow (CA)
💡➡️ Rim pressure, playmaking, and ability to run the floor
Marquis Harris | 2030 | LakeShow (CA)
💡➡️ Size, touch, and effort on the boards
Jaden Hector | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
💡➡️ Size, functional handle, and tough shotmaking
Skylar Johnson | 2030 | LakeShow (CA)
💡➡️ Range shooting, body control, and lateral quickness
Dahntay Jones, Jr. | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Slashing through contact, athleticism, playmaking, and defensive toughness
Andre Karibyan | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Ambidextrous finishing, shooting, rebounding effort, and defensive playmaking
Cameron O’Neil | 2031 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
💡➡️ Size, handle, slashing, and playmaking
Malosi Ogbechie | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
💡➡️ Size, timing as a cutter, and connective passing
Zachary Owens | 2029 | LakeShow (CA)
💡➡️ Size, slashing, understanding of space, and quick reaction time
Bobby “BJ” Phillips, Jr. | 2031 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
💡➡️ Size, functional handle, ground coverage, slashing, and defensive intensity
Moses Posheyan | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
💡➡️ Movement shooting, touch near the rim, and defensive acumen
Kameron Potts | 2031 | Arsenal (CA)
💡➡️ Quickness, handle, communication, and physicality on defense
Tru Robinson | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, scoring through contact, and a nose for the ball
Alex Stockwood | 2029 | Houston Hoops (TX)
💡➡️ Range shooting, touch inside the 3-line, connective passing, and communication
Amarion Stone | 2031 | Silicon Valley Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Size, handle, playmaking, and shooting touch
Maalik Taylor | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Navy Blue (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, toughness, creative passing, and lateral quickness
Walker Thomas | 2031 | SE Supreme (AZ)
💡➡️ Rebounding, handle, scoring through contact, and defensive activity level
Evan Udoh | 2031 | Silicon Valley Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Size, rebounding, and touch around the rim
Daeshaun “Dae Dae” Washington | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
💡➡️ Strength, movement, outlet passing, and defensive positioning
Jamari Wilson | 2030 | CTBxGU (CA)
💡➡️ Elevation as a finisher, constant movement, playmaking, and lateral movement on defense
Jody Woods III | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
💡➡️ Size, rebounding, shooting touch, and defensive versatility
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