In the latest edition of âP.I. Pulseâ, Pro Insightâs Michael Visenberg highlights prospects who stood out at Sports Academy National Cup after spending the weekend in Mesa, Arizona for the SANCâs Preseason Session:
For the first time in Sports Academy National Cup history, a preseason tournament was held, which was hosted by the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona on October 26-27, 2024. Plenty of other firsts happened during this weekend, including the first girlsâ tournament, plus including a year younger age group (2032) on the boysâ side. Beyond these additions, there were 2029 and 2030 tournaments, featuring teams from four states (Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas). The Preseason Session was a way to kick off the upcoming third-annual Sports Academy National Cup, which will once again feature teams from all over the country, in a competitive, high-level middle school tournament.
Stops on the Sports Academy National Cup this year will include two on the West Coast and two on the East Coast, followed by the Grand Finale. It will begin January 4-5, 2025 in Manalapan, New Jersey at Sportika powered by the reigning champions of the 8th grade division, Team Durant. The second session will be in Thousand Oaks, California, at Sports Academy on January 18-19. This will follow with the second East Coast session â at Carolina Courts in Charlotte, North Carolina â on February 1-2. The final (regular season) West Coast session, will go down in Walnut Creek, California on February 15-16, and will be powered by the Oakland Soldiers.
Action will once again conclude with the Sports Academy Cup Grand Finale, which will happen in Thousand Oaks, California.
The award + prize money* for each session will work as follows:
East Coast Sessions (New Jersey and North Carolina) â
First place: $2,000 and free entry into the Grand Finale
Second place: $1,000 and free entry into the Grand Finale
Third place: $500 and free entry into the Grand Finale
West Coast Sessions (Thousand Oaks and Walnut Creek) â
First place: $1,500 and free entry free entry into the Grand Finale
Second place:Â $1,000 and free entry into the Grand Finale
Third place: Free entry into the Grand Finale
*prize money is contingent upon playing in the Grand Finale
The Preseason Session was full of competitive games and provided a glimpse of some new teams that should make noise in the upcoming SANC regular season. All top-three finishers in National Divisions gained free entry into a 2025 Winter Circuit Session. In the 2029 boys division, Skyriders (AZ) earned an 80-64 win in the National bracket final over SE Supreme (AZ), with Arizona Phenoms (AZ) taking third place. In 2030, Sports Academy Swish (CA) completed a dominant finals win over SE Supremeâs 2031 team, while Arizona Premier (AZ) claimed third place.Â
For the girlsâ 2029 division, Inspired Athletics (AZ) 14U beat VBC (AZ) 14U, with a 46-43 final, with Reach Basketball (AZ) finishing in third place. In the boys 2032 final, Team TyTy (AZ) got out to an early lead, with SE Supreme 2032 eventually coming back and posting a 78-71 victory in this high scoring matchup. This weekend served as a reminder that there is a ton of homegrown talent in Arizona, while New Mexico and Texas certainly brought it as well.
There were a number of standouts from the weekend and quite a few future players to monitor. Many of these teams should be tough outs and some have the chance to compete for a Sports Academy National Cup championship. Below, we have outlined some of the top standouts from the Preseason Session â stay tuned in over the next few months for more coverage of the 2025 Sports Academy National Cup.
Skyriders (2029) Standouts
CJ Johnson | Skyriders (AZ)
A relentless driver and creative finisher, Johnson seemed to live in the paint in the half court and was a speedster in transition. He ran the offense capably and also had a variety of different passes in his bag and really strong court vision. His bounce from a standstill also stood out and it enabled him as a positional rebounder and gave him that extra oomph as a finisher. When he was operating off-ball, he moved with a purpose, regularly managing to find gaps in the defense. He made a huge impact for the 2029 Preseason Session champions on both ends â a guard to keep track of in Arizona.
Innocent Onwo | Skyriders (AZ)
One of the strongest players in the tournament, Onwo used his physicality and functional handle to his advantage in order to create space. He sports a respectable lefty stroke, has noticeable bounce and does a nice job of keeping the ball high as a finisher. His crossover and pull-up game are weapons as well, especially considering teams might have a propensity to play off of him due to his potency as a driver. He high-points rebounds, gets to the foul line often, and his opening scoring run in the finals gave Skyriders the game. His strength showed up on the defensive end, as well. Overall, Onwo was one of the more daunting matchups in his class during the Preseason Session.
Marquice Pless | Skyriders (AZ)
Pless can play a number of different positions and fulfills a variety of roles within this team. He has impressive footwork, self-creation, craft as a finisher, and an ability to handle contact as a driver. Heâs a threat to grab a board and push it coast-to-coast. His activity level off the ball makes the defense work and helps him yield some easy scoring opportunities. Pless plays the passing lanes well, too, and brings a number of winning traits to his team, including a level of toughness.
Isaiah Rider IVÂ | Skyriders (AZ)
With a strong frame to absorb and create contact, Rider also showed a scoring bag from multiple levels in Arizona. He has a floater game, finishes well with his left hand, and can create with his advanced handle. He also brings passing acumen, makes plays off movement and is able to create transition opportunities with regularity. Defensively, he sits in a chair and moves his feet quickly, often creating events that lead to easy points. Heâs been a huge part of many winning teams over this weekend was no different.
Sports Academy Swish (2030) Standouts
Tresor Childress | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
For the first time since Pro Insight began covering the Sports Academy National Cup, an underclassman was selected as tournament MVP. Childress has size, an ability to create off the bounce, and smooth, repeatable mechanics with elevation on his jump shot. During Sports Academy Swishâs run, Childress made two clutch three-pointers before running away with the final. He tied the game to send it to OT on a fadeaway 3 against Arizona Phenoms, then in a thrilling finish vs. Arizona Premier, he made a long triple to win the game at the buzzer. His movement ability and feel on defense are additional key factors that make him such a standout prospect. He is very scalable to many different styles and is a complete matchup nightmare at this level.
Myles Crismon | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
Crismonâs range shooting prowess was a crucial element to his teamâs success, in the desert. He also displayed some ability to put it on the floor and get into the paint when run off the line. His lefty stroke was accurate whether it was off the catch, off movement or off the dribble. Crimson showed no fear as a driver, displayed touch on his floater, along with some finishing craft. His playmaking and vision were also factors on the offensive end. On D, he was able to get into opposing guards and wreak some havoc. Saving his best for last in the championship game, Crismon made plenty of winning plays and kept his cool down the stretch to help get the job done.
Draylan McClinton | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
No player in attendance was more of a force on the block than McClinton, who was able to consistently earn good post position and then quickly take full advantage of it. Heâs a foul magnet in the paint and doesnât back down from physicality. He also made his presence felt on the boards, generating a notable amount of second-chance points for his team over the course of the weekend. Despite being interior-oriented, McClinton showed some face-up ability, too â his high-arcing jumper seems to be a workable weapon, as well. Defensively, he was formidable around the basket, where he used his length and physicality to affect shots.
Event Standouts
Javon Darby | 2029 | Steelers Elite (AZ)
When his team needed a bucket, Darby was heavily relied upon. His skill as a ball handler and tough shot-making were on display over the weekend, as he routinely broke down defenders before rising up and getting elevation on his jumper. In their win over ABC Spotlight (NM), he accounted for over half of his teamâs points. Even while facing immense pressure while facing off against the talented Skyriders, he was able to get to his pull-up and hit tough shots with efficiency.
Cade Heap | 2029 | Wolfpack (AZ)
Heap is a smooth operator and proved to be a creative finisher who managed to consistently find himself near the rim either via driving or cutting. His strong hands, quick reaction time, and ability to absorb contact all aid him in his pursuit as a self-creator. Heap is the son of a former NFL player, which checks out when evaluating him on the hardwood as he plays with an inherent toughness and noticeable natural functional athleticism/movement. He flashed clean mechanics as a pull-up shooter, and boasts range out to the three-point line. With his strong foundation as a scorer in place, he will certainly be one to watch, moving forward.
Walter Hennix IIIÂ | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
Hennixâs top-end speed was simply a notch above anyone elseâs â he was deadly in transition and seemed to live in the paint. His vertical pop helps him as a finisher, and his handle and swift footwork help him create space to operate. Add in his passing prowess and you have one of the better offensive engines in the event. Hennix is also a positional rebounder with a nose for the ball, and he does a nice job of utilizing his lateral agility and quick hands to cause disruption as a defender.
DeSean Jones | 2030 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
Jones has the ball on a string as a handler and displays good body control, as well. His floater game is a weapon and he can also stretch the floor as a shooter. He was who the Phenoms entrusted with the ball in crunch time and it was easy to see why. Beyond these traits, his ball pressure and quick hands as a defender help impact games, as well. His two-way value makes him a lead guard to monitor, moving forward.
Kash McKinney | 2029 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
The primary ball handler on the 2029 Phenoms squad, McKinney got downhill and finished at a healthy rate, here. Kash's pull-up game was also money, and he leverages that shooting gravity to attack gaps, either netting good looks for himself or his teammates. McKinney made his mark in transition, as well, showing quick decision-making and assertiveness to make things happen. He also displayed solid instincts as a defender, as he created events and was successful in providing POA pressure.
Waad Mojwok | 2031 | SE Supreme (AZ)
Eye-catching size and movement at this age are so rare, though Mojwok bucks that trend. Heâs already fluid even as heâs still growing into his body â his footwork stood out, as well as his change of speed while attacking the hoop. He provided some encouraging shooting flashes â even off movement. He made some impressively sharp reads with the ball in his hands as a distributor and also popped as a rebounder. Defensively, he covers a lot of ground and does a nice job walling up and staying vertical. Further, Mojwok exuded leadership and positive communication â a fantastic sign for his future long term success.
Johnathan Ortiz | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
Ortiz was a particularly strong connective piece for his team. Heâs a versatile shooter who gets to his spots well (he loves getting to the corners), helping his team generate scoring opportunities. He also differentiated himself as a cutter, and he manufactured some free throw attempts as a slasher. He does a good job of keeping the ball moving in the halfcourt, as well. Defensively, he is a big part of SE Supreme 2029âs identity, as he brings toughness and ground coverage as a rebounder and rotational defender.
Jace Parris | 2029 | Wolfpack (AZ)
Parris used his height to his advantage as the tallest player in the tournament, and flashed good coordination for someone his size/age. He showed an ability to catch, gather and finish (with some creativity and touch), and beyond that, he even put the ball on the deck a few times in transition and looked comfortable doing so. He brought plus-instincts as a rebounder on both ends and defensively, Parris was one of the premier shot-blockers in the building. His size, agility and baseline skillset make him a tough matchup for opponents.
Court Ridenour | 2030 | Arizona Premier (AZ)
Ridenourâs combination of size, handle, and advanced offensive bag led to a very successful weekend for his Arizona Premier 2030 team. He was one of the best stretch-bigs in attendance and he also flashed an effective mid-range game and the ability to take opposing bigs off the bounce in a straight line. Additionally, Ridenour showed toughness as a rebounder and a competitive edge as a defender. He was one of the deadliest scoring threats in the Preseason Session and projects to do more of the same in the future, 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.
Gabriel Tucker | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
Tucker was absolutely everywhere defensively and has a knack for coming up with steals and just making life difficult for opponents. There wasnât a player in the Preseason Session who consistently turned more defensive plays into immediate offensive output than Tucker. On O, his bread and butter was his ability to run out in transition and create easy opportunities, though he also displayed an ability to grab a board and lead the break, himself. He brought tremendous energy and his hustle and defensive grit were significant drivers of SE Supremeâs success.
Additional Event Standouts
Yowin âYoyoâ Ajowin | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Rebounding, outlet passing, scoring through contact, and defensive intensity
Khaleal Brown | 2029 | Skyriders (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Slashing, cutting and defensive quickness
Kison Cannon | 2029 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Cutting, vertical pop inside, rebounding, and defensive physicality
Trent Cason | 2030 | Arizona Premier (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Handle, anticipation, feel, floater touch, and shooting equity
Matthew Chan | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish (CA)
đĄâĄď¸ Handle, passing, long range shooting, and fight as a rebounder
Hank Childress | 2033 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Size, slashing, rebounding, and effort on defense
Duane Eason, Jr. | 2031 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Handle, ambidextrous finishing and playmaking
Jayden Hughes | 2032 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Handle, effectiveness in transition, finishing, and toughness
AJ Jabateh | 2029 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Lefty stroke, transition play-finishing, handle, and defensive effort
Caden Johnson | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Vertical pop, finishing, quick decision making, and ability to affect shots
Cruz Kazmierski | 2029 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Touch, footwork, shooting versatility, and hands
Isaiah King | 2030 | Arizona Premier (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Willingness to put his body on the line, cutting, and defensive quickness + hands
Jacob Lewis | 2030 | Arizona Premier (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Handle, range shooting, slashing, and playmaking
Carmelo Mason | 2030 | ABC Spotlight (NM)
đĄâĄď¸ Range shooting, physicality/toughness as a slasher, and nose for the ball
Zeric Merkson | 2029 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Strength, rebounding motor, finishing touch, and ability to carve out space
Jayce Miles | 2032 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Size, handle, playmaking, and defensive toughness
Amari OâNeal | 2029 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Size, athleticism, âfightâ as a rebounder, and defensive tenacity
Taylan Owens | 2029 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Scoring bag, court vision in traffic, and ability to relocate off ball
Reece Smith | 2030 | Arizona Premier (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Strength, shooting consistency, rebounding motor, and defensive toughness
Walker Thomas | 2031 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Ability to get downhill, energy in transition, finishing through contact, and defensive versatility
Israel Torres, Jr. | 2032 | SE Supreme (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Size, touch, establishing position, scoring through contact, and defensive presence
Janiylah Warren | 2031 | Team TyTy (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Energy, ability to score through contact, rebounding, and length as a defender
Josiah Williams | 2030 | Arizona Phenoms (AZ)
đĄâĄď¸ Vertical pop near the rim, lift on his jumper, developing ball skills, and defensive ground coverage
Olon Williams | 2030 | ABC Spotlight (NM)
đĄâĄď¸ Handle, finishing pop, physicality, and aggression as a defender
