The purpose of the NBPA Top 100 Camp is to help in the development of the world's elite high school-aged basketball players and give them a taste of what it is like to play in the NBA. The NBA is an exclusive group (there has been less than 5,000 NBA players all-time since the league's inception) and this exclusive camp, held annual at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., has featured some of the biggest names in basketball over the past 30 years, from the likes of Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brunson, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, plus a plethora of other future pros.

There is no doubt plenty from the 2024 crop of 110 campers will one day play in the NBA, but for now it was all about competing, learning and getting better, not to mention performing well in front of scouting representatives of every NBA team and hundreds of college coaches.

There was roughly 11 players on each of the camp's 10 teams coached by current or just retired NBA players going through a coaching mentorship program put on by the NBPA. The four-day camp was also one of attrition, as the participants play NBA regulation length games with NBA rules and on the last two days of the camp, each team played three games in a seven-hour period.

When the dust settled, the Houston Rockets team used balance and teamwork to post a 9-0 record, the last one a 120-119 championship game victory over a New York Knicks team that came into the contest 6-2. It was actually the Rockets' second victory over the Knicks, as they beat that team to start off the camp's final day, 106-101, in a competitive game. Even though the Rockets were no stranger to the attrition themselves, they did a good job of taking quality shots, hitting their free throws in seven of nine games, and making timely 3-pointers, particularly by 6-foot-5 2025 (rising senior) point guard Brayden Burries of Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) and 6-foot-8 2025 wing Shon Abaev of Calvary Christian Academy (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.).

The Rockets played the first contest versus the Knicks without Burries, who was arguably the top guard in attendance with his strong frame, powerful drives, timely passing, clutch shot-making and presence. Rockets coach Terrance Mann of the L.A. Clippers had others step up in his absence, as five players scored in double figures with two more on the 10-man roster going for nine points. Mike Williams, a 6-foot-1 2025 guard from Jackson Academy (Miss.) and the son of former NBA guard and Jackson State coach Mo Williams, particularly stepped up with 16 points, including 2-of-5 3-pointers and 6-of-6 free throws, to go along with six rebounds and four assists. Williams' rebounding from the guard position, his instincts on defense and change of pace on offense was a huge lift for Mann all week at camp.

Seven-foot-1 2025 center Malachi Moreno of Great Crossing (Georgetown, Ky.) matched up with all-star selection, 7-foot 2025 Eric Reibe of Bullis School (Washington, D.C.), and came up with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. The left-handed Reibe was the most effective player on the court with 25 points, including 3-of-6 3-pointers, and added six rebounds and two assists. Reibe has a terrific feel and plays a style similar to former Kansas great Raef LaFrentz but with more shooting range and more ground covering. Six-foot-8, 250-pound 2025 Zymicah Wilkins of Christ School (Arden, N.C.) had a great impact in both games versus the Rockets with his power game, motor and relentlessness in crunch time. Wilkins finished the first contest with 17 points.

Burries returned for the eighth game, one in which Houston jumped out to a 29-10 lead over the Indian Pacers and never looked back in a 106-96 victory. He finished with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Moreno led seven in double figures with 19 points and eight rebounds. The center made all five of his free throws, but the rest of the Rockets were 8-of-18 in that second to last game.

After shooting so well from the charity stripe in its first seven games, that performance was an omen for the final game, as weary free throw legs and the never-say-die attitude of the Knicks kept them in the championship contest in the second half after trialing by as many as 19 points early. The Rockets were without Elijah Williams, a 6-foot-6 2026 (rising junior) wing out of Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) and the son of Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams, for the final two games and without Mike Williams in the championship rematch, but gutted out the one-point victory after building a 64-50 halftime lead by coming up with a defensive stop after Burries missed a free throw (worth two points) with under five seconds remaining in the game.

Reibe hurt the Rockets, in the first contest, but was neutralized more in the rematch, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds while not attempting a shot from 3-point range. Moreno matched him with 11 points and 10 rebounds, as he finished the camp with three triple doubles while missing another by just one rebound. Moreno is a team-oriented player with a great pace and understanding of the game and once he gets into his offensive move and makes his decisions on the block quicker, he's going to be an excellent college player. While Reibe was kept in check, the Rockets simply had no answer for Wilkins in the rematch, as he kept his team in it with relentless offensive rebounding, tough shot making on the move and even hit a key 3-pointer while the Knicks were making their second half run. He finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds and impressed college coaches and the NBPA Top 100 selection committee with his inspired play.

Burries finished the title game with 24 points, including 4-of-6 3-pointers, despite missing six of 10 free throws. As a team, the fatigued Rockets made 14-of-32 free throws, but dug deep to make 10-of-20 3-pointers. The leading scorer for the victors was 6-foot-1 2025 point guard Acaden Lewis of Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.), who made 4-of-7 3-pointers and finished the title game with 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Lewis impressed college coaches with his crafty offensive package, ability to finish in either direction and dominate in the half court, particularly in pick-n-roll sets. The Rockets don't go unbeaten without Lewis' efforts, particularly his 26-point effort in a 117-112 win over a L.A. Lakers team that might have been the camp's second most talented one. He made 4-of-9 3-pointers in that contest and was dominant enough to over the final two days to be selected to the camp's 10-man all-star team.

It's hard to envision the Rockets going unbeaten without the contributions of 6-foot-9 power 2025 forward Sebastian Williams-Adams of St. John's (Houston, Texas) as well. In the win over the L.A. Lakers, he had an incredible 11 offensive rebounds in a 18-point, 12-rebound performance and sealed the win a pass interception and close-out dunk. Twice he came up with a defensive play, steal and dunk to seal a win for his team and joined Burries and Lewis as Rockets players on the camp all-star team. Williams-Adams literally didn't take a bad shot all week and had 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting in the championship game win. Williams-Adams is also a complete defender and for the week shot 61-of-94 (.648) from the field in nine camp games.

Jerry Easter II, a 6-foot-4 2025 shooting guard from La Lumiere who was our top rated performer at the recent Pangos All-American Camp, had 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Rockets in the title game. Easter also contributed key defense and steady ball-handling and didn't force it much when the shots weren't dropping. Six-foot-8 2026 forward Sebastian Wilkins also provided quality defense and good finishing around the rim for Mann's team, 6-foot-10 2025 power forward Trent Steinour of Lake Norman (N.C.) showed potential as a rim-runner and flashes of pop around the rim, while 6-foot-9 2026 center Moustapha Diop of the Walker School (Powder Springs, Ga.) is oozing with potential as a shot blocker and long term impact college player with a bit more seasoning.

"It was a great opportunity to be able to coach these guys that are eventually going to be playing against me in a couple years," said Mann. "It was dope to see the high level of competition, and I was amazed by their skill and intelligence. These kids are special and the game is getting better and better."

The camp had talent at all positions, but was dominated by its interior play, as teams made it a point to get its pivots involved in its offensive sets. There was some terrific individual battles, as 46 campers were listed as being 6-foot-8 and taller. When it was completed, 6-foot-10 2025 Chris Cenac of Newman (New Orleans, La.) was named NBPA Top 100 Camp Most Valuable Player. Cenac's combination of fluidity, versatility, size and length made him stand out from a group of highly-regarded campers.

Cenac led the camp in rebounds (11.4) and finished third in blocks (1.6). All-star selection Meleek Thomas of Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.), the recent Pangos All-American Camp MOP, was third in scoring (22.6) and first in assists (7.3). After winning two state title in Pennsylvania, Thomas recently accounted he'll be spending his senior campaign with Overtime Elite.

The scoring leaders in front of Thomas were 6-foot-5 wing Tounde Yessoufou of St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) at 23.1 and 6-foot-4 2025 wing Kiyan Anthony of Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) at 28.5. Anthony is the son of future NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony.

NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 5 Stock Risers
(selected by editor Ronnie Flores)
Phillip Davis Fogle, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-8 SF 2025
Acaden Lewis, Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 PG 2025
Deron Rippey Jr., Blair Academy (Blairstown, N.J.) 6-1 PG 2026
Zymicah Wilkins, Christ School (Arden, N.C.) 6-8 PF 2025
Mike Williams, Jackson Academy (Jackson, Miss.) 6-1 CG 2025

NBPA Top 100 Top 5 Rising Juniors
(selected by editor Ronnie Flores)
Tajh Ariza, Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) 6-8 SF 2026
Aliou Dioum, Accelerated Schools (Denver, Col.) 6-10 C 2026
Caleb Holt, Buckhorn (New Market, Ala.) 6-4 PG 2026
Jordan Smith, Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 6-3 SG 2026
Qayden Samuels, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 6-6 SF 2026

2024 NBPA Top 100 Camp All-Star Team
(selected by camp selection committee)
MVP: Chris Cenac, Newman (New Orleans, La.) 6-10 PF 2025
Darius Adams, La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 6-4 SG 2025
Kiyan Anthony, Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 6-4 SG 2025
Brayden Burries, Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) 6-5 PG 2025
Oswin Erhunmwunse, Putnam Science Academy (Putnam, Conn.) 6-10 C 2025
Acaden Lewis, Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 PG 2025
Eric Reibe, Bullis School (Washington, D.C.) 7-0 C 2025
Qayden Samuels, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 6-6 SF 2026
Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.) 6-4 SG 2025*
Sebastian Williams-Adams, St. John's (Houston, Texas) 6-9 PF 2025
Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 6-5 SG 2025

*Meleek Thomas recently announced he will play at Overtime Elite in Atlanta for his senior season.

Editor's Note: Ronnie Flores is a member of the NBPA Top 100 Player Selection Committee.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

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Many times in an individual showcase camp for elite talent, the play can be less than inspiring or sloppier than talent scouts or NBA personnel would hope to see. But the 2024 edition of the Pangos All-American Camp certainly didn't have that problem. The games were well-played, and most importantly, were ultra competitive from the first ones on Sunday through the final top all-star game on Tuesday afternoon.

For the first time in the event's history, there was a team championship game prior to the Cream of the Crop All-Star Games to reward winning basketball. Illinois representing the Big 10 Conference and took on Notre Dame representing the Atlantic Coast Conference both went 3-0 during regular camp games to qualify for the championship. ?The Illini then came up with a 86-73 come-from-behind-victory to finish 4-0.

Leading the way for the camp's best team with his steady play was 6-foot-3 2025 guard Jerry Easter of La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Also netting 15 points for his team was 6-foot-5 2025 Jermaine O'Neal Jr. of Dynamic Prep (Dallas, Texas). Turning heads with his play on the interior was 6-foot-10 2025 Badara Diakite of South Kent Prep (Conn.). He finished with 10 points and six rebounds.

Notre Dame held a 43-41 lead at halftime but couldn't sustain it, as Illinois out-rebounded the Irish (39-37)and were credited with more assists (20-15). Joshua Lewis, a 6-foot-7 2025 forward from Blake (Tampa, Fla.) chosen for the Cream of the Crop Top 60 Game, led Notre Dame with 20 points. It should also be noted that when Brayden Burries, the 6-foot-5 2025 from Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) and Notre Dame's top overall player, was out of the game, his team consistently gave up leads. Burries was the unifying force with his unselfish passing and overpowering finishes and rebounding. Burries' plus/minus likely was off the charts throughout the camp and he showed why he could successfully play on or off the ball at the next level.

Burries was arguably the best all-around player at the camp, with the only difference between he and Easter was the latter's efficiency from the field. Easter was credited as shooting 7-of-8 from the field in the championship game (plus his team got the win), while Burries was 4-of-10. In the Cream of the Crop Top 30 All-Star Game designed for the camp's top performers among 110 participants from 31 different states, Easter was 6-of-7 from the field (good for 15 points), while Burries was 2-of-7 (good for 10 points). Easter was just super efficient all weekend long with his controlled game, change of pace and high percentage shot attempts. He let the game come to him and has that knack for keeping defenders just a bit left or right when he attacks or on his release point. Easter has been a well known commodity on the circuit since middle school, but feels playing in a balanced attack at La Lumiere in the scholastic setting durning his junior season helped him coming into Pangos Camp.

"I came in with the mindset to go out, play and compete," Love said. "It definitely helped me get better to play with guys like Chuck Love and Jalen Haralson and in six months (playing EYBL Scholastic) I got alot better. I just love the game and I just want to have fun and at the same time be a leader."

Love and Burries actually played on the same team in the Cream of the Crop Top 30 game and their Red-clad team came out on top over the Blue jersey-wearing unit, 114-106, in a competitive game. The Blue team actually led by 12 points in the first half and at halftime, 56-50. The game was tied 90-90 with six minutes remaining before the Red team took control behind some nifty passes from Burries, some steady play-making from Easter and a big 3-pointer down the stretch from the team's leading scorer, 6-foot-5 2025 wing Tounde Yessoufou of St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.). Yessoufou was pulling the trigger on his open looks all camp long and finished the final game with 20 points. Yessoufou made 3-of-7 three-pointers and all of his five free throws, including two clutch ones in the game's waning moments.

Seven-foot center Xavion Staton of Sierra Vista (Las Vegas, Nev.) continued his defensive dominance and helped the Red team to victory with five blocked shots. Also playing well was Kayden Edwards, a 6-foot-2 2025 southpaw guard from Duncanville (Texas) who made 4-of-7 three-pointers and had 12 points, and Dylan Mingo, a 6-foot-5 2026 point guard from Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.), who finished with 10 points. Also making positive final impression were O'Neal Jr. and steady Devin Brown, a 6-foot-7 2025 from Milwaukee Academy of Science (Wis.).

The Blue team built its first half lead behind the hot shooting of 6-foot-6 2026 shooting guard Jacob Lanier of Maumelle (Ark.). Lanier played within himself throughout the event and didn't force much, and in the all-star game when he was open on the outside, he let it fly. Lanier made all six of his 3-point attempts and finished with 20 points. He definitely showed why he should be near the top of any credible 2026 national rankings.

Meleek Thomas, a 6-foot-5 2025 guard from Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.), was the Blue Team's leading scorer with 22 points. After arriving from Western Pennsylvania on Monday, Thomas put his stamp on each game he played and evaluated the level of competition and competitiveness in the camp with his energy and presence. Thomas came into the event with the mindset to dominate, and outside of a few rushed shots, did just that. He was rewarded for his efforts by being named 2024 Pangos Camp Most Outstanding Player.

"I came in wanting to be vocal and be a leader," said Thomas, who has already been an All-American Elite team selection twice in his Lincoln Park career with a season to go. "Coming from a winning high school program plays a part, but it's also about me individually wanting to win at every event I play in and be the best."

The one player we were most vocal about deserving a Top 30 roster spot was 6-foot-7 2025 Chuck Love III, Easter's teammate at La Lumiere. He went out and proved his worth as the top performer in the Top 60 game. Love made a variety of mid-range pull-ups and deep shots to finish with a game-high 25 points in his Blue Team's 103-99 victory

Point guard Jalen Reese, a 6-foot 2025 from Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) also played well for the winning Blue team. Another standout was 6-foot-6 2026 Herly Brutus of Umatilla (Fla.).

For the Red Team, both Kelvin Odih, a 6-foot-5 2025 from South Kent Prep (Conn.), and Amari Allen, a 6-foot-7 2025 from IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), stood out. Both finished with 12 points.

We always like to point out a few top performers who were not chosen for either all-star game. The best of a deep lot this year were arguably one big and one wing. The big was 6-foot-10 2025 Jayden Everett of Chapin (El Paso, Texas) and the wing was 6-foot-6 2025 Jaden Vance of Bella Vista Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.).

Pangos Camp All-Time MOPs

2024: Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.) 6-4 SG
2023: (co): Flory Bidunga, Kokomo (Ind.) 6-9 PF
2023: (co): Cameron Scott, Lexington (S.C.) 6-6 SF
2022: Xavier Booker, Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) 6-11 PF
2021: Jalen Duren, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-10 C
2020: Jabari Smith, Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Ga.) 6-10 PF (Festival)
2019 (co): Cade Cunningham, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 G
2019 (co): Evan Mobley, Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) 7-0 C
2018: Charles Bassey, Aspire Academy (Louisville, Ky.) 6-10 C
2017 (co): Cole Anthony, Archbishop Malloy (Queens, N.Y.) 6-2 PG
2017 (co): Charles Bassey, St. Anthony (San Antonio, Texas) 6-10 C
2016 (co): Trevon Duval, API (Dallas) 6-2 PG
2016 (co): Michael Porter Jr., Father Tolten (Columbia, Mo.) 6-9 SF
2015 (co): Rawle Alkins, Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 6-5 SG
2015 (co): Mustapha Heron, Sacred Heart (Waterbury, Conn.) 6-5 SG
2014 (tri): Isaiah Briscoe, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-3 PG
2014 (tri): Tyler Dorsey, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 6-5 SG
2014 (tri): Stephen Zimmerman, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 7-0 PF
2013: Stanley Johnson, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 6-7 SF
2012: Cliff Alexander, Currie (Chicago) 6-9 PF
2011: Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 6-6 WF
2010: Myck Kabongo, Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 6-2 PG
2009: Harrison Barnes, Ames (Ames, Iowa) 6-7 WF
2008: John Wall, Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) 6-3 PG
2007: Brandon Jennings, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-1 PG
2006: James Harden, Artesia (Lakewood, Calif.) 6-5 SG
2005: Davon Jefferson, Lynwood (Calif.) 6-8 WF
2004: CJ Miles, Skyline (Dallas) 6-6 WF
2003: Robert Swift, Bakersfield (Calif.) 7-0 C

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

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For Roosevelt, the Mustangs used a monster overtime stanza from Colorado State-bound senior Darnez Slater to record a 76-71 win over host Damien (La Verne, Calif.), which sent the game to an extra period on a 3-pointer at the buzzer by 5-foot-9 sophomore Elijah Smith. With Damien trialing 63-60, Roosevelt called a timeout with under twenty seconds remaining and with Damien in possession after a loose ball. The clock wound down all the way to 4.8 seconds before the Mustangs' Brayden Burries knocked the ball out of bounds. Damien retained possession and both teams called a timeout to go over strategy. The Spartans even called another timeout with 2.9 seconds remaining that had the crowd on the edge of their seat. That crowd exploded after an inbounds pass that junior (2025) 7-foot big man Nate Garcia was unable to reach caromed to Smith, who calmly stepped to his left and fired a 3-pointer that swished through the net to make the score 63-63 and give the lively crowd four more minutes of basketball.

That's when Slater went to work to put Roosevelt (15-1) in Saturday's 8:30 title game. He had two points in regulation, but quickly hit a 3-pointer then converted a soft lay-up after a steal by junior 5-foot-9 guard Myles Walker (13 points) that gave the Mustangs a 72-67 lead with 1:17 remaining in the extra period. When Slater then coverted a sweeping, running junior hook with 35 seconds to go, it made the score 74-69 and it was apparent Roosevelt wasn't going to be denied. In all, Slater scored Roosevelt's first 11 points in overtime and finished with 13 points.

Garcia (15 points) made two free throws with 22.9 seconds remaining to once again make it a one possession game (74-71) before Roosevelt junior guard Issac Williamson sealed matters by making two free throws with 21.8 seconds remaining.

During regulation, Xavier Clinton, a 6-foot-4 senior, did most of the damage for Damien (13-2) with 20 points. In a back-and-forth affair, it's pretty safe to say Roosevelt wouldn't have been in position to win down the stretch without the play of Burries, its splendid 2025 wing guard. One of the best players nationally in his class, Burries got to the rim when he needed to, finishing with 31 points, and pulled down seven rebounds. Fans are in store for a real treat on Saturday evening with Burries matching up with St. John Bosco's 6-foot-5 lead guard Elzie Harrington, who helped the Braves advance to the title game with 14 points in its 68-66 overtime overtime victory over previous unbeaten Salesian (Richmond, Calif.).

St. John Bosco, which came in at No. 18 in the latest FAB 50 National Rankings update, moved to 13-1 with the victory with its only loss a 74-71 setback to Christ The King (Middle Village, N.Y.) in the semifinals of the Iolani Classic in Hawaii. Salesian, which is No. 40 (one spot below the DeMatha Catholic of Maryland club that Bosco beat in its final game in Hawaii) fell to 12-1 with the two-point loss.

The first semifinal contest in the Platinum Division wasn't decided until The Pride was unable to get off a shot with 0.4 seconds remaining after 7-foot Bosco sophomore Howie Wu was inserted to harass the in-bound pass attempt by Salesian's Hawaii-bound guard Aaron Claytor (10 points). Wu did just enough that Claytor was unable to get a clean pass over to Salesian's big shot-maker, 6-foot-4 junior Alvin Loving IV, as no shot attempt was taken.

Early in the game, St. John Bosco coach Matt Dunn was not exactly pleased with his team's effort and execution and he let the players know about it. That tounge-lashing paid off after Harrington scored what turned out to be the game-winning layup on a contested drive with 23 seconds remaining in overtime. After the basket, the Braves put forth terrific defensive effort on Salesian's last possession while The Pride, a team with a multitude of capable play-makers, worked the ball around for an open look. They didn't get any clean looks before the ball was tipped out of bounds and Wu inserted into the contest.

Sophomore Elias Obenyah, part of California's terrific 2026 class, led four Salesian players in double figures with 14 points. Six-foot-5 sophomore Carlton Perrilliat added 13 points with play-making senior De'Undrae Perteete netting 10 for Salesian.

The Harrington-Burries matchup is highly-anticipated, but the X-factor in the contest could be 6-foot-4 Brandon McCoy, who leads California's sophomore contingent and is now playing at a level where he is in the running to lead the class nationally. He's that talented and explosive. McCoy led the way for Bosco with a game-high 28 points, including some field goals that were back-breaking for Salesian and five points in the extra period.

While Bosco hasn't lost in-state, Roosevelt's only loss came in double overtime to JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.). That club took its first loss of the season in the quarterfinals of The Holiday Classic presented by SBLive. It was a resounding 60-42 setback to Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas), which punched its ticket to the National Division championship game on Friday evening with a 75-55 victory over St. Augustine (San Diego Calif.). Texas A & M–Corpus Christi signee Issac Williams, a 6-foot-2 guard, led Faith Family with 22 points over a team that took third place in the top division at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.

Faith Family came into The Holiday Classic at 7-8 against a rugged national schedule, but is starting to play like a team that was ranked No. 27 in the preseason FAB 50 rankings. Colorado-bound big man Doryan Onwuchekwa leads a deep and balanced team that will do battle with Carlsbad (Calif.), which advanced to the title game via a 71-67 semifinal win over Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.). That means a big man battle will ensue between Onwuchekwa and Pepperdine-bound 6-foot-9 Jael Martin.

Tony Duckett, a 6-foot-4 senior who was the MVP of the Spalding Division at the Tarkanian Classic and is one of the West Region's top unsigned prospects, led the way for 13-2 Carlsbad in the semifinal win over Mitty with 18 points.

In the Gold Division of The Classic at Damien, St. Pius X-St. Matthias (Downey, Calif.) came in as the prohibitive favorite after capturing the top division at the Tarkanian Classic and were looking at cracking the FAB 50 rankings with another title at The Classic. The Warriors' national and state ranking will have to be revisited after they fell in the semifinals to San Ramon Valley (Danville, Calif.), 67-62.

San Ramon Valley is no slouch, as it came into the event as the defending champion in the Gold Division and was eager to show (on a more national scale) that its wins last season were no fluke at all or Friday's victory not much of an upset. SRV is a well-schooled team that moves the ball well and has many capable scorers. None of them are better than fast-rising Luke Isaak, a 6-foot-4 junior (2025) and last year's MVP of the Gold Division. He netted 19 points in the big victory with rugged senior forward Seamus Deely adding 15.

Sam Ramon Valley will play for its second consecutive divisional title versus Dixie (St. George, Utah), a 74-69 semifinal winner over West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.).

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

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1. People Just Don't Care Enough
As omicron variant surges throughout the country, you just felt and sensed people understood there was a risk attending holiday tournaments. That risk seemed much greater than evaluating fall leagues or during the NCAA live period this past summer. Teams dropped out en masse in both major post-Christmas tournaments we observed because of COVID-19 protocols. Of course, it was easier to drop out after being regulated to the loser's bracket, but some teams had legitimate issues that prevented them from continuing and rightfully dropped out. A few teams, however, didn't tell foes of positive COVID-19 tests among players until after the game or after the fact and at least two coaches we know of were not pleased with that scenario. They wanted the option of being able to play or opting out prior to the game. Regardless of one's vaccination status, there is no doubt few people properly wears a mask at all times over their nose in public or in gyms around the country. There isn't anyone to enforce local ordinances at these tournaments as well. In the end, people don't care enough about the next person and only care about how the ongoing pandemic affects their own livelihood. There is only one way to completely eliminate the danger: stay home for an extended period of time. Some choose to do that and others do not.

2. High School Basketball Affected For A Third Season
Thirty-seven of the 50 teams in the final FAB 50 rankings for the 2019-20 season were affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as some states did not complete their respective state tourney. The 2020-21 season never came to fruition in some selected states and regions and the 2021-22 season is now affected by the pandemic, even though the season started on time in every state. The omicron variant has caused positive cases to soar in recent weeks and pre and post-Christmas holiday tournaments were affected. If will be interesting to see how this latest winter surge affects the rest of the season as we ring in the New Year. Will public school districts be forced to take a pause on indoor activities in the coming weeks? It could happen, especially in states or regions with strict COVID-19 guidelines. If definitely won't happen in some states, but if virtual learning is implemented by a school district, it could cause a pause to the high school basketball season. If in-person learning continues without interruption, it would be hard to justify not playing while students sit in classrooms for six hours per day. Either way, high school basketball fans will hold their breath heading into the first full week of 2022.

3. The Future Is Bright In SoCal
Taking in the action at The Classic at Damien, it was evident there is a plethora of young talent in California, particularly in the massive CIF Southern Section. Devin Williams (6-9) and Curtis Williams (6-6), a pair of 2023 forwards, impressed in front of a flock of college coaches and national scouts on day three as Centennial (Corona, Calif.) defeated Etiwanda (Calif.) to advance to the Platinum Division final. Williams just might be the best long-term prospect on a talented Centennial team and Etiwanda's Williams had a break-out performance, scoring 27 points and showing improved range and offensive prowess in a losing effort. Our focus was getting a good look at the talented 2025 prospects in attendance, particularly the young trio of "big guards", and they didn't disappoint. Elzie Harrington, a 6-foot-5 lead guard from St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), has terrific poise and feel, in addition to the athleticism to get to the rim at the highest levels of high school basketball. Jovani Ruff, a 6-foot-4 combo guard from Poly (Long Beach, Calif.), has a terrific stroke from long range and the mid-range, and likely the best assortment of scoring skills among the three. Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-4 wing guard from Poly (Riverside, Calif.), affects the game in a variety of ways. He has the ability to punish defenses with his downhill driving, can score on the interior with well-timed moves, or handle and beat defenders off the dribble. He could develop into the best prospect from Riverside Poly since future NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller signed with UCLA and was a top 50 national prospect in 1982-83. All three have their strengths and it will be interesting to see whom develops into the clear cut No. 1 prospect. Harrington's teammate, 6-foot-7 Kade Bonam, is not far behind the trio as a prospect. He is a versatile scorer and defender would fits into the mold of a hybrid playmaker that colleges seek since the emergence of the Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green. Another 2025 prospect, six-foot Gavin Hightower of Windward (Los Angeles, Calif.) is a high scoring guard but unfortunately his team had to pull out of the event due to COVID-19 protocols.

4. Owyhee (Idaho) Is A Team To Watch In 2022-23
Idaho has never had a team finish in the FAB 50 rankings since its advent for the 1987-88 season, but will that change in 2022-23? The Owyhee (Meridian, Idaho) Storm could make that a possibility with four returning starters and only two graduating seniors off its fine team this year. Six-foot-5 Jack Payne will be off to Colorado State, but there will be plenty coming back to make a FAB 50 push for coach Andy Harrington. Liam Campbell (6-5) is a 2024 combo guard who projects as a high major prospect. Jackson Rasmussen (6-7) is a 2025 forward with a high ceiling as well. Another 2025, Cameron Downie (6-3), is a terrific outside shooter and a high-level passer, while 2023 Titus Bailey (6-3) is another quality player. All of them gained valuable experience during the NCAA scholastic live period this past June and during The Classic at Damien. For the record, the highest ranked team ever from Idaho was Meridian High School in 1991-92, when it finished No. 7 in the Midlands Region Top 10.

5. Chris Nwuli Is A Big-Tine 2025 Prospect
FAB 50 No. 17 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) won two major holiday tournaments and have a plethora of underclass prospects that most colleges know about. Those same programs better start learning about this 6-foot-8 freshman forward as well. Nwuli is quickly developing into a Top 25 national prospect in the class. When he gets minutes in tight games, the springy, young front court man makes an impact with his shot blocking prowess and rebounding, while being a threat to score off the glass or catch. Nwuli needs some offensive polish, but that will come as he matures and gets more playing time on a deep and talented team. Speaking of maturity, Nwuli will be 14 years old for a few more months and his upside is off the charts with the normal development expected of a prospect his age.

Tournament Wrap

Unfortunately after its big 64-56 semifinal victory over previously unbeaten and FAB 50 bubble club Damien (La Verne, Calif.), Poly (Riverside, Calif.) had to drop out of The Classic At Damien's Platinum Division on the day of the championship game because of COVID-19 protocols. Poly was led in the scoring department in the semifinals by 2022 Payden White with 24 points and Rhode Island-bound 2022 Chance Stephens with 23 points. The victory avenged an earlier loss to the host club in the championship game of the Rumble For Rosecrans Tournament.

Poly was scheduled to play FAB 50 No. 7 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) in the Platinum Division title game, but Centennial was declared the divisional champion and ended up playing Gold Division finalist Crean Lutheran (Irvine, Calif.) in a non-bracket game on December 30. Crean Lutheran came into the game unbeaten and won the Gold Division title at the recent Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, but dropped a 66-56 decision to Centennial in what was officially deemed a "non-bracket" game. Devin Williams, Centennial's athletic 2023 forward, had 16 points as the Huskies moved to 12-1 on the season. Williams had 20 points in Centennial's 67-61 semifinal victory over Etiwanda (Calif.), while New Mexico-bound point guard Donovan Dent had 23 points.

Crean Lutheran (10-1) was led by 2024 point guard Vyctorius Miller with 18 points, six assists and five rebounds. Miller, a Tarkanian Classic divisional MVP, one of the best prospects on the West Coast in his class and the son of noted rapper Silkk The Shocker (Vyshonn Miller), did not suit up in the Gold Division 54-52 semifinal win over Rolling Hills Prep (San Pedro, Calif.).

Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) followed up their Platinum Division title at the Tarkanian Classic by capturing the National Division title at The Holiday Classic presented by SBLive Sports in Del Mar, Calif. Gorman took on talented Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas), a team that finished in third place at Tarkanian. Bishop Gorman fell behind by as many as 19 points in the Tark title game against Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) before winning in double overate at the buzzer, and fell behind by 13 points in the second half against Faith Family. The Gaels once again needed overtime to pull out a victory to improve to 14-0.

Leading the way in the 81-73 overtime win was 2024 guard Jase Richardson, who had a breakout game with 23 points. Darrion Williams, a 6-foot-6 small forward who remains one of the top 2022 unsigned prospects in the West Region, was named tourney MVP after netting 21 points.

Right before the third quarter buzzer, Williams nailed a 3-pointer to get Bishop Gorman within 10 points (58-48). The Gaels slowly chipped away at their deficit before taking a 61-60 lead with 4:06 remaining on a 3-pointer by 2024 guard John "Juni" Mobley. Faith Family (18-4) battled back and the game went into overtime tied at 68-68 after the Eagles' Brandon Walker played excellent defense on Richardson as he attempted a game-winning shot with the game clock running down. In overtime, Richardson hit a corner 3-pointer, his fifth and final one of the game, to give Gorman a 73-70 lead it would not relinquish.

"I just needed to do whatever it took for the team to win," said Richardson, the son of former NBA forward Jason Richardson. "After we got down, we just came together as a team."

Walker, bound for UT-Arlington, and 2022 guard Isaiah Jones scored 19 points apiece for Faith Family.

It will be interesting to see where Bishop Gorman lands in the the next edition of the FAB 50 National Team Rankings, after entering the holiday tournament season at No. 17. There is likely to be a new No. 1 team when the next set of rankings are published.

On December 30 in Mansfield, Texas, No. 1 Duncanville (Texas) lost in overtime, 60-58, to No. 25 Richardson (Texas) in the tile game of the 64th Annual Whataburger Tournament. Duncanville (15-1), which handed Centennial its only loss of the season so far, had a chance to win or tie the game in the closing seconds of overtime, but 2023 forward Ashton Hardaway's 3-pointer was off the mark and Anthony Black's put back attempt missed and was late.

Black, the 6-foot-7 2022 guard, entered the game in the fourth quarter. He was held out earlier in Duncanville's three games at the long-running tournament and the Panthers' 57-53 win over DeSoto (Texas) on December 21 because of an ongoing eligibility issue with the University Interscholastic League (UIL). The game was tied four different times in the final three minutes of regulation.

Kentucky-bound Cason Wallace was named tourney MVP after scoring 22 points for Richardson. The Eagles came into the tournament with a lone loss to FAB 50 No. 22 North Little Rock (Ark.).

We'll have more on Black's eligibility situation in our next FAB 50 update.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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