Aces Coca Cola Nationals Recap: Wings and Bigs Part 2
The Coca Cola Nationals took place June 18th – 20th in Garden Grove California. The event featured nearly 500 youth teams ranging from 2nd grade all the way to the 11th. This huge tournament-style event featured 5 competitive divisions for…
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Continue ReadingThe Coca Cola Nationals took place June 18th – 20th in Garden Grove California. The event featured nearly 500 youth teams ranging from 2nd grade all the way to the 11th. This huge tournament-style event featured 5 competitive divisions for each age group. Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Invite, which was the top division. I spent most of the weekend evaluating talent in the Invite division, which featured several talented wings and Big Men. In this article, a follow-up to Wings and Bigs Part 1 we take a look at the top Wings and Bigs from the event.
Max Vanlangingham 6’4 C YBA Elite 2026 – MVL is one of the top shot blockers in his class. He has terrific timing and contests everything, making opponents think twice before challenging him. The 6’4 post man is a fluid rim runner with decent hands. Van Langingham, anchored the backline of the defense for YBA this weekend.
Tommy Tofi 6’5 C Sacramento Soldiers 2026 – The lefty did damage as a screen setter and rebounder for the Soldiers. The massive 5 man was impossible to move but also showed decent hands and feet when setting up on the block. A volume rebounder, he was able to impact the game with his low post defense as well.
Frank Belibi 5’11 SG Sacramento Soldiers 2026 – Belbi instantly passes the eye test. The wing is a long lean athlete that runs well. He is also a versatile scorer as he showed during the weekend. Belibi was accurate from behind the 3 point line, and he showed that he can put the ball down, slash and finish at the bucket.
Rocket Schwertley 6’2 PF AZ Monstarz 2026 (featured image) – One of the more unassuming players I’ve watched. Schwertley rarely shows emotion, and it’s difficult to tell if he’s made a good or bad play. This weekend, it was mostly good plays, including executing pick and pop basketball and grabbing tough in traffic rebounds. He teamed with wing John Mattingly to form one of the best 1-2 punches at the event.
John Mattingly 6’0 SG AZ Monstarz 2026 – Mattingly was one of my top bucket getters, so it’s only right that he lands as one of my top wing players. Mattingly scored from every level with ease, creating shots for himself, turning defense into transition offense, and knocking down open 3’s. He helped lead the Montstarz to the 13U Championship Game.