The Stage Act III: AZ 2024-26 Standouts

<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>This past weekend I attended the <strong>Stage Act III</strong> at the Open Gym Premier in Anaheim, CA.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here were some of the 2024-26 standouts from the weekend:</p> <p><strong>2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1220362" first="Donovan" last="Beard"] Dobson (AZ Prime 16) </strong></p> <p>A long lead guard ran the show for his team. He displayed a craftiness on offense whether to set up his own shot or looking for teammates. He plays with a demeanor well beyond his years.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="994680" first="Jai" last="Anthoni Bearden"] Kellis (Compton Magic 16) </strong></p> <p>The athletic wing showed that he has been working on his offensive game as he had double figures in every game. He hit shots from a variety of spots and ran the lanes with his normal high energy</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1306002" first="Nick" last="Sanford"] Brophy Prep (AZ Prime 16) </strong></p> <p>A big bodied guard was knocking down 3’s from deep and knew how to use his body. He was not shying away from contact and at times initiating it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2025</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1129193" first="Koa" last="Peat"] Perry (Compton Magic 17)</strong></p> <p>Arguably the top player in the country in his class and he showed why in the Showcase Division of the Stage Act 3. When he got rebounds he has the freedom and skills to initiate the offense. He was breaking down his man with ease and finding open teammates either spotting up or cutting to the goal. He was a mismatch whether putting someone his size on him or a smaller quicker defender. He either went by you or thru you. Was voted <strong><em>Most Outstanding Prospect</em> </strong>of the 17U Showcase Division.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1217315" first="TayVion" last="Wilson"] Kellis (Prominent Elite 15) </strong></p> <p>A quick lead guard ran the show for teams in both 15 and 16u divisions. A high IQ player who was looking to make the right read and took high percentage shots all weekend. There’s not many guards in the state with his understanding of the game.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1301344" first="Kingston" last="Tosi"] Millennium (AZ Firestorm 15) </strong></p> <p>The 6’7” forward was a handful all weekend as he was hitting shots at a high clip from all 3 levels. He was among the shot block leaders in the 15U division averaging 2.5 per game.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1334752" first="Caden" last="Bass"] Peoria (AZ Firestorm 15) (Featured Image)</strong></p> <p>The long wing was active the whole weekend as he averaged almost 3 steals per game. On offense he showed the ability to slash to the rim and hit spot up 3’s.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1333653" first="Christopher" last="Brookins"] Peora (AZ Firestorm 15) </strong></p> <p>The fast lead guard continuously put pressure on defenses the whole weekend while looking to set up his teammates for easy looks. With his low center of gravity he was hard to keep in front of defenders. He was also a pest on defense.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2026</strong></p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><strong>Rider Portela CG 6’2 Sunnyslope (Compton Magic Select 15) </strong></p> <p>He’s a very good all around player and showed a variety of skills from the guard spot. The son of the legendary coach showed a high level feel and knows how to use his size to get to the basket. </p> <p><strong>Cristian Simmons PF 6’6 Sunnyslope (Compton Magic Select 15)</strong></p> <p>A big man is 6’6 and growing. He had a double-double in the game that I saw. He’s a good rebounder with very good hands and showed the ability to step out and hit perimeter jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->