Prep Hoops Next: National Title Game

Two major teams in their respective parts of the nation faced off on July 2nd at the Prep Hoop National Championship and lived up to the hype. Below, is a short highlight of the two teams and the matchup before evaluating key players.

Next Level Grind Elite is the top team in Wisconsin who is composed of Fox Valley area players. They are a tightly knit team who play for each other and together each time out. They have a chance to win regardless of the competition. Coached by Steven Baker on the sideline and Donovan Davis as the centerpiece.

College Bound Elite is coached by Ronnie Degray and is a highly touted squad out of Colorado that recently won the Midwest Melee in a lopsided fashion. They carry an unmatched swagger and confidence. This team is filled with talent, led by Archie Weatherspoon V, a do-it-all guard.

The scene is set in Kansas City, Missouri at the Spacious Hyvee Arena on Court 1. College Bound Elite was in high spirits after a surprising blowout over the Valid Kixx Elite. Next Level Grind Elite defeated Team Illinois for a shot at the Championship Title. 

While Next Level Grind Elite took home the gold, the pace and fight from both teams was entertaining to see. The players below were impact players and prospects to look for in the future after impressive performances at the Prep Hoops Next National Championship.

Donovan Davis | Next Level Grind Elite

Davis anchored the back of the zone press and captured early steals. He showed off his handle in transition as well as his court vision finding teammates down court and hitting them in stride. Despite being marked on offense, he made some next level decisions in the high post area. Davis’s balanced attack played a major role in their title run.

Logan Ramczyk | Next Level Grind Elite

Ramczyk had a hot start from range hitting transition threes that put pressure on College Bounds full court press. His movement off the ball allowed him to show up in momentum shifting moments of the game. His high arcing release and strong base makes him a threat to hit shots from wherever. He carries with him a poise and confidence that winning teams need.

Kaden Vanderberg | Next Level Grind

Vanderberg made big plays in the high post by finding corner shooters and cutters on the block. He played with major toughness in the thick of it when shots went up. Vanderberg drove the ball well when played towards his off hand. The versatile wing showed up big when the lights were the brightest.

Cal Calhoun | Next Level Grind Elite 

Calhoun initiated the offense in spurts and shot the ball well off the catch. He used his body well against taller guards. Calhoun found himself in the right spot to hit some clutch shots. His judicious and methodical play was a calming presence for the National Champs.

Archie Weatherspoon V | College Bound Elite

Weatherspoon V shot it well off the catch against zone coverage. His motor and will to win was a key component to keeping his team in the game. He found open teammates off of drives to the paint. Sitting atop full court pressure and turning defense to offense really stood out.

Grant Stevens | College Bound Elite

Stevens was a focal point for College Bound when facing zone coverage. He has a soft, consistent, and high release on his jumper that looks like it has a chance each time it leaves his hands. His ability to space the floor and wall up in the paint was valuable in key moments of the game. 

Christian Williams | College Bound Elite

Williams pressured the ball extremely well and got some early on-ball steals. His quick feet and hustle threw a wrench in his opponent’s attack early on in the match-up. Very strong at the wing position he finished through contact and found the glass with either hand.