PHN National Championships: Day 2 Rewind

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas City, MO — Saturday brought a thrilling conclusion to pool play at the Prep Hoops Next National Championships, setting the stage for a day dominated by intense bracket match-ups. Day 2 was packed with exciting moments, but here are a few standout storylines as we look ahead to Championship Sunday...<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Teague 14U Ready For A Run?<br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Team Teague's late tip-off on Friday might have kept them out of the early headlines, but their Saturday performance made sure everyone took notice. They delivered one of the most dominant showings of the day, securing a 25-point victory in the second round of bracket play, propelling them into the 14U quarterfinals. The depth and offensive firepower of this Indiana-based team will be hard to match as they continue their march toward the PHN National Championship on Sunday. Team Trae Young also impressed with a commanding 22-point win over JEB Elite in the round of 16. Meanwhile, DNA Blue clinched the closest victory in the round of 16, edging out 58 Hoops 2028 by just 2 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep South Talent On Display<br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mavericks Elite (MS) and Dallas Mustangs (TX) 13U squads have dominated the PHN National Championships, each securing a 3-0 record after two days of competition. With only one victory margin under double digits for each team, the Southern region has been well-represented. Both teams find themselves on opposite sides of the bracket for Sunday's semifinals, with a potential showdown in the championship game on the line. Kansas Flight demonstrated their strength by defeating Team Griffin Academy Select to advance to the semifinals, while JSizzles made a statement with their win over Illinois Kings, also earning a spot in the semifinals.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tulsa Jr. Hurricanes First to Advance to 12U Semifinals</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only one 12U team advanced to the semifinals on Saturday at the Prep Hoops Next National Championships, and it was fitting that the most dominant team from the first two days secured that spot. The Tulsa Jr. Hurricanes (OK) earned their semifinal bid with a pair of 30-point victories in bracket play. They will now await the remaining three semifinalists on Sunday morning as they continue their title quest. Joining them in the quarterfinals are Team FSA Smith, Core 405, Team Herro TCDA, Indy Heat Gym Rats NW Black, Team Gresham, Illinois Bulls Association, and TN Ignite Basketball Club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">11U Final Set For Sunday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No division is moving at a faster pace at the Prep Hoops Next National Championships than the 11U field. Earl Watson Academy (KS) and Respect The Game (IL) secured their championship tickets on Saturday, each taking a distinct path to the final. EWA continued their dominant run from Friday, winning two bracket games by a combined margin of over 50 points. In contrast, RTG faced a nail-biting finish against Team Herro (WI), ultimately prevailing 28-25. Both teams boast a 3-0 record and promise an exciting finale on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Names Trending Upward</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While only one champion can emerge from each division, the Prep Hoops Next National Championships offer a stage for all participants to shine. Numerous prospects have seized this opportunity, with standout performances from Lou Smith in the 11U division, Terrell LaRue in the 12U division, Tchidi Ejimadu in the 13U division, and Quintyn Voltz in the 14U division. These players have made a significant impact, with one day of action still remaining.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->