Jr. EYBL Open (West): Sports Academy Captures Peach Jam Bid

Las Vegas, NV — After capturing the Jr. EYBL West Open 8th-grade championship, Sports Academy secured the automatic bid to Nike Peach Jam and punched its ticket to July's national stage. Sports Academy put together a dominant run across both sessions of the circuit, finishing undefeated at 9-0 while consistently separating itself with its depth, athleticism, defensive pressure, and overall balance on both ends of the floor. Below, we break down the roster and take a closer look at the key pieces behind the championship run.    Noah Allen showcased at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 that he is a dynamic two-way guard who impacts the game in multiple areas. He scored efficiently, made plays for others at a high level, and consistently competed with tremendous energy and toughness. Allen's ultra-competitive approach and leadership from the guard position allowed him to serve as the captain of the ship for his team.     Zach Bidenglass proved at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 that he is a high-IQ player with a tremendous feel for the game. He showed the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, attack the paint, and create opportunities for teammates within the flow of the offense. Bidenglass also stood out defensively with his activity, instincts, and overall impact on that end of the floor.     Luk Gilbert showcased at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 that he is an athletic big with the ability to play well above the rim. He protected the paint effectively with his shot-blocking presence and ability to alter attempts around the basket. Gilbert also displayed offensive versatility by stepping out to knock down perimeter shots and converting consistently at the free throw line.     Austin Logan stood out at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 with his imposing physicality, size, and overall skill set for a player with his frame. He played with a powerful presence around the basket while also showing soft touch and control finishing near the rim. Logan's combination of strength and athletic tools made him a difficult matchup, and it is easy to see why he is also regarded as a promising left tackle prospect in California.     Malosi Ogbechie made a strong impression at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 with his versatility and ability to impact the game both inside and out. He brought strong defensive activity, rebounded effectively, and consistently contributed in multiple areas on the floor. Ogbechie also did a good job pushing the pace after securing rebounds, showing the ability to start the break and create transition opportunities for his team.     Rylin Porter was a reliable knockdown shooter at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 with the ability to consistently space the floor and convert from the perimeter. He also brought strong defensive effort and competed with nonstop energy whenever he was on the court. Porter's activity level, toughness, and willingness to impact winning stood out throughout the weekend.     Lawson Thomas was a highly effective three-level scorer at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 who consistently took advantage of mismatches offensively. He used his strength and athleticism well to create scoring opportunities from multiple areas on the floor while also bringing strong defensive impact on the other end. Thomas' physical tools, versatility, and ability to contribute on both ends made him a tough matchup when on the floor.     Daniel Tromello was a dominant interior presence at the Jr. EYBL West Open Session 2 with his ability to score in the post in a variety of ways. He played with toughness and physicality around the basket while also showing the ability to step out and knock down perimeter shots from beyond the arc. Tromello's toughness consistently helped set the tone for his team, and his overall athletic profile is also evident as a highly touted dual-threat quarterback in California.    Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!

Las Vegas, NV — After capturing the Jr. EYBL West Open 8th-grade championship, Sports Academy secured the automatic bid to Nike Peach Jam and punched its ticket to July's national stage. Sports Academy put together a dominant run across both sessions of the circuit, finishing undefeated at 9-0 while consistently separating itself with its depth, athleticism, defensive pressure, and overall balance on both ends of the floor. Below, we break down the roster and take a closer look at the key pieces behind the championship run.