Peach Jam Preview (Midwest Region): Nike Jr. EYBL Championships

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Augusta, SC</strong> — The road to Peach Jam began months ago in Memphis and will culminate July 8-12 when the nation's top middle school programs converge in North Augusta, South Carolina, for the 2026 Nike Jr. EYBL Championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the next week, we'll take a closer look at each Jr. EYBL region as teams prepare for the month ahead. We'll examine the programs that separated themselves during regional play, the most intriguing pool draws awaiting in July, and the teams best positioned to make noise on the national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We begin with a region that provided more answers than questions throughout the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No region enters Peach Jam with more clearly defined front-runners than the Midwest. While several regions across the country featured crowded standings and unpredictable races, the Midwest crowned multiple teams that established themselves early and never looked back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UPLAY Canada finished undefeated in both the seventh and eighth grade divisions, Bradley Beal Elite completed a perfect seventh-grade campaign, and Indy Heat quietly emerged as one of the strongest eighth-grade teams in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now comes the real challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Past seasons have taught us that regional success guarantees nothing once the nation's best teams converge in Augusta. The Midwest qualifiers enter the Nike Jr. EYBL Championships with several legitimate contenders and an opportunity to prove that spring dominance can translate into championship weekend success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>UPLAY Headlines the Midwest's 7th Grade Championship Hopes</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few teams nationally enter Peach Jam with more momentum than UPLAY.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midwest regular season champions completed an undefeated 8-0 campaign while posting an impressive +102 point differential, consistently separating themselves from one of the deepest regional fields in the country. UPLAY secured victories over All Ohio, All Iowa Attack, Meanstreets, Baneville Academy, and Ohio Buckets while rarely appearing vulnerable for an extended stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ryan Shepherd, Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"UPLAY","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a39a5d0306cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan Shepherd, Jr. has been the go to guy for UPLAY all throughout the Jr. EYBL Season. He runs the show for his team at the point guard position displaying an advanced offense and defense skill-set. He is relied on heavily to create opportunities for his teammates, makes smart decisions with the ball and comes up with timely defensive plays. With his leadership and steady impact from the guard spot, Shepherd will once again be counted on from his coaches as UPLAY looks to make a serious run at a Jr. EYBL Peach Jam title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most encouraging sign for UPLAY may be the variety of ways they won games throughout the spring. They proved capable of controlling tempo, defending at a high level, and responding to adversity when challenged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One unique aspect of the Nike Jr. EYBL structure is that regional alignment does not always correspond perfectly with geography. While most teams compete within their natural geographic footprint, certain organizations are placed in neighboring regions to help maintain competitive balance and create the strongest possible league structure.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UPLAY Canada serves as perhaps the best example. Based in the Toronto area, the program competes in the Midwest region because there is no standalone Canadian division. As a result, teams located outside traditional regional boundaries occasionally become part of a neighboring division, creating a more balanced and competitive national landscape overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind UPLAY, Meanstreets enters Augusta after a strong 6-2 regional finish in the Class of 2031 division. The Illinois-based program secured key victories over Baneville Academy, Howard Pulley, All Iowa Attack, and Ohio Buckets and appears capable of making a deep run if it can carry that momentum into July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baneville Academy and All Iowa Attack each finished 5-3 and demonstrated enough consistency throughout both sessions to earn serious consideration as bracket-play threats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meanwhile, Bradley Beal Elite quietly authored one of the most impressive campaigns in the country, finishing 8-0 atop the Midwest's second division and entering Peach Jam undefeated. While much of the national attention may focus elsewhere, Bradley Beal Elite's résumé deserves respect when discussing potential seventh-grade contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Indy Heat Could Be the Nation's Most Underrated 8th Grade Team</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UPLAY deservedly captured most of the headlines during Midwest play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, Indy Heat may have been just as impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indiana-based group completed an undefeated 8-0 campaign while posting a +67 point differential and collecting victories over All Ohio, MS Blue Smoke, Team Herro, and Mac Irvin Fire along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Peyton Thomas","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Indy Heat","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a39a5d0307a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton Thomas has improved his all-around game over the last few months and that played a major part in the success of Indy Heat throughout the spring and early parts of the summer. He is a skilled guard that does a great job of creating scoring opportunities for himself and others while bringing a strong blend of athleticism, shot-making and playmaking ability to the court.&nbsp; He has the ability to take over key moments of a game and provide a spark whenever his team needs it. Indy Heat will turn to Thomas to help guide them to a deep run in Augusta.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they may not generate the same national attention as some of their peers entering Peach Jam, few teams in the country can match the consistency Indy Heat displayed throughout the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, UPLAY remains the standard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midwest champions navigated a difficult field that included Baneville Academy, Bradley Beal Elite, Ohio Buckets, and All Iowa Attack while finishing 8-0. Their ability to repeatedly defeat quality opponents makes them one of the region's strongest championship candidates entering Augusta.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remarkably, UPLAY enters Peach Jam undefeated in both age divisions, making the Canadian-based program one of the few organizations capable of pursuing championships in multiple age groups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baneville Academy, Bradley Beal Elite, Ohio Buckets, and All Iowa Attack round out a Midwest group that possesses considerably more depth than many observers may realize among eighth-grade division competitors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Pool Play Could Produce Several Early Midwest Showdowns</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most compelling aspects of this year's championship draw is how several Midwest programs landed in fascinating pool-play situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 7th Grade Pool O, UPLAY and Ohio Buckets will once again find themselves sharing a path alongside PSA Cardinals and Houston Hoops Red. After seeing one another throughout regional play, both teams understand exactly what is at stake from the opening day of competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pool M presents another intriguing opportunity for Meanstreets. The Midwest runner-up joins Team Takeover Ray, Twelve Time, and Jr. AEBL in what appears to be one of the more balanced groups in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Derrick u0022PJu0022 Rose, Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Meanstreets ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a39a5d030848"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derrick "PJ" Rose, Jr. is the son of former NBA All-Star Derrick Rose and is starting to make a name for himself on the court. Rose will showcase his strong basketball pedigree in Augusta as he tries to lead his Meanstreets group from the point guard position like many of us saw his dad do for years. Rose is at his best with the ball in his hands, leading his teams offense, facilitating and controlling the pace of the game. As he continues to progress, his blend of feel, leadership and basketball instincts makes him an intriguing prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The eighth-grade draw may be even more interesting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UPLAY and Meanstreets both landed in Pool M alongside Team Melo and Florida Rebels, creating one of the event's most competitive groups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meanwhile, Bradley Beal Elite faces a challenging path in Pool A with Paul George Elite and NYBA Stars, while Indy Heat enters Pool E with a favorable opportunity to validate its undefeated regional season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several Midwest teams avoided one another during pool play, creating the possibility of meaningful all-Midwest matchups later in bracket competition should they advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Several Midwest Teams Could Outperform National Expectations</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every Peach Jam features a handful of teams that arrive with little fanfare before making a surprising run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midwest has several candidates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baneville Academy enters both age groups with legitimate upset potential. The program consistently won difficult games throughout regional play and now arrives in Augusta with valuable experience against quality competition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohio Buckets may also be positioned to surprise.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kyrie Coley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Ohio Buckets","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a39a5d0308e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kyrie Coley has established himself as one of the most steady and productive guards in the Midwest for a little over a year now and he will now bring that play to Augusta to help lead a very talented Ohio Buckets group. Coley displays great court vision, a nice feel for the game and intriguing scoring package. What also separates Coley is the energy and toughness he brings. He plays with a scrappy mentality while competing hard on every possession. His leadership and overall production will be critical if Ohio Buckets is going to make a statement in Augusta.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The record alone doesn't fully tell the story. Competing in one of the strongest Midwest divisions forced the Buckets to battle elite competition throughout the spring. That experience often becomes valuable once championship weekend arrives.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meanstreets deserves mention as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Programs with a history of competing on national stages often become dangerous once bracket play begins, and Meanstreets has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to rise to the level of competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can the Midwest Produce a National Champion?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This may ultimately be the question that defines the region's championship outlook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The obvious answer begins with UPLAY.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both age groups completed undefeated regional campaigns and enter Peach Jam carrying the strongest résumés in the Midwest. Until proven otherwise, they deserve to be viewed as the region's standard bearers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right behind them sits Indy Heat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The undefeated eighth-grade group may not receive the same national attention entering Augusta, but their spring performance suggests they belong firmly in the championship conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley Beal Elite's undefeated seventh-grade squad cannot be ignored either, while Meanstreets and Baneville Academy possess enough talent and experience to make deep bracket runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Amon Pickens","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Bradley Beal Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a39a5d03097c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Amon Pickens is a big guard that impacts the game every time he steps on the court. His overall skill-set is advanced and has a very polished scoring package. He puts pressure on the defense in multiple ways while playing with a physical and attacking mindset. He absorbs contact well and is constantly playing with a high motor. He also rebounds exceptionally well for a guard, giving his team another presence on the glass. His size mixed with toughness and all-around production makes him a player capable of taking over stretches of a game which his team will need in Augusta.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Midwest hopes to place a team in the final rounds of Peach Jam, the most likely candidates have already emerged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now comes the opportunity to prove it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most fascinating storylines entering Peach Jam is whether the Midwest's regular-season dominance will translate nationally. UPLAY, Bradley Beal Elite, and Indy Heat combined for three undefeated campaigns this spring, a feat unmatched by most regions across the country. By the time championship weekend arrives, we'll have a much clearer answer as to whether those records were simply the product of regional success; or evidence that the Midwest houses some of the nation's best teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final Thoughts from the Midwest Region</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midwest enters Augusta with something every region wants, but few actually possess: clarity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The spring season established clear front-runners. UPLAY dominated both age groups. Bradley Beal Elite completed an undefeated seventh-grade campaign. Indy Heat quietly built one of the strongest eighth-grade résumés in the country. Meanstreets, Baneville Academy, Ohio Buckets, and All Iowa Attack all demonstrated enough quality to challenge on any given day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next step is proving those accomplishments against national competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peach Jam has a way of reshaping narratives, elevating new contenders, and creating unforgettable moments. The Midwest region enters the event with several programs capable of making that leap, and we'll be on hand to capture all of the action.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up in our Jr. EYBL Championships at Peach Jam Preview Series: the Northeast Region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->