Championship on the Beach lived up to its name this weekend, delivering no shortage of close games and memorable moments. Several matchups came down to the final possessions, with a few even needing double overtime and sudden death to find a winner. Whether it was a clutch free throw, a key defensive stop, or a transition bucket at the right time, these big event players were pressured to make winning plays throughout the weekend.
From pool play through Sunday's championship games, several players showed their teams needed them most. Some filled up the scoring column, while others impacted the game with their defense, rebounding, playmaking, and overall feel. The six players below were among the standouts who caught my attention over the course of the weekend.
Jeremiah Ekoma | Team Durant Black |
Jeremiah Ekoma was one of the more memorable players I watched this weekend. Ironically, my attention was initially on another team, but I kept hearing his coach calling his name and challenging him throughout the game. That caught my attention, and once I started watching him more closely, it was easy to see why. He ended up knocking down a game-winning mid-range jumper to seal the victory for Team Durant Black.
What stood out most was the way he impacted the game in multiple areas. Ekoma scored the ball effectively, attacked the basket with confidence, rebounded his position, and made solid decisions when the ball was in his hands. He played with a calm demeanor, stayed composed in key moments, and responded well to coaching throughout the game. His combination of production, poise, and coachability made him one of the standout performers I came away impressed with this weekend.
Gavriel Noel | Class of 2034 | Sniper Gang Elite |
Few players had a bigger impact on winning throughout the weekend than Gavriel Noel. The talented big man was a major reason for Sniper Gang Elite's success, using his combination of size, skill, and mobility to create matchup problems on both ends of the floor. Whether he was finishing around the basket, grabbing a rebound and leading the break himself, or finding ways to contribute without the ball, Noel consistently influenced the game.
What makes Noel stand out is how advanced his overall skill set is for a player in the 2034 class. He showed the ability to handle the ball in the open floor, make plays from different spots on the court, and use his size effectively around the rim. Defensively, he anchored the paint by securing rebounds, contesting shots, and altering attempts near the basket. His versatility, physical tools, and impact on both ends made him one of the most impressive prospects I evaluated during Championship on the Beach.
Logan Lyerly | Class of 2034 | CSA Elite |
Logan Lyerly continued to show why he is one of the more talked-about guards in the 2034 class. The CSA Elite lead guard consistently made his presence felt with his ability to score the ball, create for teammates, and control the pace of the game. Whether he was attacking off the dribble, making the extra pass, or stepping up in key moments, Lyerly played with confidence and poise throughout the weekend.
What impressed me most was the way he balanced scoring and playmaking. He never seemed rushed, made good decisions with the basketball, and did a solid job keeping CSA Elite organized offensively. Lyerly's competitiveness, feel for the game, and consistent production were major reasons for his team's success and helped solidify him as one of the standout performers I evaluated at Championship on the Beach.
Jace Hardy | Class of 2032 | Team Durant |
Jace Hardy was one of the more reliable two-way players I watched throughout the weekend. With good size and versatility, he consistently found ways to impact the game without needing the offense to run through him. Hardy took advantage of scoring opportunities when they came, while also making his presence felt on the glass and on the defensive end.
What stood out most was his willingness to do the work that doesn't always show up in the box score. He played with a high motor, competed on both ends, and stayed engaged regardless of the situation. Whether it was securing a key rebound, defending multiple positions, or making a hustle play, Hardy consistently contributed to winning basketball. His blend of effort, physical tools, and overall feel for the game made him an important piece for Team Durant and one of the more impressive all-around performers I evaluated during the event.
Dylan Collins | Class of 2032 | Up Next |
There were plenty of talented guards in attendance, but Dylan Collins was one of the few who consistently dictated the pace and flow of the game. The Up Next floor general kept defenders guessing with his handle, change of speed, and ability to create advantages off the bounce. Once he got into the paint, he did a good job making the right read, whether that meant setting up a teammate or finishing the possession himself.
Collins' confidence stood out throughout the weekend. He remained composed in key moments, never looked sped up, and consistently made decisions that kept his team organized offensively. His blend of playmaking, shot creation, and overall feel for the game made him one of the more impressive guards I watched at Championship on the Beach.
Kobe “Smooth” Morgan | Class of 2035 | The Leaders
Kobe Morgan came into the weekend with plenty of buzz, and his production backed it up. The 2035 guard poured in 66 points across two games, showing why he is already viewe as one of the more dangerous young scorers in his class. Morgan plays with confidence, creates space off the bounce, and has the type of shot-making ability that immediately puts pressure on a defense.
What stood out most was how comfortable he looked carrying a scoring load at a young age. He has a natural scoring feel, can get into his pull-up game, and continues to build a reputation as one of the more skilled guards in the 2035 class. Morgan is a name evaluators will continue to track closely as his game matures.
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in
