Southern Jam Fest: SEPA Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past weekend the Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest took place down in Virginia. One of the marquee events on the East Coast's spring circuit, the Southern Jam Fest brings together a host of the top grassroots programs in the country for highly competitive runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of the SEPA prospects who impressed this weekend at the Southern Jam Fest. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>17U</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874234' first='Nasir' last='Williams'] </strong><strong>– 6'0” / 2025 / Sankofa Freedom Academy / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] Select / Combo Guard: </strong>In our “Players to Watch” preview of the Southern Jam Fest we mentioned that Williams was a prospect college coaches needed to keep an eye on. Still, even we could not have predicted that Williams would explode for 41 points (3 threes) vs. VA Premiere. Williams was simply dominant in that contest, and he continued to display his versatile scoring skills all weekend. His ability to score off the dribble was especially dynamic. Williams owns excellent footwork that sets up his deep bag of mid-range moves. When defenders sag off, Williams will stroke the 3-ball. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>16U</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608253' first='Matt' last='Johnson'] </strong><strong>– 5'10” / 2026 / Archbishop Ryan / BW Elite / Combo Guard: </strong>BW Elite 16s posted a 3-1 record at the Southern Jam Fest and a big reason for the success was the outstanding play of Johnson. He is a multi-skilled backcourt prospect who can play either guard spot and is a plus defensive presence. Johnson is a serious transition threat with the ability to convert through contact. In the half court, he can score or distribute off the bounce. Plus, his accurate jump shot possesses range well beyond the arc. On defense, Johnson has a knack for picking pockets. Highlighting Johnson's attention-grabbing weekend were games of 18 points (2 threes) and 4 dimes as well as 14 points (2 threes) and 3 assists. <strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>15U</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2427190' first='Jarrod' last='Denard'] </strong><strong>– 6'1″ / 2027 / Archbishop Wood / [program_tooltip program_id='2078678' first='East' last='Coast Power'] / Combo Guard: </strong>In his HGSL circuit debut for [program_tooltip program_id='2078678' first='East' last='Coast Power'], “Buddy” Denard made a serious impression. He scored at every level, pushed the rock in the open court for buckets as well as assists, and directed ECP's half court sets. Denard is a speedy guard with creative handles and fantastic instincts. That trifecta enables Denard to excel at generating offense via the dribble. He is a legitimate three-point shooting threat too. Denard's highlight of the weekend was an impressive 26 points, 6 dimes and 6 rebounds effort on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Additional SEPA Standouts</u></strong><strong>:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2420712' first='Xavier' last='Howard'] – 5'10” / 2026 / West Philadelphia / BW Elite / Combo Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2028256' first='Brandon' last='Russell'] – 6'5″ / 2025 / Archbishop Ryan / NJ Beasts / Small Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2047682' first='Idris' last='Rines'] – 6'5″ / 2025 / Upper Dublin / [program_tooltip program_id='2078705' first='Shawn' last='Warren Elite'] / Power Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1460801' first='Jacob' last='Sniras'] – 6'4” / 2025 / Garnet Valley / PA Coalition / Shooting Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donte Tsinger – 6'3″ / 2025 / Johnstown / Caveman Elite / Combo Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->