Event Recap: 2025-26 Sports Academy National Cup - Session One

Pro Insight
11 minutes ago
7 min read

In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Tyler Glazier highlights prospects who stood out at Sports Academy National Cup after spending the weekend at Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA for Session One of the annual event:

The fourth-annual Sports Academy National Cup tipped off this past weekend with Session One at Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA, showcasing top-tier youth talent across multiple divisions. The 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade competitions were split into ‘National’ and ‘Regional’ brackets, while the 5th-grade division crowned a single champion, setting the stage for intense, high-level matchups across the two-day format.

The 8th-grade National Bracket featured a rematch from the day before in The U 2030 facing Paul George Elite 8th Red, with The U defeating them for a second time with a final score of 81-64. In the 8th-grade Regional Bracket, Sports Academy Swish 14U defeated the Cali Hogs 14U Gold 68-57.

The 7th-grade National Bracket was dominated by Paul George Elite 7th Red, as they marched their way to a win over Paul George Elite 7th Blue with a 90-39 final score. Meanwhile, in the 7th-grade Regional Bracket, CBC 13U secured a 53-44 victory over Sports Academy Swish 13U.

The 6th-grade National Bracket was a showdown between Paul George Elite 6th SoCal Red vs AZ Unity SEB 2032 where Paul George Elite 6th SoCal Red was named the champion. In the Regional Bracket, HandleLife 2032 defeated Cali Hogs 12U Silver 67-44.

Below, we break down the players who stood out over the weekend and should remain on your radar ahead of Session Two.

8th Grade 'National' Bracket Champs: The U 2030

Event Standouts

Tristan Ariza | 2030 | Paul George Elite 8th Red (CA)

Tristan Ariza proved to be a tough cover, using his quick athleticism, tight handle, and shot-making ability to consistently pressure defenses. Coming from a highly athletic basketball family, he played with confidence and feel, generating paint touches and creating opportunities for others as an underrated playmaker. Ariza also competed on the defensive end, showing active hands and quick feet to bother opposing guards. With an impressive all-around perimeter skill set, he stood out as a well-rounded 2030 prospect.

Noah Austin | 2030 | The U 2030 (CA)

Noah Austin operated as the catalyst for The U, controlling tempo and directing traffic on the offensive end. He consistently ignited transition opportunities, delivered sharp reads as a playmaker, and put consistent pressure on the rim when attacking downhill. Defensively, Austin brought toughness at the point of attack, hounding ball handlers and setting the tone with his energy. His edge and competitive mindset were contagious, elevating the group’s collective IQ and presence as he impressed throughout Session One.

Bryce Bible | 2030 | The U 2030 (CA)

Bryce Bible picked up right where he left off at last season’s SANC, emerging as a major interior presence and helping power The U to the 8th grade National crown. Showing noticeable growth physically, he impacted the game on both ends with his fluid athleticism, coordination, and touch around the basket. Bible consistently finished plays inside while using his length and instincts to protect the paint defensively, giving The U a reliable anchor in the middle. Coming from an athletic background, his upside and improving positional tools were on full display as he played a key role in the title run throughout Session One.

Manny Contreras | 2030 | AZ Unity SEB 2030 (CA)

Manny Contreras stood out with smooth athleticism and natural scoring ability, impacting the game from multiple areas on the floor. Whether attacking off the bounce, spotting up, or finishing around the rim, he consistently finds ways to score. Contreras plays with pace, complements teammates effortlessly, and makes smart reads, reflecting his high basketball IQ. With his skill set and athleticism, Contreras has plenty of room for continued growth at the next level.

Damauri Cosby | 2031 | Paul George Elite 7th Red (CA)

Damauri Cosby was a standout guard for Paul George Elite, bringing energy and excitement to the backcourt. The 2031 prospect showcased a shifty, athletic style, keeping the ball on a string while attacking the rim with soft floaters and impressive footwork through traffic. Cosby also flashed live-dribble passing and natural feel as a creator, showing a polished offensive bag well beyond his age. His ability to score, create, and control the game made him one of the most dynamic guards on display in Thousand Oaks.

Jackson Elcott | 2030 | The U 2030 (CA)

Jackson Elcott stood out as one of the top performers at Session One, showcasing a noticeable physical transformation over the past year. With added size and strength to his frame, he impacted the game on both ends — consistently pressuring the ball defensively while taking on multiple roles offensively. Elcott thrived as a creator and slasher, finishing through contact and keeping the offense flowing as a reliable connector. His growing physical tools and well-rounded skill set point to significant upside, and he projects as a national name in the near future as part of a talented The U group.

Kaleb Jackson | 2030 | HandleLife 2030 (CA)

Kaleb Jackson emerged as an intriguing 2030 guard, showcasing a quick, shifty game that consistently put pressure on the defense. Comfortable playing on or off the ball, he created separation with a smooth stop-and-start ability and attacked downhill with purpose, while also flashing a reliable pull-up jumper to keep defenders honest. He played with good pace and applied steady pressure at the rim. On the defensive end, Jackson showed active hands and the ability to guard multiple positions at this level. Confident and poised in his approach, he carried himself well throughout and remains a prospect worth monitoring moving forward.

Dahntay Jones, Jr. | 2031 | Paul George Elite 7th Red (CA)

Dahntay Jones, Jr., son of former NBA player Dahntay Jones, made an immediate impression with his toughness and physical style of play. He consistently crashed the glass, competed hard on defense, and made smart reads as a key connector in the offense. Jones, Jr. finished through contact and used his strong frame to make an all-around impact. Paired with Damauri Cosby, he helped form a dynamic backcourt, and his effort and versatility (along with those NBA genes) make him a prospect to keep an eye on.

Jayden Jones | 2030 | Paul George Elite 8th Red (CA)

Jayden Jones was a problem for opposing defenses, playing a key role in leading Paul George Elite to a National bracket championship appearance during Session One. Always in attack mode, the 2030 guard showcased multi-level scoring ability, finishing through contact and knocking down pull-up jumpers with confidence. He also competed on the defensive end, using his twitchy athleticism to disrupt ball handlers and apply consistent pressure. With his aggressive mindset and two-way impact, Jones stood out as a high-level prospect.

Landon Jones | 2031 | CBC 13U (CA)

Landon Jones emerged as one of the more creative guards in attendance at the SANC, flashing advanced shot creation and polish for his age. The 2031 prospect consistently created space as both a scorer and finisher, showing confidence and craft with the ball in his hands. He played with a strong feel for the game, balancing assertiveness with an unselfish approach as a playmaker who set teammates up effectively. Carrying a true floor-general presence, Jones stood out as a guard to like long term.

Prince Outler | 2030 | The U 2030 (CA)

Prince Outler was a constant force for The U, bringing energy and athleticism that shifted momentum throughout Session One. The New York native and SANC vet dominated around the rim, finishing plays with authority, throwing down multiple emphatic dunks. Beyond his vertical pop, Outler flashed a more complete offensive game, creating space off the bounce and confidently knocking down jumpers. On defense, he routinely turned stops into scoring chances, jumping passing lanes, catching opponents off guard. His two-way impact made The U that much more dangerous as they established themselves during the event.

Dillon Rice | 2030 | AZ Unity SEB 2030 (CA)

Dillon Rice showcased a polished and versatile offensive skill set throughout the weekend. One of the more skilled prospects in attendance, the AZ Unity wing consistently knocked down shots, created space off the bounce, and made plays for others as a willing facilitator. He also converted some impressively tough finishes, showing touch and body control around the rim. Carrying himself with confidence, Rice impacted the game in multiple ways and emerged as an exciting prospect to track out of SoCal.

Justin Seals | 2030 | Cali Hogs 14U Gold (CA)

Justin Seals elevated the Cali Hogs with his physicality, versatility, and competitiveness. A true matchup problem, he bullied defenders inside, handled the ball comfortably on the perimeter, and created offense for both himself and others as a scorer and playmaker. Seals played with pace and force, attacking gaps, finishing through contact, impacting the game in a variety of ways. Athletic, tough, and impactful, he stood out as a true difference-maker at the 8th-grade level.

Spencer White | 2031 | Paul George Elite 7th Red (CA)

Spencer White picked up right where he left off at last spring’s Grand Finale, once again asserting himself as a dominant presence and leading Paul George Elite Red to a Session One 7th grade championship. He continued to control the paint on both ends, finishing efficiently around the rim while anchoring the interior as a reliable defender and rim protector. At the same time, White showed clear growth in his perimeter skill set, stretching the floor, grabbing and going in transition, and handling the ball in space. His ability to expand his offensive game while maintaining his impact as an interior defender was a key factor in his team’s title run.

Matt Barnes Defensive Spotlight

This award goes to the best defensive player in the session. The recipient must exhibit a high-level of defensive capability, affecting the game in multiple ways on the defensive end.

Zion Collins | 2030 | HandleLife 2030 (CA)

Zion Collins played a crucial role for HandleLife, standing out as a switchable and versatile defender who set the tone on that end of the floor. With long arms, quick feet, and a highly-competitive approach, he took on any matchup and made opponents work for every touch. Collins consistently got big in his stance, slid his feet well, and cut off driving lanes, using his length and anticipation to disrupt rhythm. He stayed locked in throughout possessions, applying constant ball pressure and providing strong team defense. Paired with his ability to space the floor, Collins brought a valuable 3-and-D presence that elevated HandleLife’s overall ceiling as a program.