Event Recap: 2026 Presidents' Day Nationals

Pro Insight
7 minutes ago
9 min read

In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Houston Wilson highlights prospects who stood out at Presidents’ Day Nationals after spending the holiday weekend at the event in Portland, OR for the annual event:

Every Presidents’ Day Weekend, the HoopSource staff stages the Presidents’ Day Nationals, an event that attracts many of the premier programs from all over the country. This year followed suit, with hundreds of teams descending on Portland for three days of intense competition. Our attention was focused on the “Circuit” bracket featuring the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade divisions.

Team Inland secured the 8th grade championship with a 50–42 victory over Team Thrill. In the 7th grade final, Team Thrill held off Rotary Style for a narrow 55–52 win. At the 6th grade level, Narrows Elite topped Team Thrill, 54–42, to claim the title.

Below is a breakdown of some of the standout performers from each Circuit division in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade brackets.

Event Standouts

Melvern “Juju” Allen-Peart | 2030 | Rotary Style (WA)

Melvern “Juju” Allen-Peart is a smooth wing whose composed approach and shot-making ability give him a steady presence on the floor. He moves with purpose, never drifting through possessions, and consistently positions himself to make productive plays. Allen-Peart shows confidence as a scorer, knocking down perimeter shots and capitalizing on openings with controlled mechanics and balance. His feel for spacing and timing allows him to find quality looks within the flow of the offense, while his poised demeanor helps maintain structure during key stretches.

Bryson Cofield | 2030 | Team Thrill (MD)

Bryson Cofield continues to emerge as one of the premier wing-forward prospects in the Class of 2030, and his performance in Portland at the 2026 Presidents’ Day Nationals reinforced that trajectory. Pushing 6-foot-5 with length and mobility, Cofield’s defensive presence consistently stood out, as he switches seamlessly in ball-screen actions, contains the ball with discipline, and hedges with urgency to disrupt offensive flow. His ability to defend without fouling keeps him effective throughout possessions, while his timing and instincts make him a reliable weak-side rim deterrent. Cofield controls the defensive glass by carving out space and securing rebounds to complete stops, and he brings that same physicality to the offensive end, cleaning up the rim with strong timing and effort while thriving as a second-chance scorer. Around the basket, he finishes at a high rate, using his length, touch, and body control to convert in traffic and absorb contact. His versatility, motor, defensive awareness, and interior finishing effectiveness give him a strong foundation that projects well at the next levels.

Jayden Hale | 2030 | Team Arsenal (CA)

Jayden Hale brings versatility and athleticism to the floor, giving his team a strong presence at the forward position. Standing around 6-foot-6, he plays with constant energy that shows up in his activity level and willingness to impact the game in multiple areas. Hale is active around the rim, finishing plays, pursuing rebounds, and creating extra possessions through effort and timing. His length and mobility allow him to defend multiple positions, contest shots, and disrupt actions with his motor and physical tools. On the offensive end, he contributes through movement, second-chance opportunities, and plays that stem from his activity and athleticism. Hale’s two-way versatility and relentless effort point to significant upside as he continues to refine and expand his overall skillset.

Kaleb Jackson | 2030 | Team Inland (CA)

Kaleb Jackson made an equally compelling case for MVP honors during Team Inland’s championship run, matching the team’s production and poise with his own all-around impact. Jackson’s scoring package is advanced for his age, highlighted by touch, balance, and a confident rhythm that allows him to generate points in a variety of ways. He consistently creates quality looks and remains composed under pressure, delivering timely baskets when momentum hangs in the balance. Beyond his scoring, Jackson elevates the offense with his vision and feel, drawing attention from defenders and turning that gravity into opportunities for teammates. He reads the floor well, moves the ball with purpose, and keeps possessions flowing. Comfortable operating at every scoring level, Jackson’s blend of shot-making and playmaking made him just as valuable to Inland’s title run.

Omariaé “Mari” Johnson | 2030 | T.O.T. Aces (WA)

Mari Johnson is a quick-twitch guard whose burst and scoring instincts make him a constant threat in the backcourt. He brings an excellent all-around scoring package, attacking seams with a lightning-quick first step and putting defenders on their heels from the opening move. Johnson plays with a fearless edge, embracing contact and pressure while continuing to hunt scoring opportunities. He shows comfort creating off the dribble, getting into space, and finishing plays with confidence. His aggressiveness and pace force defenses to react, and once he gains an advantage, he is difficult to contain. Johnson’s combination of speed, scoring ability, and competitive edge gives him the tools to impact the game in a big way.

Haydn Lesniak | 2030 | Team Loaded (VA)

Haydn Lesniak has been generating attention since the start of 2026, and his performance in Portland reinforced the growing buzz around his game. A strong scoring guard, Lesniak brings a confident offensive approach built on consistent shot-making and the ability to put the ball on the floor to attack openings. He is capable of heating up quickly, producing points in bunches and shifting momentum with timely baskets. Lesniak’s willingness to take big shots and deliver makes him a dependable option when his team needs scoring. He stays aggressive without forcing the action, showing a feel for when to look for his own offense and when to keep possessions moving. With his scoring instincts and steady confidence, there is plenty to like about his trajectory moving forward.

Kenji Malik | 2031 | Rotary Style (WA)

Kenji Malik fueled his team’s push to the 7th Grade Circuit Championship game, delivering the kind of offensive presence that shaped their success. The smooth guard excels at getting downhill, using strength, balance, and body control to finish through contact and collapse the defense. Once he gains an edge, he is difficult to slow, consistently turning drives into high-quality scoring chances. Malik complements his attacking ability with confident shot-making, showing a clean release and the poise to convert from the perimeter when defenders sag. His blend of power, touch, and scoring instincts makes him a tough cover and a reliable offensive centerpiece.

Lachlan McLean | 2031 | Team Arsenal (CA)

Lachlan McLean provided a massive interior presence for Team Arsenal in Portland, anchoring the paint with size, strength, and polish. Pushing 6-foot-7, he established deep position and finished efficiently around the rim, showing soft touch and strong hands that allowed him to secure difficult catches and convert through contact. McLean embraced the physical nature of the low block, playing as an enforcer who made opponents work for every inch in the paint. He controlled the glass on both ends, carving out space and pursuing rebounds with purpose to create extra possessions and finish defensive stops. His interior toughness, reliable hands, and effectiveness around the basket made him a foundational piece for Arsenal’s frontcourt.

Lance Otis | 2032 | 3 City Kings (WA)

Lance Otis is a Class of 2032 prospect worth noting, already standing around 5-foot-10 and physically imposing compared to many of his peers. His length and frame stand out immediately, giving him advantages as both a finisher and rebounder. Otis shows soft touch around the rim, converting efficiently and using his size to finish over and through defenders. He plays with confidence in the paint and understands how to position himself to create high-percentage opportunities. As his overall skillset continues to develop, the physical tools and early production point to considerable upside. Otis’ size, finishing ability, and long-term potential make him a young prospect to monitor closely.

Blake Pitts | 2032 | Team Thrill (MD)

Blake Pitts is quickly becoming a name to know in the Class of 2032, showing a blend of size, skill, and feel that stands out for his age. Approaching 5-foot-11, his frame and early physical development are intriguing, giving him tools that project well as he continues to grow. Pitts already displays a well-rounded skillset, contributing as a scorer, passer, and ball handler while maintaining strong awareness on the floor. He plays with composure and understands how to impact possessions without forcing the action. His ability to influence the game in multiple ways, paired with his physical upside, makes his all-around performance especially impressive. With continued development, Pitts has the foundation to become a highly-regarded prospect.

Patrick Sideris | 2030 | Slow Grind Elite (WA)

Patrick Sideris brings an advanced skillset to the backcourt, pairing poise with a feel for the game that keeps him a step ahead of the action. He plays with excellent court awareness, reading the floor as plays develop and anticipating openings before they fully form. Sideris distributes the ball with precision, delivering timely passes that put teammates in position to score and keep the offense flowing. He also provides reliable scoring, knocking down shots from multiple areas and making defenses respect his range. His decision-making, vision, and ability to control tempo give his team stability, while his all-around production makes him a major presence on the floor.

Brayden Smith | 2031 | Team Thrill (MD)

Brayden Smith serves as the engine that keeps Team Thrill operating smoothly, directing the action with the poise and command of a true lead guard. He runs the show with pace and purpose, orchestrating possessions while keeping teammates organized and involved. An advanced playmaker, Smith uses shifty footwork and crafty ball handling to create separation, break down defenders, and open passing lanes. He reads defensive coverages well and delivers the ball on time, allowing the offense to flow naturally. Smith is also capable of finishing plays himself, navigating traffic and converting at the rim with touch and body control. His blend of vision, creativity, and composure makes him the steady force behind Team Thrill’s offensive rhythm.

Jordan Smith | 2030 | Team Inland (CA)

Jordan Smith powered Team Inland to the 8th Grade Circuit Championship, delivering an MVP-level performance defined by his steady presence and two-way production. The skilled combo guard played with a relentless motor, staying active offensively and creating opportunities for himself and teammates. He kept the defense shifting, made timely plays, and helped Inland maintain control throughout the title run. His impact carried over on the defensive end, where he embraced the challenge of guarding opposing backcourts. Smith applied consistent pressure at the point of attack, stayed disciplined in his positioning, and used quick hands to disrupt rhythm and force mistakes. His competitiveness, effort, and ability to influence the game on both ends made him the driving force behind Inland’s championship performance.

Darius Swenson | 2030 | Utah Mountain Stars (UT)

Darius Swenson was a joy to watch in Portland, playing with a smooth confidence that made the game appear effortless. Operating as a combo guard, he impacts possessions both on and off the ball, bringing value as a scorer, facilitator, and secondary playmaker. Swenson moves fluidly with the ball, keeping defenders off balance with controlled pace and sharp changes of direction. He understands how to create advantages, using angles and timing to beat defenders and get into productive space. Away from the ball, he stays engaged and positions himself well to keep the offense flowing. His feel, versatility, and ability to influence the game in multiple roles made him one of the more impressive guards in attendance.

Selassie Trahan-Castillo | 2030 | Ace Hoyas (WA)

There were few players in the gym who matched the athletic profile of Selassie Trahan-Castillo, and that physical advantage made him a difficult cover whenever he had the ball. His burst and quick first step immediately put defenders on their heels, especially in transition, where he accelerates into space and finishes plays before the defense can recover. Trahan-Castillo pairs that explosiveness with a polished skillset, showing comfort operating in the half court and the ability to create quality looks. He is a consistent shot-maker with clean mechanics and confident release, forcing defenders to respect his jumper as much as his ability to attack. The blend of athleticism, skill, and scoring versatility makes him a matchup problem and a standout presence on the floor.

Kye Williams | 2031 | Slow Grind Elite (WA)

Watching Kye Williams operate with the ball is consistently entertaining, fueled by the pace and intensity he brings to every possession. He plays as if every moment carries weight, attacking with urgency and a competitive edge that energizes his team. A creative handler and facilitator, Williams navigates traffic with confidence, creating angles and setting up teammates with timely deliveries that keep the offense humming. He balances that playmaking with the ability to generate his own offense, showing comfort getting to his spots and converting when his team needs a basket. Williams’ scoring package features a variety of finishes and shot-making options that keep defenders guessing. His blend of flair, vision, and relentless energy makes him a compelling presence and a catalyst for his team’s attack.