Opening weekend of the 2026 3SSB season is officially in the books, with Session I taking place in Ladera Ranch, California at Open Gym Premier. Teams from coast to coast came together for a competitive slate that showcased depth across every age group and plenty of high-level matchups. From nationally recognized prospects to under-the-radar risers, April 24–26 served as an early barometer for who is ready to elevate their game as the season progresses.

While there were plenty of strong performances throughout the field, the following 14 players solidified their status as names to know as attention shifts toward the live period at Session II next month in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Nasir “Rudy” Anderson | 6-4 Guard | 2027 | Atlanta Celtics 17U
Now running with the Atlanta Celtics after playing for Game Elite in the summer of 2025, Nasir “Rudy” Anderson is a physical guard whose feel and passing ability consistently stand out. He picks his spots effectively, and when engaged, his change-of-pace and direction make him tough to contain. A high-level distributor, he excels in transition and processes the floor at an advanced level for his age. After a full season against elite national competition at Prolific Prep (FL), his poise and decision-making have continued to tighten, while his frame steadily fills out. He plays through contact when attacking the rim, which showed up in a triple-double outing (16 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) against Mass Rivals.

Antoine Caughman, Jr. | 6-6 Wing | 2028 | Upward Stars 16U
Immediately noticeable for his physical profile, Antoine Caughman, Jr. boasts plus-length, asturdy frame, and strong hands that allow him to play above his listed size. He plays with confidence and no hesitation, showing clear development as a self-creator off the dribble compared to last summer. There’s a growing edge to his game, and he’s trending toward becoming a versatile scorer who can generate offense in bunches from the perimeter or off his own creation. On defense, his length and activity level show up in a big way, disrupting timing, getting into passing lanes, and forcing turnovers at a steady rate. He backed that up statistically for Upward Stars, posting 23.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.0 SPG over four games.

Reggie “RJ” Evans, Jr. | 6-6 Guard | 2029 | Austin Rivers SE Elite 17U
Physical growth has been steady for RJ Evans, as his frame has made significant strides since last summer. His athletic tools are starting to translate more consistently, especially as a finisher where he’s begun rising through contact and converting above the rim in transition. Offensively, he features a smooth shooting stroke with touch, capable of hitting catch-and-shoot threes while also making simple reads attacking downhill. There’s a composed presence to his game, and he’s turning that upside into real production while playing two years up against 17U competition, averaging 15.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 2.0 SPG on the weekend. Still early in his development curve, continued reps should sharpen his overall impact as his tools and feel continue to align.

Mason Grivna | 6-11 Big | 2029 | Wildcat Select 15U
A mobile frontcourt prospect for his size and age, Mason Grivna shows a level of fluidity and coordination that separates him from most at his position. He understands how to play to his strengths, operating with awareness while still influencing possessions in multiple ways. His second jump is quick off the floor, and he stays active even when not directly involved in the action. As a finisher, he thrives as a lob option and dunker spot presence, converting with force around the rim and not shying away from physicality, while also showing patience in the post. He’s also a catch-and-shoot threat when left open. Defensively, his timing stands out, consistently contesting shots and providing rim protection as a high-motor helper. He helped lead Wildcat Select to a 4-0 weekend, producing 19.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 3.0 BPG on 72.9% shooting (48 attempts).

Xavier Hall | 6-10 Big | 2028 | Game Elite 16U
With a thick, well-built frame and plus-length, Xavier Hall brings a clear interior presence that is problematic for opponents. He runs the floor well for his size and plays through physical matchups with ease, functioning as a traditional paint-based big who controls space around the rim. His scoring comes mostly on finishes inside, where he uses basic post work and solid touch to convert, and he can make passing reads when the defense collapses. On the glass, he’s consistently in position, and defensively he alters shots at a high rate with excellent timing as a rim protector. That impact showed up in a big way this weekend, as he led all players in blocks at 4.0 per game, including a 17-point, 10-rebound, 10-block triple-double against ASAK. He was a central piece in Game Elite’s 3-1 showing.

Geren Holmes | 6-5 Guard | 2027 | Team Loaded South 17U
Geren Holmes brings solid positional size and length with good overall functional strength, giving him a sturdy physical foundation as a big guard. He shows real burst off one foot with a quick first step that allows him to consistently get downhill and put pressure on the rim as a driver. Once there, Holmes is comfortable finishing through contact in the paint, using touch and craft around the rim, including floaters when defenders are set. Offensively, he’s also a capable spot-up shooter who does a good job getting his feet set with efficient, repeatable mechanics that translate in catch-and-shoot situations. He rounded out a highly productive weekend as the second-leading scorer in 17U at 24.3 PPG, doing so on an efficient 58.7% shooting (63 total attempts), while also adding 4.3 RPG, contributing as an above-average positional rebounder who impacts possessions beyond just scoring. He will be a name to watch closely during Session II as he continues to build on his strong production and efficiency.

Blaze Johnson | 6-5 Guard | 2028 | Atlanta Celtics 16U
Over the past year, Blaze Johnson has continued to grow into his frame while keeping his smooth, fluid movement style intact. He covers ground with ease and plays at a natural rhythm, especially as a left-handed guard who operates comfortably in space. His processing ability stands out, as he consistently makes quick reads, delivers on time, and sets up teammates as a live-dribble passer. As a scorer, he features a clean jumper with consistent rotation and can score comfortably from multiple levels, whether spotting up or pulling up off the bounce. He delivered valuable production throughout the weekend as well, averaging 17.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.3 APG across four games.

Yann Kamagate | 7-1 Forward | 2028 | Compton Magic 17U
A rare physical specimen in the frontcourt, Yann Kamagate combines explosive vertical ability with uncommon agility for his size. His reach and wingspan create an enormous catch radius, and he consistently tracks the ball well in traffic. As a finisher, he is extremely forceful above the rim and erases space quickly as a lob threat and rim runner. Defensively, his timing and instincts make him a major deterrent, capable of blocking shots at their apex with ease. While his shooting is still developing, the mechanics are in place for future growth. He made an immediate impression this weekend and is quickly emerging as a national name. He also complements frontcourt teammate Darius Wabbington well, forming a dynamic interior pairing for the Compton Magic. His ceiling is not-so-arguably the highest in the rising junior class due to his combination of size, mobility, defensive presence, and overall versatility.

Cole Kelly | 6-7 Wing | 2028 | Breakaway Basketball 17U
Built with a college-ready frame, Cole Kelly has added significant strength over the past year, allowing him to operate comfortably between wing and forward roles. He plays with poise and maturity, often looking like a veteran in how he reads situations and impacts winning. Offensively, he offers a versatile skill set, handling the ball in space, creating for teammates, and scoring in a variety of ways while continuing to progress as a perimeter shooter. His weekend production reflected that versatility, posting 18.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.0 BPG while shooting 42.9% from three on 35 attempts, helping Breakaway to a 3-1 record. He competes every possession with intent, routinely impacting games without needing a heavy usage role. Defensively, he remains solid and physical, matching his overall effort level. Still playing up in age, he continues to handle older competition in stride after a strong 3SSB debut
in 2025 when he was age-eligible for 15U.

Jalen “JB” Mehu | 6-5 Guard | 2027 | New York Wiz Kids 17U
A physically-built guard/wing, Jalen Mehu uses his frame to operate comfortably within multiple roles offensively. He’s patient with the ball and shows confidence while creating his own offense, whether attacking, pulling up, or finishing through contact. He can score from all three levels and doesn’t require high volume to stay productive. That efficiency carried through the weekend, where he averaged 24.3 PPG (#2 overall in 17U) along with 5.5 RPG and 2.3 APG. His consistency and versatility have helped him create some strong momentum heading into the upcoming live period.

Cornelius “CJ” Moore, Jr. | 6-6 Wing | 2028 | Upward Stars 16U
CJ Moore has continued to add strength to his frame over the past year, giving him a more complete physical profile with length and improving pop as an athlete. On defense, he brings immense value, using his tools to switch, contain, and stay engaged throughout possessions. Offensively, he’s beginning to expand his game with more comfort handling the ball, showing flashes of self-creation and step-back shooting potential. His approach remains impressive, and his competitiveness shows up on both ends. He forms a productive pairing with teammate Antoine Caughman, Jr., as the two complement each other well with their energy and versatility.

Jeremiah Profit | 6-5 Guard | 2027 | Gamepoint 17U
Jeremiah Profit played with intent throughout the weekend, balancing assertiveness with control as he dictated stretches of play. He processes the game well, making sound reads as both a scorer and connector while also stepping into more creation opportunities when needed. His ability to score at multiple levels has improved, often getting downhill and finishing through traffic while also creating offense off the bounce in the mid-range and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. He contributes in several areas beyond scoring, impacting possessions as a passer (5.0 APG), rebounder (4.0 RPG) and defensive playmaker (1.8 SPG). He led all of 17U in scoring at 25.0 PPG, firmly stamping his name as one of 3SSB’s best.

Josiah Rose | 6-4 Guard | 2028 | 99OVR 16U
Josiah Rose plays with a physical, high-impact approach that shows up on both ends of the floor. He operates comfortably on or off the ball, showing patience and control as a decision-maker. His feel for the game shows up in a variety of ways, from rebounding to playmaking to finishing possessions. As a passer, he delivers on target even off a live dribble, and he can punish mismatches in the post when given space. He also stretches the floor effectively off the bounce and is a strong rebounder for his position. Defensively, he disrupts actions with strength and anticipation, consistently altering the flow of possessions. After emerging last summer, he’s taken a clear jump this season, leading all scorers (regardless of age bracket) at 25.5 PPG while adding 7.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.5 BPG on 62.5%
3FG from 3 (24 attempts), helping 99OVR to a 3-1 finish.

Darius Wabbington | 6-11 Big | 2027 | Compton Magic 17U
A highly-skilled frontcourt piece with advanced feel, Darius Wabbington blends size, vision, smarts, and offensive versatility in a way that stands out nationally. He reads the floor like a heady PG, making smart decisions as a hub who can initiate offense or operate within it. His scoring package is diverse, stretching the floor from deep while also showing comfort in the mid-range and strength finishing inside through contact. He continues to develop as a modern big who can impact the game in a wide variety of ways. He wasted no time making an immediate impact with his new team, helping lead them to a 4-0 weekend and reinforcing his status as one of the top overall prospects in the country.

Additional Standouts
Victor Aborowa – Indiana Elite 17U, Herbert Agamba – Austin Rivers SE Elite 16U, Justin Akengbowa – Tennessee Impact 16U, Kelvin “Pop” Anderson, Jr. – Team Loaded 16U, Lucai Anderson – Southern Assault 17U, Clement “CJ” Ani – Team Lillard 15U, Baboucarr Ann – D1 Minnesota 17U, Alonzo Archbold – New Heights 17U, Ian Archbold – New Heights 16U, Tyson Ary-Turner – Slow Grind Elite 17U, Ayden Ashe – New World 17U, Kamsi Awaka – New Heights 17U, King Bacot – Team Loaded 15U, Carter Bagley – Dream Vision 16U, Baer Bailey – Atlanta Celtics 16U, Javon Bardwell – Compton Magic 17U, Bradly Basila – Indiana Elite 16U, Shalahn Beckford – Austin Rivers SE Elite 16U, Montez Bentley, Jr. – New World 15U, Orlando Bohlen – Breakaway Basketball 15U, Jonathan Bowen – Garner Road 15U, Marcus Boyd, Jr. – 99OVR 16U, Jonathan Bradley – ASAK 17U, Tristan Breland – Indiana Elite 15U, Jacoby Briscoe – Washington Warriors 17U, Carter Brown – Open Gym Premier 16U, Ja’Rye Brown – Wildcat Select 17U, D’Ari Bruce – Team Lillard 16U, Taelin Burney – Garner Road 15U, Grayson Burton – Tennessee Impact 16U, Ty Bryant – Midwest Basketball Club 15U, Drew Cabana – Indiana Elite 15U, Sergio Cabrera – TJ Ford Elite 16U, Brian Cal, Jr. – Arkansas Hawks 16U, Braylin Calhoun – Power 5 15U, K’Nard Callendar – MBJ Elite 17U, Adriel Cantave – BABC 16U, Maurice Carter II – Compton Magic 16U, Wisdom Carter – New World 17U, Christian Cast – Power 5 17U, Justn Cato, Jr. – Power 5 15U, Amare Chandler – Team Lillard 16U, Abraham Cogan – Portland Boyz Elite 15U, Kaedyn Cole – Team Loaded 15U, Caleb Coolman – Indiana Elite 16U, Logan “Bear” Collins – Power 5 15U, Max Cui – Cali Gold 17U, Marcus “MJ” Curry, Jr. – Atlanta Celtics 17U, Bob Da Silva – Indiana Elite 15U, Oumar Dabo – Dream Vision 16U, Jalen Davis – Slow Grind Elite 17U, Kameron Davis – Team Loaded South 15U, Maddox Davis – TJ Ford Elite 17U, RJ Davis – Game Elite 16U, Austin Davie – Wildcat Select 16U, Dominic Deren – ETG Midwest 15U, LJ Diamond – Dream Vision 17U, Mahamadou Diop – Dream Vision 17U, Dean Dohrmann – Open Gym Premier 15U, Isaiah Dotson – Team Lillard 15U, Jamie Dunn, Jr. – Arkansas Hawks 15U, Preston Echols – AE5 17U, Paul Marie Epiphane Affi – New Heights 16U, Jeremiah Evans – AE5 16U, Landon Evans – Phenom United 17U, Luca Federico – Wildcat Select 16U, Alexy Figueroa – MBJ Elite 15U, Shawn Foster – Phenom United 17U, Jordan Fox – New World 16U, A’Mire Gill – Wildcat Select 17U, Ka’Shawn Gill – Power 5 16U, Eziah Goodson – Team Loaded 16U, Kingston Gould – Southern Assault 16U, Silas Graham – K-Low Elite 17U, Ashton Graves – New World 17U, Ryland Groom – 99OVR 16U, Jaylen Gunther – Wildcat Select 17U, Brandon Hahn – Lakeshow 17U, Luckie Harbert III – 99OVR 16U, Corey Harris – Atlanta Celtics 16U, Marcus Harris – Team Lillard 15U, Hudson Hatch – Team Loaded 16U, Owen Hatch – Open Gym Premier 16U, DJ Hawkins – BABC 17U, King Daniel Hernandez – Game Elite 16U, Camden Hill – Garner Road 16U, Isaiah Hill – Open Gym Premier 16U, Kain Hill – Arkansas Hawks 15U, Le’Shawn Hill – Wildcat Select 16U, Malachi Hill – D1 Minnesota 17U, Eric Hillsman – New Heights 17U, Jamal Holden – Arkansas Hawks 17U, Maxwell Hopkins – Indiana Elite 15U, Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen – Portland Boyz Elite 15U, Reginald Howell – Game Elite 15U, Joel Hudgins – Southern Assault 16U, Siincere Hudson – Lakeshow 17U, DJ Humphries – Gamepoint 17U, Brandon Hunter – Indiana Elite 17U, Jordan Hunter – Team Loaded 17U, Jaylen Hunter-Coleman – BABC 17U, Chibueze Igwe – Washington Warriors 16U, Cruz Jackson – AE5 15U, JJ Jankowski – Breakaway Basketball 16U, Brennen Jefferson – Garner Road 17U, James Jenkins II – Mikel Brown Jr. Elite 16U, Cameron “CJ” Johnson, Jr. – Compton Magic 15U, Montae Johnson – Tru Colorado 16U, Quaran Johnson – Lakeshow 15U, Tariq Johnson, Jr. – Open Gym Premier 16U, Josiah Johnson-Freeman – Team Loaded South 17U, Maxwell Joiner – Indiana Elite 16U, Josiah Jones – ASAK 17U, Jed Keenan – D1 Minnesota 15U, Tre Keith – AE5 17U, Jay Kirk – Tennessee Impact 17U, Hermann Kone – Compton Magic 15U, Johnny Lackaff – Austin Rivers SE Elite 17U, Kaelym Lamont – MBJ Elite 16U, Owen Laver – Atlanta Celtics 16U, Julian Lebel – Gamepoint 17U, Tiago Lee – AE5 17U, Joshua Leonard – Upward Stars 17U, Jaizahn Lewis – Cali Gold 17U, Luke Louglin – Breakaway Basketball 16U, Josh Lowery – Compton Magic 17U, Nolan Lucas – Brookwood Lu Dort 17U, Isaiah Mack-Russell – Indiana Elite 17U, Chukwuma Madu – 99OVR 15U, John Mapuor Madol – Austin Rivers SE Elite 16U, Joseph Mariles-Jara – Open Gym Premier 16U, Mason Martin – Breakaway Basketball 17U, Niles Mason – Team Loaded 15U, Nigel Matthews – Game Elite 15U, Ayden McClinton – 99OVR 15U, Sherod McCormick III – Game Elite 16U, Parker McDaniel – Southern Assault 16U, Jamaize McGriff – Slow Grind Elite 17U, Akeem McLaren – New York Wiz Kids 16U, Donnell Meekins – Open Gym Premier 15U, Makel Minor – Team Loaded 17U, Ben Mirgon – Midwest Basketball Club 17U, Van Moczydlowsky – Cali Gold 16U, Micah Mohler – Midwest Basketball Club 15U, Antoine “AJ” Morman, Jr. – Team Loaded 16U, Keyaan Moulla – Team Lillard 16U, Cisco Muñoz – Open Gym Premier 17U, Caleb Murray – Tennessee Impact 15U, Nolan Nelson – Austin Rivers SE Elite 17U, Deng Ngor – Brookwood Lu Dort Elite 17U, Kypton Norris – Midwest Basketball Club 16U, Ahmed Nur – Power 5 17U, Jean-Philippe Oka – Lakeshow 16U, Sylva Okauru – Team Loaded South 15U, Jamaal Oliver, Jr. – AE5 15U, Olaitan Olorungbohunmi – New World 15U, Alijah Owens – Midwest Basketball Club 15U, Hakeem Oyekan – New World 15U, Emmanuel Oyesanmi – D1 Minnesota 16U, Jordan Page – Garner Road 17U, Antonio Pemberton – Mass Rivals 17U, Alvin Pettway – Game Elite 15U, Kenneth Phillips, Jr. – AE5 15U, Ashton Pierre-Charles – New York Wiz Kids 16U, Jaden Redding – Sin City Select 16U, Chase Richardson – TJ Ford Elite 17U, Lee Robinson – New Heights 16U, Gene Roebuck – Dream Vision 17U, Justin Roman – Austin Rivers SE Elite 17U, Michael “Tre” Roper III – Team Loaded 15U, Julian Sam – Wildcat Select 15U, Kevin Savage III – Game Elite 17U, Damari Sawall – Sin City Select 15U, Maxwell Scott – Open Gym Premier 17U, Tony Scott – ETG Midwest 15U, Anthony Smith – Lakeshow 16U, Brayden Smith – Lakeshow 15U, Jaylen Smith – Team Lillard 17U, Jordan Smith – Slow Grind Elite 15U, Josh Smith, Jr. – Atlanta Celtics 17U, Luke Sowby – Open Gym Premier 15U, Elijah Span – Arkansas Hawks 16U, Kenyon St. Louis – Garner Road 16U, Griffin Starks – Phenom United 17U, Kalan Steinbeck – ETG Midwest 16U, AJ Stewart – K-Low Elite 17U, Karson Stoudemire – Indiana Elite 15U, Derek Swartz – Mass Rivals 17U, CJ Sweeney – Wildcat Select 15U, King Taylor – 99OVR 16U, Ethan Thabeet – New World 15U, Jeremiah Thirdkill – ASAK 16U, Amin Thomas – One Time Legends 15U, James Thomas – Slow Grind Elite 15U, Troy Tomlin – Team Loaded 17U, William Tonagel – Indiana Elite 15U, Tyler Treder – Gamepoint 16U, Carson Trenz – Midwest Basketball Club 16U, Dylan Twitty – Team Loaded South 17U, Andre Tyler – Power 5 17U, Joshua Tyson – Phenom United 17U, Noah VanTholen – Breakaway Basketball 16U, Keshav Vijaykumar – TJ Ford Elite 17U, Ben Wade – Breakaway Basketball 16U, Andrew Walker – Midwest Basketball Club 17U, Parks Weaver – Team Lillard 16U, Nick Welch, Jr. – Cali Gold 17U, JJ Wheeler – Sin City Select 15U, Kamari Whyte – New Heights 17U, Brice Wiersma – Garner Road 16U, Brendan Williams – Team Lillard 16U, Juleeyan Williams – Compton Magic 16U, Isaiah Williamson – Compton Magic 16U, Chase Wilson – AE5 15U, Kevin Wilson – D1 Minnesota 16U, Kane Winiarski – Team Loaded 15U, Thomas Wolf – New York Wiz Kids 17U, Jakob Wolker – Brookwood Lu Dort Elite 16U, Jeylan Womack – Team Loaded South 16U, Kolt Yarbrough – Slow Grind Elite 17U, Nolan Zitar – Gamepoint 15U