The road to a championship starts Saturday in the 8th Grade division at the 2025-26 South Winter Circuit Championship. In both the Green and Red division teams were playing hard trying to earn their way into the championship Sunday
Here are the key storylines and superlatives to watch in the 8th Grade Division.
Saturday Storylines
Houston Hoops Jarron Squeaks Past Northside Elite In OT
In a Green Division quarterfinal matchup, Houston Hoops Jarron survived a nail biter against Northside Elite in one of the most dramatic games of the day. Northside Elite controlled early momentum and led 18-10, but Houston Hoops Jarron responded and took a 24-19 lead with two minutes remaining in the first half. The game stayed tight throughout, eventually ending regulation tied at 58. With six seconds left in regulation, Houston Hoops had the ball but couldn’t convert, sending the game to overtime and its first to four points. Houston Hoops struck first in OT, taking a 60-58 lead. A made free throw pushed it to 61-58. Then, with the game on the line, Zion Nichols attacked the defense and finished a tough, contested up and under layup to seal the win for Houston Hoops Jarron in dramatic fashion.
FAM Elite White Pulls Off a Big Upset
Another Green Division quarterfinal delivered a surprise. Arnold Elite Jr 3SSB entered with a first round bye and was widely viewed as the favorite. But FAM Elite White had other plans. Both teams competed at a high level, but FAM Elite White separated themselves with shot making, effort, and relentless energy. They played with confidence on both ends and closed the game strong, earning a 66-56 victory. With the upset, FAM Elite White advances to the semifinals and firmly inserts themselves into the championship conversation.
Semifinals Set in the Green Division; Red Division Championship Locked In
The Green Division semifinals are officially set. Houston Hoops Jarron will face FAM Elite White in what should be a high energy matchup, while Faith Family takes on FAM Elite Black in the other semifinal. Both games feature teams that have built momentum at the right time and are now just one win away from playing for a championship.
Meanwhile, the Red Division championship is locked in and will feature a heavyweight battle between Houston Hoops Clarence and Houston Hoops Dwight, a matchup loaded with talent and intensity with the title on the line.
Saturday Superlatives
The Anchor – Zion Nichols, Houston Hoops Jarron
Nichols was the steady force behind Houston Hoops Jarron’s wins. He defended at a high level, generated steals, and consistently led the way on both ends of the floor. When the moment called for it, he delivered, attacking the defense and finishing the game winning layup in OT to seal the victory in the quarterfinals. A complete performance when his team needed it most.
The Spark – Charlie Jones, FAM Elite White
Jones brought energy and momentum to FAM Elite White. Long and lanky with active instincts, he made plays all over the floor and even threw down a dunk that ignited his team. His activity and impact plays helped fuel the upset win and gave FAM Elite White a major boost.
Point Guard 101 – Kayo Griffen, Houston Hoops Clarence
Griffen put on a true floor general performance. He racked up assists, broke down defenders with ease, and consistently created quality looks for his teammates. His ability to control tempo and make the right reads showcased exactly how a pure point guard position is played.
Paint Beast – MJ Daniels, Houston Hoops Dwight
Daniels dominated inside. He controlled the paint, grabbed rebounds in traffic, and imposed his will around the rim. What makes him even tougher to guard is his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the paint off the dribble, a powerful presence with skill to match.
