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2026 The Warmup: Saturday Storyline and Superlatives

The gym stayed electric all weekend, packed with high-level matchups showcasing some of the nation’s top grassroots programs. From overtime battles to defensive masterclasses, here’s a look at the key games and standout performers across multiple age groups.

17U: Arkansas Hawks vs. LivOn EYBL

This one had all the makings of a classic. A tightly contested battle between a 3SSB squad and an EYBL group, both teams traded blows for four quarters before heading into overtime. In the end, LivOn EYBL edged it out with a gritty 2-point win, fueled by a monster performance.

 Ryan Hampton, 2027 Guard, LivOn EYBL

Hampton delivered a dynamic 35-point performance, scoring at the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, and knocking down several threes. He drove past defenders easily, finished through contact, and forced turnovers on the other end, especially in the clutch when he scored 12 of his team’s final 15 points.

Kellen Brewer, 2027 Wing, LivOn EYBL

Brewer, a 6-foot-5 wing, defended multiple positions, grabbed seven rebounds, and scored timely buckets in transition. His anticipation led to two key steals late, and he made strong decisions, assisting on three of LivOn’s biggest fourth-quarter plays.

Jamal Holden, 2027 Forward, Arkansas Hawks

Holden, a mobile 6-foot-8 forward, showcased a reliable three-point shot, grabbing 10 rebounds, blocking three shots, and stretching the defense as a trailer in transition. His ability to guard inside and switch on the perimeter set him apart.

16U: Birmingham Wildcats vs. FBC Reign

A disciplined and physical showing from FBC Reign led to a convincing 67-53 victory. Their control of the glass and execution on both ends set the tone throughout.

 Aiden Amonett, 2028 Guard,  FBC Reign

Amonett scored 21 points, attacking closeouts to finish at the rim and knocking down three three-pointers. He repeatedly exposed mismatches by posting up smaller defenders and spacing the floor when paired with the bigs.

Griffin Anderson, 2028 Forward, FBC Reign

Griffin is an elite floor spacer who shot it at a high clip from deep. His ability to stretch the defense opened driving lanes and created offensive balance.

15U: Next Page Force vs. Game Elite 3SSB

Game Elite imposed their will defensively in this one, using aggressive full-court pressure and a suffocating man-to-man scheme to force turnovers and rushed possessions. The result: an 81-72 win built on defense, turning into offense.

Vann Hayes, 2029 Guard, Next Page Force

Despite his 5’9″ frame, Hayes scored 19 points, drove through bigger defenders, drew six fouls, and dove for loose balls, energizing his team every possession.

Robert Woods 2029, Next Page Force

Major impact on performance. Woods filled the stat sheet, scoring, rebounding, defending, and acted as a go-to option offensively. Provided a spark, likely off the bench.

King Araujo, 2029 Guard, Game Elite 3SSB

The floor general who controlled the tempo. Made plays for others, attacked the defense, and scored efficiently as the primary ball handler.

Alvin Pettway, 2029 Center, Game Elite 3SSB

Pettway, a strong 6-foot-7 center, logged 12 points, five assists, and eight rebounds. He distributed from the high post, executed drop-steps, and showed touch on hooks and floaters to keep the defense honest.

 Saturday Superlatives

Most Dominant Performance – Ryan Hampton, 2027 Guard, LivOn EYBL

35-piece in a high-level matchup, took over late, scoring 12 of his team’s final 15. Controlled the game at all three levels and delivered in crunch time.

Best Two-Way Impact – Kellan Brewer, 2027 Wing, LivOn EYBL

Guarded multiple positions, rebounded, made winning plays, and came up with clutch steals and assists when it mattered most.

Most Versatile Big – Jamal Holden, 2027 Forward, Arkansas Hawks

Holden is a 6-foot-8 forward who rebounds, protects the rim, stretches the floor, and switches defensively. Modern big with real upside.

Best Inside-Outside Scorer – Aiden Amonett, 2028 Guard,  FBC Reign (2028)

Amoneet posted an efficient 21 points, scored at all three levels, exploited mismatches, and made the defense pay in multiple ways.

Best Floor Spacer – Griffin Anderson, 2028 Forward, FBC Reign

Anderson knocked down shots at a high clip from deep and consistently opened the floor for teammates.

Ultimate Spark Plug – Robert Woods, 2029, Next Page Force

Woods did a little bit of everything, scoring, rebounding, defending, and shifted momentum with his all-around impact.


Pablo Cong is in his first year with MADE. Based in Tennessee, he focuses on the southeast, with an emphasis on Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, and Georgia. Pablo has been scouting and creating written content for 7 years. He can be contacted  on X at @scoutpcong or via email at [email protected]