The Stage Act III: AZ 2024-26 Standouts
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This past weekend I attended the Stage Act III at the Open Gym Premier in Anaheim, CA. Here were some of the 2024-26 standouts from the weekend: 2024 Donovan Beard Donovan Beard 6'2" | PG Dobson | 2024 State AZ Dobson…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend I attended the Stage Act III at the Open Gym Premier in Anaheim, CA.
Here were some of the 2024-26 standouts from the weekend:
2024
Donovan Beard Donovan Beard 6'2" | PG Dobson | 2024 State AZ Dobson (AZ Prime 16)
A long lead guard ran the show for his team. He displayed a craftiness on offense whether to set up his own shot or looking for teammates. He plays with a demeanor well beyond his years.
Jai Anthoni Bearden Jai Anthoni Bearden 6'6" | SF Sunnyslope | 2024 State AZ Kellis (Compton Magic 16)
The athletic wing showed that he has been working on his offensive game as he had double figures in every game. He hit shots from a variety of spots and ran the lanes with his normal high energy
Nick Sanford Nick Sanford 6'2" | SG Brophy College Prep | 2024 State AZ Brophy Prep (AZ Prime 16)
A big bodied guard was knocking down 3’s from deep and knew how to use his body. He was not shying away from contact and at times initiating it.
2025
Koa Peat Koa Peat 6'8" | PF Perry | 2025 State #6 Nation AZ Perry (Compton Magic 17)
Arguably the top player in the country in his class and he showed why in the Showcase Division of the Stage Act 3. When he got rebounds he has the freedom and skills to initiate the offense. He was breaking down his man with ease and finding open teammates either spotting up or cutting to the goal. He was a mismatch whether putting someone his size on him or a smaller quicker defender. He either went by you or thru you. Was voted Most Outstanding Prospect of the 17U Showcase Division.
TayVion Wilson TayVion Wilson 6'0" | PG Sandra Day O'Connor | 2025 State AZ Kellis (Prominent Elite 15)
A quick lead guard ran the show for teams in both 15 and 16u divisions. A high IQ player who was looking to make the right read and took high percentage shots all weekend. There’s not many guards in the state with his understanding of the game.
Kingston Tosi Kingston Tosi 6'7" | SF Millennium | 2025 State AZ Millennium (AZ Firestorm 15)
The 6’7” forward was a handful all weekend as he was hitting shots at a high clip from all 3 levels. He was among the shot block leaders in the 15U division averaging 2.5 per game.
Caden Bass Caden Bass 6'4" | CG Paragon Science Academy | 2026 State AZ Peoria (AZ Firestorm 15) (Featured Image)
The long wing was active the whole weekend as he averaged almost 3 steals per game. On offense he showed the ability to slash to the rim and hit spot up 3’s.
Christopher Brookins Christopher Brookins 5'9" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2025 State AZ Peora (AZ Firestorm 15)
The fast lead guard continuously put pressure on defenses the whole weekend while looking to set up his teammates for easy looks. With his low center of gravity he was hard to keep in front of defenders. He was also a pest on defense.
2026
Rider Portela CG 6’2 Sunnyslope (Compton Magic Select 15)
He’s a very good all around player and showed a variety of skills from the guard spot. The son of the legendary coach showed a high level feel and knows how to use his size to get to the basket.
Cristian Simmons PF 6’6 Sunnyslope (Compton Magic Select 15)
A big man is 6’6 and growing. He had a double-double in the game that I saw. He’s a good rebounder with very good hands and showed the ability to step out and hit perimeter jumpers.