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Thursday / July 10.
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    EYBL Session 3 storylines, standouts and stockrisers

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    By SAM LANCE

    KANSAS CITY, KS — The third EYBL Session of the summer just wrapped up on Memorial Day. It was a great weekend filled with plenty of storylines, standout players and stockrisers. ZAGSBLOG was there to take in the action and has everything you need to get caught up below.

    Let’s dive in!

    STORYLINES

    Maximo Adams, Vegas Elite make statement: Only three teams walked away with an undefeated record at EYBL Session 3: Vegas Elite, Bradley Beal Elite and Mokan. But Vegas Elite may have had the most impressive win of the weekend. On Sunday, Vegas took down the last remaining undefeated in EYBL, Team Takeover, 85-80. And it was mostly on the back of Adams. In that game, Adams was unstoppable, going off for 38 points and 17 rebounds. For the weekend, the forward, who started the EYBL season with Team WhyNot, averaged 23.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. He, along with four-star 2026 guard Katrelle Harmon and 2026 four-star forward Anthony Felesi, make a dynamic trio capable of doing damage come Peach Jam in July.

    Tyran Stokes proves he’s No. 1: If there’s anyone questioning Stokes’ legitimacy as the No. 1 overall prospect in 2026, he answered the bell in KC. He was phenomenal, averaging 25.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 47% from the field. His best game came against Team Durant, where he threw down a nasty poster dunk and carried the Soliders in the second half to a 78-68 win. He and Jason Crowe Jr. will be looking to take the Soldiers back to the Peach Jam title game this season. Oakland is 5-3 since that duo started playing together.

    NY Rens continue winning: The best story early in the EYBL season is the NY Rens. All they do is win, and they do it without big five-star names. While the Rens did end up taking its first loss of the EYBL season in KC, they still sit at 10-1, tied with Team Takeover for the top team in 17u EYBL. The Rens have everything — an elite point guard in three-star Jordan Skyers (9.7 ppg, 4.5 apg), a scoring guard in Jasiah Jervis (16.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and a low post presence in Najai Hines (13.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg). And you can’t forget about top-50 2027 prospect Anderson Diaz, who’s averaging double-digit points and 2.2 steals per game playing up, as well as Marquette commit Ethan Johnston, who’s the ultimate glue-guy.

    Team Thad’s guard trio shines: Dealing with two five-star prospects can be tough, especially at the guard position. Team Thad has that in rising junior LJ Smith and rising senior Kayden Allen. Smith particularly had a great Session 3, scoring 20+ points on three occasions, and Allen wasn’t far behind, averaging 14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Those two pair wonderfully with guard/wing Tarris Bouie III, who leads the team in scoring at 17.1 points per contest. Team Thad also has a capable big man in Mississippi State commit Ladarius Givan, giving them weapons at every position. The program sits at 8-3 heading into July.

    Team Takeover takes first L, still looks like contender: The favorite to win Peach Jam coming into the season may have been Team Takeover. Even with a loss to Vegas Elite in KC, Jamill Jones‘ bunch still looks to be a team that can win it all. It starts with the five-star talent: Jordan Smith Jr. and Qayden Samuels. Those two are averaging over 19.5 points, and Smith is the defensive anchor of the team, usually picking up the oppositions best perimeter player. Prince-Alexander Moody (12.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Parker Robinson (12.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg) have done great to supplement the five-stars. Team Takeover is 10-1 heading into July and will be a team to look out for at Peach Jam.

    Team United’s deadly duo: Class of 2026 point guard Trey Beamer has been one of the biggest stockrisers on the circuit so far this summer. He now has a partner-in-crime: four-star 2026 guard Markus Kerr. Those two were fun to watch in KC, combining for 37.3 points and 5.0 assists per game. Team United finished 2-2 at Session 3 with wins over Team WhyNot and Pro Skills, mostly due to the production of Beamer and Kerr.

    Mokan’s depth leads to undefeated session: When you have a pair of four-star prospects coming off the bench in Trent Perry and Ethan Taylor, it’s hard not to give Mokan the nod for the deepest team in EYBL. They have weapons everywhere and can have anyone go off at any time. Seven different players have led Mokan in scoring through 11 games including Perry, Taylor, five-star wing Jalen Montonati, four-star guard Chidi Nwigwe, four-star guard Keonte Greybear, four-star big man Tristan Reed and point guard Isaiah Wilks. Mokan is 8-3 and has everything it needs to win Peach Jam.

    Team Final’s wing trio continues success: It’s hard to find a better trio of wings in AAU basketball right now. Four-stars Sammy Jackson, Luca Foster and Aiden Derkack stood out at Session 3, even with Team Final finishing 1-3 on the weekend. All three are averaging double-digit points this summer. They’ll take Team Final (6-5) as far as they can go in July.

    STANDOUTS

    Vaughn Karvala, Team Herro: This kid just keeps rising. Karvala is a true do-it-all wing, and even though he had an impressive start to the EYBL season, he took his game to another level in KC. He was particularly impressive against Tyran Stokes and the Oakland Soldiers on Monday, dropping 24 points while Stokes guarded him most of the game. Karvala can hit shots from everywhere on the court and has one of the smoothest looking 3-point strokes of anyone ZAGSBLOG has watched this summer. Look for his recruitment to really pick up as the summer moves on into possibly Blue Blood territory.

    Session 3 averages: 14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.8 blks, 35.3% 3FG.

    Anthony Brown Jr., Team Durant: The lead guard for Team Durant can fill it up, and he did just that in KC. He excels at getting downhill and sets up his teammates well. While he can be a streaky shooter, when Brown’s on, it’s really hard to stop him. If Team Durant (5-6) makes a run in July, it’ll be because of the play of Brown.

    Session 3 averages: 19.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 43.5% FG.

    Julius Price, Team WhyNot: Without Tajh Ariza in KC due to injury, someone needed to step up for Team WhyNot (6-5) in a big way. That guy was Price. He not only ran the offense at times, but he was a dominant scorer on several occasions. Price said his best trait is shooting, and he displayed that at Session 3.

    Session 3 averages: 17.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.8 stls, 45.2% 3FG.

    Cole Cloer, Team CP3: The five-star is one of the most complete and versatile players in the class of 2026. He can shoot it from 3, has a deep mid-range bag and can finish at the cup. He’s the centerpiece for Team CP3 (8-3) and will look to lead them back to the Peach Jam title game in July.

    Session 3 averages: 15.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 44.2% FG.

    Marcus Johnson, Indy Heat: The Ohio State commit may be the best scorer on the EYBL circuit. He’s the man running the show for Indy Heat (2-9) and has scored 20+ points in over half of Indy’s games with two 30 pieces in KC. Jake Diebler has a dynamic scorer and playmaker coming in for 2026-27.

    Session 3 averages: 26.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.8 stls, 48.1% FG, 45.0% 3FG.

    Chase Foster, Team Melo: Head coach John Zito previously told ZAGSBLOG Foster has “so much potential.” All of his abilities were on display at Session 3, as the forward tallied two double-doubles, a 23-point game vs. Team Thad and 30-point game vs. The Family. Foster describes himself as a “big guard” and he showed why in KC. He can score it, dish it and rebounds with the best of ’em.

    Session 3 averages: 18.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 42.4% FG, 31.6% 3FG.

    Cello Jackson, Nightrydas Elite: The three-star point guard is one of the best playmakers in EYBL, currently sitting just outside the top-10 in assists per game (3.5) at the 17u level. But Jackson’s really taken his scoring to another level lately, and that’s helped relieve some pressure from five-star forward Caleb Gaskins and four-star guard Manny Green. Nightrydas (6-5) will need that scoring punch, and Jackson’s defensive stopper mentality moving forward.

    Session 3 averages: 14.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.5 stls, 56.3% FG.

    Dean Rueckert, Utah Prospects: The four-star forward hit one of the biggest shots at Session 3, draining a 3-pointer in the closing minute to put the Utah Prospects (7-4) up two points. That proved to be the winning basket in a comeback effort from Utah, where they outscored Team Herro 27-9 in the fourth quarter. Rueckert is a physical forward who can do it all on the court.

    Session 3 averages: 15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 stls, 46.3% FG.

    Adonis Ratliff, PSA Cardinals: At 6-foot-11, Ratliff almost plays like a guard with his ability to hit shots from the outside and do work on the perimeter. He showcased his elite shooting ability in his first EYBL games of the summer at Session 3. When Ratliff’s twin brother, Darius, gets healthy, PSA is a team many won’t want to face in July, especially with how well five-star guard Dylan Mingo has been playing.

    Session 3 averages: 14.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 stls, 45.5% FG, 45.8% 3FG.

    Christian Gibson, Houston Hoops: While Houston Hoops (2-9) has mostly struggled, Gibson has been extremely consistent, scoring 20+ points in all but four games this summer. He excels at rising up and getting his shot off over defenders. Gibson hunts his spots and knows what he’s capable of, and it’s why he ranks No. 2 in EYBL scoring through three sessions.

    Session 3 averages: 23.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 43.1% FG.

    Kobe Edwards, Boo Williams: The four-star guard simply puts the ball in the hole. Edwards can score at all three levels and really excels as a shot creator off the dribble. He had three 20-point outings in KC, and while he took a lot of shots, he was efficient. Scoring is his calling-card, but Edwards can lock you up on defense. He had a five steal game against JL3 Elite to close out the session.

    Session 3 averages: 19.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 47.3% FG, 40.1% 3FG.

    Bryson Howard, Pro Skills: The four-star small forward has really burst on the scene with his play at the live session in Memphis and Session 3 in KC. He’s picked up a number of offers recently due to his success from schools like Georgetown, Houston, Memphis and Texas. Take notice now, because Howard’s stock will only continue to rise with Pro Skills (6-5). He’s the son of former NBA All-Star Josh Howard.

    Session 3 averages: 23.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 58.1% FG, 52.6% 3FG.

    STOCKRISERS

    Joshua Manchester, Team Herro: It feels like the Mount Horeb (WI) native doesn’t miss from 3-point range. He made at least two shots from deep in every game at Session 3, including five 3-pointers in Team Herro’s win over the Oakland Soliders on Monday. He also serves as a secondary ball handler for Team Herro (6-5) and plays hard as heck on both ends of the floor.

    Session 3 averages: 12.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 46.4% 3FG.

    Nicholas Mitrovic, Expressions Elite: The 7-footer and class of 2027 forward is still raw as a prospect, but all the tools are there. Length and size. Shooting touch. Knack for the ball on the boards. He’ll be someone to look out for in the next couple years as he continues to grow his game with Expressions (5-6).

    Session 3 averages: 7.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.8 blks, 45.5% FG, 40% 3FG.

    Lucas Morillo, City Rocks: The forward has been consistent all summer long and operates as a point forward of sorts for City Rocks (5-6). Morillo does it all and excels in dribble-handoff situations as a roller. He’s also top-10 in EYBL rebounding (7.9) and uses his strength to finish through contact in the low-post area. There’s a lot to like about his game, and it’s why several Power Five programs have started to offer.

    Session 3 averages: 14.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.8 apg, 48.9% FG.

    Marquis Clark, Meanstreets: As a 6-foot-1 guard, you wouldn’t necessarily expect a points/rebounds double-double. Clark had one against Jet Academy on Sunday and followed that up with a 25-point game vs. Expressions Elite to finish the session on Memorial Day. If he becomes a bit more consistent, Meanstreets (1-10) could start to pile up some wins.

    Session 3 averages: 11.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 43.3% FG.

    Cameron Lomax, Drive Nation: Originally a standout on the football field, Lomax has recently decided to focus strictly on basketball. It’s paying off. Lomax is super quick and uses his speed to blow by defenders and dish out assists. He’ll only continue to grow with all of his focus on the hardwood. Drive Nation (6-5) will need him to be productive to be successful moving forward.

    Session 3 averages: 13.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.8 stls, 41.2% FG, 35.8% 3FG.

    Trey Pearson, Bradley Beal Elite: As the starting point guard for Bradley Beal Elite (9-2), Pearson may have seen his stock rise the most at session 3. The lefty is really crafty and can score in a number of ways from shooting the three, to playing off two feet in the paint. On a team with 5-star Arkansas commit JJ Andrews, four-star Marquette commit Sheek Pearson and five-star 2027 guard Jaylan Mitchell, it can be hard to stand out. But Pearson has.

    Session 3 averages: 19.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2.8 stls, 60% FG.

    Donovan Williams, Florida Rebels: With five-star 2027 prospect Cayden Daughtry at Team USA camp, the Florida Rebels (6-5) had a void to fill at the point guard position. Williams stepped in and was really effective at Session 3. He can score it and has a deadly quick first step. And with Daughtry gone, he was able to show off his playmaking abilities.

    Session 3 averages: 15.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.3 apg, 46.0% FG.

    Rokiem Green, Arizona Unity: This is a player who seems to get better at every stop this summer. Green has electric speed and can create shots off the dribble with his ability to switch pace with the ball in his hands. Arizona Unity (6-5) has a lot of mouths to feed with five-star guard Cameron Holmes, five-star 2027 big man Paul Osaruyi and four-star guards Noah George and Luke Barnett on the roster. But Green picks his spots and fits right in with everybody. He had two 15+ point games in KC.

    Session 3 averages: 9.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 45.5% FG, 33.3% 3FG.

    Abdul Aziz Olajuwon, JL3 Elite: The son of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon hasn’t come close to hitting his ceiling yet, and he’s still producing at a high level for JL3 Elite (5-6). His best game came on Monday, where he scored 25 points with five rebounds and three assists. Different from his father, Olajuwon, the 6-foot-6 forward from Clements (TX), excels at stretching the floor, attempting at least five shots from deep in every game in KC.

    Session 3 averages: 18.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 stls, 56.0% FG, 48.1% 3FG.

    HONORABLE MENTIONS

    Kevin Thomas, Jet Academy: 17.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.8 stls, 39.1% FG, 34.5% 3FG.

    Dionycius Bakare, UPlay Canada: 16.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5 stls, 43.1% FG.

    Elhadji Diallo, NY Lightning: 12.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.8 blks, 51.1% FG.

    KJ Torbert, The Family: 20.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.5 stls, 1.5 blks, 43.3% FG.

    Dionte Neal, Team CP3: 16.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 stls, 40.0% FG, 40.0% 3FG.

    Styles Clemmons, Boo Williams: 11.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 45.0% 3FG.

    Cameron Hailey, Expressions Elite: 13.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.3 stls, 39.0% FG.

    Stay tuned to ZAGSBLOG, as there are several stories and recruitment updates to come from Session 3.

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