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That's a Peach, hon
This year's Peach Jam will be an incredible talent showcase, starting with the Boozers and AJ Dybantsa. But they're not the only ones. Plus, the NCAA Tournament's GOOD news, recruiting updates, notable schedules, and more
Mike Miller & Rob Dauster
July 12, 2024
Good morning! Ready for the weekend? If you’re in Georgia, don’t forget to ask Jeff Goodman for a selfie. He loves that.
Let’s get to Thursday’s news.
1. headline
There is a chance that this year's Peach Jam champion could go down as one of the best grassroots basketball teams of all-time, Rob Dauster writes.
The Nightrydas, the Florida-based program headlined by Carlos Boozer's twins, Cameron and Cayden, won the EYBL's 15U circuit two summers ago. Last summer, they put an end to Cooper Flagg's Peach Jam run by winning the 16U division. This summer, they will head into this season's nine-day long event with a 14-1 record and a first place finish in the EYBL's Merritt Division.
Cameron is the better of the two brothers, and arguably the best player in high school basketball. He’s a consensus top two prospect in the Class of 2025. His brother, Cayden, is a guard who has developed into a top 20 prospect in his own right, leading the EYBL in assists. The Nightrydas added another 5-star for 2024 in Caleb Wilson, a top 10 prospect in the class, setting the stage for what could end up being an epic showdown in the finals.
That's because the Oakland Soldiers may actually be the favorite to win the event.
AJ Dybantsa is considered by most to be the best prospect in high school basketball. Not far behind him is Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026 and a current teammate on the Soldiers. They finished 14-1 and tied with Team Takeover, the reigning EYBL Champions, for first place in the Raveling Division.
Last year's Peach Jam buzz centered on the Class of 2025 and the 16U division. This year, all eyes will be on the older players and a potential Boozer vs. Dybantsa matchup with a title on the line.
There are a number of other talented players to keep an eye on in North Augusta over the next week and a half:
Darius Acuff, The Family: The top point guard in the Class of 2025
Brandon McCoy, AZ Unity: The No. 2 player in the Class of 2026
Darius Adams, PSA Cardinals: A rising 5-star, Adams is one of the best wings in high school basketball.
Meleek Thomas, New Heights: A top ten prospect in 2025 that has been targeted by the likes of UConn, Arkansas and Kentucky
Brayden Burries, SFG: Burries is a top 15 recruit that plays alongside Bryce James
2. That time you were glad for NCAA tourney news
Henceforth, July 11 shall be celebrated by bracketologists — and forward-thinking basketball fans — everywhere.