Covering our Rising Stars Invitational, the West Coast Session 1 of our National Circuit in Phoenix, was everything we expected and hoped it would be. The weekend provided our first live looks this season at several high-level West Coast programs, along with a number of new teams and players who made immediate impressions. The level of competition, intensity, and organization throughout the event made for an outstanding evaluation environment. Below are several teams that stood out and made a significant impact over the weekend.
2030 Inspire Academy was one of the clear highlights of the event. They did an excellent job assembling elite talent from across the Arizona area at every position. This roster construction allowed for a complete evaluation of multiple high-level prospects we had not yet seen live this season, all while competing in a setting that maximized pace, spacing, and meaningful game reps. Their balance, depth, and overall talent level stood out consistently throughout the weekend.
Supreme Basketball has firmly established itself as one of the elite programs in the region over the past few years, with a strong emphasis on player development and high-level competition. This weekend was no exception. All three of their teams—the 2031, 2032, and 2033 groups—played up a division and competed extremely well from start to finish. Their toughness, discipline, and confidence set the tone and positioned the program for what looks to be a very successful year ahead.
2034 Sizzle Academy was a program we evaluated for the first time and came away highly impressed. They did something rarely seen at this level by choosing to play up two age groups, yet never backed down from the challenge. Their intensity, team chemistry, and competitive mindset consistently showed throughout the weekend. Based on what we saw, this group has the potential to remain in our Top 25 for the entirety of the season.
Showtime Elite is a local Arizona program that we evaluated for the first time and quickly took notice of. They fielded teams across multiple age divisions and consistently competed—and won—at each level. Well coached and well organized, Showtime Elite displayed strong structure and identity as a program, making them a group with clear upside and long-term potential.
The Rising Stars Invitational in Phoenix set a strong tone for our West Coast National Circuit, delivering high-level competition and valuable evaluations across multiple age groups. With programs stepping up in competition and new teams making their mark, this session was an excellent start to the circuit and a preview of what should be an exciting season ahead.