As the highschool basketball season involves en finish, eight of the nation’s prime groups gathered in New Jersey for the possibility to win a Nationwide Title at The Throne Nationwide Championship Match. With a area that includes groups ranked within the prime 20, a number of gamers stood out as all eight groups competed for the coveted championship.
Nate Ament 6’9 185 SF – Highland Excessive College (Uncommitted)
Nate Ament is likely one of the most intriguing prospects within the 2025 recruiting class, at present ranked because the highest-rated uncommitted senior within the nation. He’s a tall and versatile ahead with a wingspan of 6 toes 11 inches, able to dealing with the ball successfully. Though Ament’s workforce was eradicated within the match’s first spherical by the eventual champions, he performed impressively within the one sport he participated in. Throughout that matchup, he showcased his athleticism and abilities by gathering 10 rebounds, together with three offensive boards. Ament completed the sport with 23 factors, however his taking pictures was much less environment friendly, as he made 6 of 17 makes an attempt from the sphere. Regardless of this, he displayed flashes of his potential and is more likely to change into a prized participant for a school program, pursuing a probable one-and-done faculty profession.
Kiyan Anthony 6’5 185 SG – Lengthy Island Lutheran Excessive College (Syracuse)
Kiyan Anthony, the son of not too long ago inducted Corridor of Famer Carmelo Anthony, showcased why he’s thought-about one of many prime 40 recruits within the nation. He successfully utilized his measurement and expertise on the courtroom to affect the video games, main his workforce to victory within the championship in opposition to Allen Excessive College. All through the match, Kiyan was a key participant, averaging 17.6 factors, three rebounds, and two assists per sport. Within the championship, he scored 25 factors and grabbed 5 rebounds, taking pictures 9 of 15 from the sphere, which earned him the match MVP honors.
Brayden Burries 6’4 185 PG – Eleanor Roosevelt Excessive College (Uncommitted)
Brayden Burries was the hero of final 12 months’s match, main his workforce to victory after a shocking championship win in opposition to the Boozers and Columbus Excessive College. Nevertheless, this 12 months’s expertise was not as profitable, as Burries and his workforce fell to the Cardinals from New Jersey within the first spherical. Regardless of the defeat, Burries showcased why he’s ranked because the #2 level guard within the nation and the second-best uncommitted senior. He demonstrated numerous facets of his talent set, being one of many prime scorers within the nation, and he recorded the best level complete within the first spherical. Burries completed the sport with 32 factors on 26 pictures and contributed 4 assists, whereas his drive and aggressive spirit had been evident as he grabbed 19 rebounds within the loss.
Caleb Holt 6’5 200 SF – Grayson Excessive College (Uncommitted)
Caleb Holt was the highest-rated participant within the match and is at present ranked #3 within the 2026 class. He showcased his abilities on each ends of the courtroom throughout the one sport he performed within the match. His workforce began slowly, falling behind by double digits early on, however Holt helped flip issues round, resulting in a tie at 60-60 as the sport entered the fourth quarter. Sadly, he suffered cramps in each legs throughout an important stretch for his workforce. Regardless of these bodily challenges, Holt completed the sport with 27 factors on 18 pictures. His excessive power and intense aggressive spirit set him aside on the courtroom. With one other 12 months of highschool forward of him, Holt is anticipated to stay a prime contender in his class as he pursues the #1 spot.
Kingston Flemings 6’2 169 PG – Brennan Excessive College (Houston)
Kingston Flemings was a standout performer on the courtroom, main his workforce to the match’s second spherical earlier than falling to the eventual champions. Flemings averaged 21.5 factors, 6.5 assists, and seven.5 rebounds all through two video games. He was a key participant within the Bears’ spherical 1 victory, posting a formidable close to triple-double with 33 factors, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists on 20 pictures. Flemings utilized his pace and ball-handling abilities to drive to the basket and excelled within the pick-and-roll, creating simple scoring alternatives for himself. As a prime 20 recruit within the class of 2025, Flemings has all of the potential to change into one other elite guard for Kelvin Sampson at Houston.
Kayden Mingo 6’2 178 PG – Lengthy Island Lutheran Excessive College (Penn State)
Kayden Mingo is the Fortieth-ranked participant within the class of 2025 and the Eighth-best level guard within the land. Regardless of a poor displaying in sport 1 of the match with 3 factors, 4 assists, and 7 rebounds, Mingo turned it round and have become very important to his workforce’s eventual championship. Headed to Penn State within the fall, Mingo bounced again in video games 2 and three, utilizing his intangibles and expertise to seek out his groove. Ending the match with averages of 11.6 factors, 4.6 assists, and seven.3 rebounds per sport, Mingo confirmed his versatility in New Jersey. Utilizing his quickness and IQ, Mingo rebounds exceptionally properly from the guard spot, sparking runs to simple baskets. Mingo possesses the instruments and skills to be a right away affect participant at Penn State subsequent 12 months.
Latrell Almond 6’8 210 Middle – John Marshall Excessive College (Uncommitted)
Latrell Almond is a prime 20 ranked heart within the class of 2026. Over the previous three years, he has been a key participant for the nationwide powerhouse, John Marshall Excessive College, contributing to the Justices’ three consecutive Virginia state titles. Almond performed just one sport within the Throne however showcased his abilities on each ends of the ground, ending with 12 factors and 10 rebounds on simply 10 pictures. His standout efficiency included seven steals and 5 blocks on protection, highlighting his spectacular motor. With one other 12 months of highschool basketball forward, Almond is anticipated to proceed enhancing and certain rise within the rankings as he goals for a fourth straight state title.
Dylan Mingo 6’5 185 PG – Lengthy Island Lutheran Excessive College (Uncommitted)
Dylan Mingo is at present the #11 ranked participant within the class of 2026 and the third-best level guard in his class. Alongside together with his brother and Kiyan Anthony, Dylan performed a key position for Lengthy Island Lutheran on the Throne match. He averaged 15 factors, six rebounds, and three assists all through the match, taking pictures 56.2% from the sphere and 40% from three-point vary. Within the match’s first sport, Dylan had his standout efficiency, scoring 18 factors and grabbing 5 rebounds, which contributed to the Crusaders’ slim one-point victory. Subsequent 12 months, Mingo will take over as the first playmaker at LUHI, as each his brother and Kiyan might be heading off to varsity. With extra alternatives to deal with the ball, Mingo has the potential to interrupt into the highest 10 gamers of the 2026 class.
Jacob Wilkins 6’9 185 SF – Grayson Excessive College (Georgia)
Jacob Wilkins is a prime highschool basketball participant who showcased his abilities on the Throne match. Though his workforce misplaced within the first spherical, Wilkins demonstrated distinctive athleticism that may profit him on the subsequent stage. He delivered two spectacular dunks through the sport, together with a spectacular baseline lob that energized the gang. Over his 4 years in highschool, Wilkins has made vital enhancements, creating a constant soar shot and the power to create scoring alternatives. He completed his lone sport with 13 factors and 6 rebounds on 11 makes an attempt. With added energy and weight to enhance his elite athleticism, Wilkins possesses distinctive qualities that set him aside from his friends as he advances to the subsequent stage.
