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Daughtry & New Heights Crowned: Summer Circuit's Top Stars

Daughtry & New Heights Crowned: Summer Circuit's Top Stars

James Colin
James Colin
Published: Jul 19, 2026

Check out some of the top performers from Championship Sunday in the Nike EYBL Peach Jam and adidas 3SSB.

The summer basketball circuit just delivered an unforgettable spectacle, cementing new legends and showcasing the future of the sport! With the Nike Peach Jam and the adidas 3SSB Championship concluding, scouts and fans alike witnessed incredible talent and championship-level intensity just two hours apart in Rock Hill, S.C. This year's events truly raised the bar for youth basketball excellence.

Summer Circuit's Unforgettable Climax

  • Cayden Daughtry was crowned Peach Jam MVP, shattering scoring records and leading Florida Rebels to the title.
  • New Heights clinched the adidas 3SSB Championship in a hard-fought battle against Mass Rivals.
  • Stars like Antonio Pemberton, Kamari Whyte, and Kamsi Awaka delivered breakout performances.
  • Hudson Hatch provided one of the most dramatic moments with a game-winning buzzer-beater in the 16U championship.

Peach Jam Domination: Daughtry Rewrites the Record Books

No player owned the summer circuit quite like Cayden Daughtry. The Class of 2027 point guard was a scoring force, guiding his team through every challenge. His relentless attack was on full display even in defeat, responding to a triple-overtime loss against the New York Rens with a 35-point masterpiece against UPlay Canada.

A Scoring Machine's Relentless Drive

Daughtry made history, setting a new Peach Jam single-game scoring record with an astounding 43 points against the New York Rens. This epic performance underscored the buzz he generated throughout the tournament. He consistently capitalized on every opportunity, showing a winner's mentality.

“Obviously I’m a little tired,” Daughtry admitted. “But just knowing that I’m here for a bigger reason, my coaches and my teammates, and I just want to win so I’m going to do whatever that takes no matter how I’m feeling.”

He wrapped up the tournament averaging a phenomenal 34.8 points per game, shattering Cam Thomas's previous Peach Jam record of 29.5. In the final, he posted 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in the Florida Rebels' 71-60 victory over Drive Nation.

adidas 3SSB Thrillers: New Heights Claims the Crown

The adidas 3SSB Championship delivered its own brand of fireworks, culminating in a thrilling victory for New Heights. The tournament was a showcase of raw talent and strategic team play.

Pemberton's Electric Offense Meets Unyielding Defense

Antonio Pemberton of the Class of 2027 lit up the adidas 3SSB circuit. After sinking a clutch game-winner against Compton Magic, he maintained his scorching pace, averaging an impressive 31.2 points per game throughout the playoffs. However, in the U17 Finals, his offensive brilliance met its match in a tenacious New Heights squad.

Despite a valiant 33-point effort, Pemberton struggled from the field, going 10-for-27 as New Heights' suffocating defense made every shot a battle. Major college programs, including North Carolina and Boston College, were courtside, keenly observing the high-stakes action.

Whyte's Defensive Masterclass and Clutch Offense

Kamari Whyte, also Class of 2027, stepped up to the monumental challenge of guarding Pemberton. His defensive intensity was a key factor in New Heights' victory. Whyte anticipated every move, denying touches and even swatting a shot away. His positional size at 6-foot-4 proved crucial in limiting Pemberton's impact.

Whyte was deservedly named player of the game, delivering his best performance of the weekend with 20 points (7-for-14 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Reclassifying to 2027, he's a player with high-major interest, already visiting Marquette and Georgia Tech.

Awaka: The Defensive Anchor Who Changed the Game

Kamsi Awaka, the adidas 3SSB Defensive Player of the Year, proved his worth in the championship game. The 6-foot-9, 230-pound big man was a dominant force, recording 5 blocked shots, 9 rebounds, and 10 points. His ability to switch onto Pemberton and move his feet was exceptional, stifling Mass Rivals' drives to the rim. Awaka's interior presence and help-side defense were critical to New Heights' triumph, leaving opponents without an answer.

The Future is Bright: Other Stars Ignite the Courts

Beyond the MVPs and champions, several other players delivered highlight-reel moments that will be talked about for years to come.

Hudson Hatch's Buzzer-Beater Stuns the Crowd

In a moment of pure magic, Hudson Hatch, a Class of 2028 forward, became the hero for Team Loaded. He led his team to their first-ever 3SSB Championship appearance. With the 16U title game on the line, Team Loaded engineered a second-half comeback. Down by two with five seconds left, Hatch executed a perfect pick-and-pop, calmly draining a 3-pointer at the buzzer to seal the victory.

The 6-foot-10 forward finished with a team-high 18 points, including an incredible 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. His fearlessness under pressure and smooth long-range jumper make him a highly coveted prospect, already holding offers from Oklahoma State, Richmond, and Charleston.

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