The high school season is here and nothing gets going earlier than prep school basketball. Many of the fall pre-season events held throughout the country all for traditional high schools. While leagues such as the NEPSAC occupy your more traditional New England prep schools, the EYBL Scholastic League holds it down for the Nike teams, and the Grind Session takes many of the top independent teams, there is still a ton of talent that is left on the board in need of a platform.
Enter the NSPA Association.
Formerly known as the EIBC, the Association holds events ranging from Dallas to Denver to Phoenix with elite prep schools from both coasts and Canada. The Association holds both an East and West division with powerhouse programs such as Oak Cliff Faith Family (Texas), PHH Prep (Ariz.), Iowa United, Utah Prep, AZ Compass Prep, CIA Bella Vista (Ariz.), and countless others. An absolute gold mine for unsigned D1 prospects, The Association brought 16 teams under one roof for no shortage of competitive prep basketball early in the season at The Phhacility.
Here are the top performers that we saw from the first session of the NSPA Association:
Athian Madut, 6’8, PF, Western Canada Prep (CAN), 2027
The prototypical new age forward, Athian Madut produced at a remarkably high rate throughout the weekend at The Association. He utilized his crazy length to offer a massive shot blocking presence, had great range to defend all over the floor, and converted on the offensive end due to his relentless motor. Madut’s combination of production and potential leads you to believe that he’s just scratching the surface of the prospect that he can become.
Justin Johnson, 6’5, SF, AZ Compass Prep GRIND (Ariz.), 2027
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The son of “Jumping” Joey Johnson, brother of former Rockets guard Nick Johnson, and nephew of late Celtics great Dennis Johnson is carving his own niche at AZ Compass Prep for his junior campaign. Justin is a freak athlete like his family members, is most effective with the rock in his hands, and is a volume scorer who can put points on the board in a hurry. Justin is still a bit under the radar, but the development that he is showing late in his high school process gives him a chance to follow in his family’s footsteps.
Kaleb DeHaan, 6’7, SG/SF, PHH Prep National (Ariz.), 2026
The best shooter at The Association was undoubtedly Kaleb DeHaan, a swingman with size out of Seattle. He was incredibly confident letting it fly, found open areas to get his feet set for his shot, and even posted smaller defenders when needed. Kaleb hit 15 threes over the two games that we saw, showing why he’s one of the better shooters left on the board on the West Coast.
Mamadou Samba Barry, 6’9, PF/C, Anthem Prep (Utah), 2026
Playing with a motor that absolutely didn’t stop, Mamadou Samba Barry was an absolute load for defenders to guard in the paint at The Association. The long armed big from Mali played with a motor that doesn’t stop, is an above the rim finisher, and was an absolute beast on the glass. While he is still rough around the edges, the high level of activity and relentless play of Mamadou will make him an interesting prospect as the season goes on.
Mamadou Issa Sow, 6’10, PF/C, CIA Bella Vista (Ariz.), 2029
The Co-MVP of the Pangos All West Frosh/Soph Camp lived up to his reputation in his debut at The Association with CIA Bella Vista. Issa Sow showed remarkable promise facing the rim as a straight line driver, was confident playing with his back to the basket, and was one of the better shot blockers the event had to offer. Mamadou has firmly placed himself right there at the top of Arizona’s 2029 rankings and is one of the better freshman bigs in the class nationally at the moment.
Iker Martinez, 6’11, C, AZ Compass Prep GRIND (Ariz.), 2026
How a month and a change of scenery can change things. Having watched Iker Martinez a month earlier in Los Angeles with the AZ Compass Prep EYBL Scholastic squad, the Mexican import has still finding his feet with his new team. Fast forward a month and at The Association, he was much more assertive and showed why he’s a serious D1 prospects. Martinez has experience playing with the Mexican National Team which will only help him with his ability to contribute at the D1 level.
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