Power 5’s “Slam City” Takes Over: Justn Cato Leads New No. 1 Team at Jr. 3SSB Boys Nationals 14U Championship

The 14U Gold Division lived up to the billing as one of the deepest and most competitive brackets of the summer, featuring 11 nationally ranked teams from across the country. By Sunday’s championship, one thing had become clear—there was a new team ready to claim the nation’s top spot.

Entering the weekend ranked No. 4 nationally, Power 5 (WI) put together a championship run worthy of the No. 1 ranking. The Wisconsin powerhouse stormed through pool play before knocking off No. 23 ACE Hoyas (WA), No. 21 Slow Grind Elite (WA), No. 8 BLUEprint Hoops 2030 Jr. 3SSB (IL), and No. 7 Davis Brothers Elite (WI) in the championship game to capture the Jr. 3SSB Boys Nationals 14U Gold title.

What separated Power 5 wasn’t just the wins—it was how they won.

The high-flying group turned every game into a highlight reel, attacking the rim in transition and finishing with authority. Throughout the weekend, they delivered one emphatic dunk after another, bringing packed gyms to their feet and earning the unofficial nickname “Slam City.” Their combination of athleticism, physicality, and relentless pace overwhelmed some of the nation’s best competition.

While Power 5 was making its title run, the biggest storyline on the opposite side of the bracket was the fall of the tournament favorite. No. 1 Team Loaded South (NC) entered Rock Hill as the nation’s top-ranked team after an unbeaten run through pool play, but its championship hopes ended in the Elite Eight with a loss to No. 7 Davis Brothers Elite (WI).

That upset set the stage for an all-Wisconsin championship showdown. Davis Brothers Elite had proven it could beat the nation’s top-ranked team, but Power 5 left no doubt who owned the weekend, closing out a 60-51 championship victoryto complete one of the strongest tournament runs of the season.

Several nationally ranked programs made impressive runs throughout the weekend:

  • No. 4 Power 5 (WI) — Champions.
  • No. 7 Davis Brothers Elite (WI) — Runner-up after eliminating No. 1 Team Loaded South.
  • No. 8 BLUEprint Hoops 2030 Jr. 3SSB (IL) — Advanced to the Final Four behind another outstanding weekend from Brayden Holland before falling to the eventual champions.
  • No. 15 D1 Minnesota (MN) — Reached the Elite Eight before falling to Davis Brothers Elite.
  • No. 16 KT Kings (FL) — Advanced to the Round of 16.
  • No. 20 Lakeshow 3SSB 2030 (CA) — Advanced out of pool play before suffering a heartbreaking one-point loss to Arkansas Hawks.
  • No. 21 Slow Grind Elite (WA) — Won its pool and reached the championship bracket before falling to Power 5.
  • No. 23 ACE Hoyas (WA) — Captured its pool before running into the eventual champions.

Regional powers also made their presence felt. Arkansas Hawks, the No. 1-ranked team in the Southwest, reached the Elite Eight after knocking off nationally ranked Lakeshow 3SSB. Florida Vipers Basketball Academy, Corona Nation Jr. 3SSB, Midwest Basketball Club Pumas, Midwest Basketball Club Premier, ProLyfe Elite, and Tri-County Soldiers all earned quality wins against nationally recognized competition, showcasing just how deep the 14U field was.

Leading the charge for the champions was Tournament MVP Justn Cato, whose impact extended far beyond the box score. Cato consistently controlled the game’s biggest moments while averaging 14.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists during Power 5’s championship run. Alongside standouts Braylin Calhoun and a deep, athletic roster, Power 5 established itself as the most complete team in the building.

With victories over multiple nationally ranked opponents—including the team that eliminated the nation’s No. 1-ranked squad—Power 5 didn’t simply win a national championship.

They made a compelling statement that the road to the top of the 14U national rankings now runs through Wisconsin.

14U Gold All-Tournament Team

MVP

  • Justn Cato (Power 5, WI) — 14.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 APG

Cato was the driving force behind Power 5’s championship run, showcasing one of the most complete skill sets in the tournament. He is a polished three-level scorer who can create his own shot off the dribble, knock down perimeter jumpers with confidence and attack the painted area under control. His ability to make quick decisions and play at his own pace allows him to impact the game as both a scorer and facilitator, consistently making the right read. Defensively, Cato’s versatility and relentless motor stood out throughout the weekend, as he disrupted opposing guards, defended multiple positions and made timely winning plays. His combination of offensive creativity, defensive impact and basketball IQ made him the clear choice for 14U Gold MVP.

First Team

  • Brayden Holland (BLUEprint Hoops 2030 Jr. 3SSB, IL) — 15.8 PPG, 2.2 SPG

Holland continued to establish himself as one of the premier guards in the 2031 class with another outstanding tournament performance. A physically strong lead guard, he consistently leveraged his frame to attack downhill, absorb contact and finish through defenders in the painted area. Holland is a true three-level scorer who can create his own offense off the dribble, knock down perimeter jumpers and control the game in the mid-range. Beyond his scoring, he plays with excellent pace and maturity, making sound decisions as a primary ball-handler while creating quality opportunities for teammates. His toughness, production and ability to impact the game on both ends were instrumental in BLUEprint Hoops’ run to the national semifinals.

  • Braylin Calhoun (Power 5, WI) — 11.7 PPG

Calhoun was one of the biggest difference-makers during Power 5’s championship run, bringing athleticism, versatility and relentless energy on both ends of the floor. He thrives in the open court, where his speed and explosiveness allow him to create easy scoring opportunities in transition. In the half court, he attacks downhill with purpose, finishes through contact and has the confidence to stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting. Defensively, Calhoun’s versatility stands out. He covers ground well, disrupts passing lanes, protects the rim as a help defender and has the lateral quickness to switch onto smaller guards. His ability to impact winning in multiple ways made him a key piece of one of the nation’s top teams.

  • Cooper Crislip (Midwest Basketball Club Pumas, OH) — 20.3 PPG

Crislip was one of the most dangerous shot-makers in the 14U Gold division, leading the field in scoring while stretching defenses with his deep perimeter range. He is an elite shooter who can score off the catch or off the dribble, forcing defenders to pick him up well beyond the arc. His shooting gravity opened the floor for Midwest Basketball Club Pumas and consistently changed how opponents had to defend. Crislip also plays with confidence and pace, using smart off-ball movement to create clean looks while showing enough handle to attack closeouts and make plays inside the arc. His shot-making, energy and production made him one of the top offensive performers of the tournament.

  • Dailon Sanders (KT Kings, FL) — 17.0 PPG

Sanders was one of the most polished scoring guards in the 14U Gold division, consistently controlling games with his ability to score from all three levels. He attacked gaps off the dribble, punished defenders for going under screens with confident perimeter shot-making and created contact to get to the free throw line in key moments. When KT Kings needed offense, Sanders repeatedly delivered by creating quality looks for himself and keeping pressure on the defense. His scoring versatility, pace and late-game shot creation made him one of the top guards in the tournament.

  • Derrick Fowler Jr. (Arkansas Hawks, AR) — 13.8 PPG, 1.8 SPG

Fowler was one of the toughest downhill guards in the 14U Gold division, consistently using his strength and pace to put pressure on the defense. He plays through contact well, creates leverage on drives and is at his best when attacking the painted area with purpose. In transition, Fowler’s first step and physicality allow him to turn defensive rebounds or turnovers into quick scoring chances. Defensively, he brings strong on-ball presence, using his strength and activity to disrupt opposing guards and create turnovers. His two-way toughness helped Arkansas Hawks make a strong run against a loaded national field.

  • Isaac Zarate (Davis Brothers Elite, WI) — 12.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.5 APG

Zarate was the floor general behind Davis Brothers Elite’s run to the 14U Gold championship game, delivering his best moments on the biggest stage. In the upset win over No. 1 Team Loaded South, he controlled the tempo, created quality looks for teammates and showed advanced feel with his passing vision. His poise stood out late, especially as Davis Brothers closed out the game in overtime. Zarate plays with confidence, pace and toughness, balancing scoring with playmaking while keeping his team organized. His ability to dictate the game and make winning plays under pressure makes him one of the premier lead guards in the 2030 class.

  • Levi “Sonny” Watkins (Team Loaded South, NC) — 17.5 PPG

Watkins continues to establish himself as one of the premier national prospects in the 2030 class. The highly skilled wing combines advanced feel, scoring versatility and long-term upside that consistently separates him from his peers. A true three-level scorer, he gets to his spots with ease, knocks down shots off the dribble and scores efficiently within the flow of the offense. His shooting mechanics are clean and repeatable, allowing him to stretch the floor while also creating in the mid-range and attacking the painted area. Watkins impacts the game beyond scoring as well, contributing on the glass and handling lead guard responsibilities when needed. His combination of skill, instincts, versatility and basketball IQ made him one of the top performers in the 14U Gold division.

  • Orlando Long (Midwest Basketball Club Premier Jr. 3SSB, OH) — 14.3 PPG

Long was one of the premier shooters in the 14U Gold division, consistently stretching defenses with his deep perimeter range. He averaged 4.0 made threes per game, showing the ability to get his shot off quickly and confidently both off the catch and off the dribble. His shooting gravity forced opponents to extend their coverage, opening driving lanes and creating better spacing for Midwest Basketball Club Premier. Long’s confidence, shot preparation and ability to punish defenses from deep made him one of the top perimeter threats in the building

  • Sam Staebler (Davis Brothers Elite, WI) — 12.5 PPG

Staebler was a steady interior presence for Davis Brothers Elite throughout its run to the 14U Gold championship game. A strong, physical post player with good footwork and touch around the basket, he gives his team a reliable option inside and helps establish offensive rhythm through the painted area. Staebler sets solid screens, makes smart reads from the post and understands how to play within a team structure. His strength, positioning and feel allow him to impact the game as a scorer, screener and connector, making him a key piece of Davis Brothers Elite’s national runner-up finish.

Second Team

  • Chandler Shelton (Florida Vipers Basketball Academy, FL) — 17.0 PPG
  • Julian Beitia (KT Kings, FL) — 15.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG
  • Justin Fowler (ProLyfe Elite 2030, TX) — 13.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG
  • Kannon Axdahl (D1 Minnesota, MN) — 10.0 PPG
  • Keagan Krull (Davis Brothers Elite, WI) — 13.0 PPG
  • Layton Jones Jr. (BLUEprint Hoops 2030 Jr. 3SSB, IL) — 12.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG
  • Matéo Rossi-Cacoque (Dropoff Elite, CAN) — 10.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG
  • Patrick Sideris (Slow Grind Elite, WA) — 10.5 PPG
  • Selassie Trahan-Castillo (ACE Hoyas, WA) — 17.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG
  • Sheldon Yarbrough (Power 5, WI) — 8.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 BPG

Third Team

  • Blake Hatten (Arnold Elite Jr. 3SSB 2030, TX) — 9.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG
  • Braeden Schiller (Corona Nation Jr. 3SSB, CA) — 15.3 PPG
  • Cash Barrett (Lakeshow 3SSB 2030, CA) — 14.0 PPG
  • Dominic Blanco (Tri-County Soldiers, CAN) — 8.2 PPG
  • Justin Peppers (Arkansas Hawks, AR) — 12.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG
  • Kidman Knueppel (Davis Brothers Elite, WI) — 9.8 PPG
  • Michael Grzesk (Power 5, WI) — 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.2 APG
  • Trey Hunt (Stick to the Script Academy, TX) — 18.3 PPG
  • Tristan Echols (99OVR 2K30 Jr. 3SSB, TX) — 10.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG
  • Xavier Owen Jones (The Collective Elite 2030, CAN) — 15.3 PPG

Fourth Team

  • Devin Nelson (Kelly Kaos, OK) — 14.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG
  • Gabriel L. Thomas (Garner Road, NC) — 15.6 PPG
  • Haydyn Lesniak (Phenom BallStarz, IA) — 15.3 PPG
  • Ivan Jenkins Jr. (Carolina Stars 2030 3SSB, NC) — 17.8 PPG, 3.0 APG
  • Joel Jones (Pels Elite 2030 Jr. 3SSB, TX) — 14.3 PPG
  • Masiah Carreira (Kekela Gold, HI) — 13.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG
  • Miles Henderson (4700 TRN Academy, TX) — 15.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG
  • Ty Simons (Midwest Basketball Club CKY, KY) — 11.8 PPG
  • William Paige (Gauchos, NY) — 15.7 PPG
  • Zryan Arrington (AE5 South, GA) — 15.8 PPG

14U Silver: Durham Hurricanes Complete Dominant Championship Run at Jr. 3SSB Boys Nationals

The 14U Silver division featured one of the deepest brackets at Jr. 3SSB Boys Nationals, with several quality programs making impressive runs before Durham Hurricanes (NC) emerged as champions.

After cruising through pool play, Durham continued its momentum in bracket play, defeating Bay City 2030 (CA), Character & Skills Basketball (IN), Reidsville Tigers (NC) and D1 Minnesota (MN) to finish a perfect 6-0 weekend and claim the 14U Silver championship.

The Hurricanes controlled games with disciplined defense, unselfish offense and balanced scoring throughout the tournament. Their toughest test came in the championship against a talented D1 Minnesota squad, but Durham made timely plays down the stretch to secure a 50-48 victory and bring home the title.

Meyer Upchurch earned Tournament MVP honors after serving as the engine behind Durham’s championship run. His leadership, toughness and ability to impact winning on both ends of the floor consistently set the tone throughout the weekend.

Durham Hurricanes Championship Run

  • Pool Play: def. 501 Elite 2030 (AR), 61-23
  • Round of 16: def. Bay City 2030 (CA), 52-31
  • Quarterfinals: def. Character & Skills Basketball (IN), 59-25
  • Semifinals: def. Reidsville Tigers (NC), 51-35
  • Championship: def. D1 Minnesota (MN), 50-48

Championship Results

Championship

  • Durham Hurricanes (NC) 50, D1 Minnesota (MN) 48

Semifinals

  • Durham Hurricanes (NC) 51, Reidsville Tigers (NC) 35
  • D1 Minnesota (MN) 58, Team Highstar (SC) 55

Quarterfinals

  • Durham Hurricanes (NC) 59, Character & Skills Basketball (IN) 25
  • D1 Minnesota (MN) 58, The UN1T (NY) 47
  • Team Highstar (SC) 49, Team Just Respect Jr. 3SSB Black 40
  • Reidsville Tigers (NC) 50, Wave (FL) 47

MVP

Meyer Upchurch (Durham Hurricanes, NC) — 8.2 PPG, +95

Upchurch was the engine behind Durham Hurricanes’ undefeated championship run, earning 14U Silver MVP honors with his complete two-way impact. A true floor general, he plays with outstanding pace, poise and basketball IQ, consistently making the right read while keeping his team organized. He doesn’t force offense, instead scoring efficiently within the flow of the game while creating quality opportunities for teammates.

What separates Upchurch is his versatility. He is equally effective with the ball in his hands or playing off it, making timely cuts, spacing the floor and capitalizing on scoring opportunities from all three levels. Defensively, he competes with an edge, applying relentless ball pressure, generating turnovers and making winning hustle plays. Despite not relying on size, he consistently rebounds above his position through toughness, anticipation and effort.

All-Tournament Team

First Team

  • Brady Konst (The UN1T, NY) — 16.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG
  • Brody Johnson (Durham Hurricanes, NC) — 10.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG
  • Carter Wieczorek (D1 Minnesota, MN) — 17.2 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.0 SPG
  • Greyson Dunmeyer (Team Highstar, SC) — 16.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG
  • Liam Johns (The UN1T, NY) — 14.5 PPG
  • Luke Newman (Reidsville Tigers, NC) — 13.5 PPG
  • Mason Parker (Rarebreed Elite) — 13.4 PPG
  • Tyjuan Butler (Panhandle Prospects 2030, FL) — 9.0 PPG
  • Xavier Uhlinger (Wave, FL) — 12.4 PPG

Second Team

  • Bryce Hutchinson (JW Hoops Jr. 3SSB Elite 2030, TX) — 9.5 PPG
  • Cory Green Jr. (North Alabama Lakers, AL) — 12.3 PPG
  • Everett Stark (D1 Minnesota, MN) — 10.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG
  • Gavin Crenshaw (Team Highstar, SC) — 10.2 PPG
  • Kandon Ceaser (JBC Elite, LA) — 10.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG
  • Kristian Wilson (Character & Skills Basketball, IN) — 8.8 PPG
  • Kyle McGrath (D1 Minnesota, MN) — 10.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG
  • Tucker Burgess (Durham Hurricanes, NC) — 9.6 PPG
  • Tyler Rivera (Team Just Respect Jr. 3SSB Black) — 10.0 PPG
  • Will Biswell (Rise & Reign) — 14.0 PPG

Third Team

  • Dominic McCarter (Team Right Now, NV) — 13.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG
  • Gavin Washington (501 Elite 2030, AR) — 11.5 PPG
  • Jayce Oliver (Balling Eagles Gold, GA) — 17.7 PPG
  • Karl Safran (D-Up Blue, PA) — 13.0 PPG
  • Melvin Price (Mansfield Bulls, TX) — 14.5 PPG
  • Noah McBride (Just Us Basketball, CA) — 14.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG
  • Sire Scott (Balling Eagles Silver, GA) — 14.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG
  • Trae’lyn Brown (One on One, NC) — 10.8 PPG
  • Ty Schnittger (CA Gold, CA) — 13.5 PPG
  • Zenzo Padilla (Bay City 2030, CA) — 10.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG