Inside the HSA: Observations from Bama Jam
As we get into the travel season, we’re going to do a deep-dive of our HoopSeen Association teams at each respective stop. We’re happy to announce the ‘Inside the HSA,’ a column that’s fully dedicated to covering our association across multiple age groups.
With all that being said, let’s jump right into Mekhi McKinney's notes from #BamaJam...
BACKCOURT BRILLIANCE: STAMMEN & RING ANCHOR D13 ELITE 17U
Cohen Stammen had a strong showing at #BamaJam, serving as one of the primary scoring options for D13 Elite (HSA) across the weekend. The 6’2 guard was efficient in his touches, picking his spots well and converting at all three levels. In key moments, he stepped up with confidence—whether knocking down a big three or attacking closeouts to finish through contact.
Stammen’s calm demeanor and scoring ability gave his team a reliable offensive engine, and he showed maturity with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t force the action and understands when to take over and when to move the ball. With his ability to get buckets and play under control, Stammen continues to elevate his stock.
Isiah Ring made his presence felt on both ends of the floor this weekend at #BamaJam. The tough-nosed guard out of D13 Elite (HSA) was a tone-setter defensively, applying constant pressure on the ball and disrupting opposing backcourts. His intensity, motor, and lateral quickness allowed him to consistently lock up his assignment while also making plays in transition.
Ring also showed his value as a slasher, using quick first steps and strong finishes to get into the paint and collapse defenses. Whether drawing contact or finding teammates off penetration, Ring brought energy and grit every time he stepped on the floor. He’s the type of guard you want on your side when the game gets tight.
FRONT-COURT VERSATILITY ON DISPLAY: CHILDRESS & MARTIN SHINE
Grayson Childress has quietly been one of the most versatile prospects at #BamaJam. The 6’7 forward from Pelham High School (AL) is playing up an age group with We Play Basketball (HSA) and hasn’t missed a beat. In a 74–60 win over Team ALL IN ‘26, he dropped 19 points, scoring from all three levels while defending and rebounding at a high level.
A member of the Class of 2027, Childress brings size, skill, and a mature feel to the floor. He has a soft shooting touch, can handle it in space, and makes smart decisions within the flow of the offense. Whether spotting up, attacking off the bounce, or making reads, Childress continues to prove he’s a name to watch closely.
Joshua Martin was a consistent presence in the paint all weekend at #BamaJam, helping lead We Play Basketball (HSA) with his mobility, toughness, and above-the-rim finishing. The 2026 frontcourt prospect played with energy and purpose, showing great timing on his rolls and making smart reads after setting screens.
Martin didn’t just finish at the rim—he finished with authority, elevating through contact and bringing a physical edge around the basket. His mobility allowed him to cover ground defensively and run the floor hard in transition, creating easy opportunities and second-chance points. A strong weekend overall for a big who plays hard, finishes strong, and continues to evolve on both ends.
LEAD GUARD CONTROL: ISAIAH MCCLAIN RUNS THE SHOW
Pro One Academic Select (HSA) guard Isaiah McClain was a consistent standout throughout the weekend at #BamaJam. The Minor High School product showcased advanced guard skills, breaking down defenders with ease and keeping defenses on their heels.
McClain impressed with his ability to create space, hit tough shots off the bounce, and thread the needle with high-IQ passes. His feel for the game, pace, and confidence as a lead guard turned heads and made him one of the more reliable playmakers on the floor during the event.
RISING GUARDS, REAL IMPACT: REFUSE 2 LOSE STANDOUTS
Dalton Black made a real impression at #BamaJam with his skill, creativity, and scoring ability. The 2027 guard was in rhythm all weekend, highlighted by a 24-point performance where he knocked down shots from deep, attacked off the dribble, and made tough finishes look easy. His jumper is smooth, and his range stretches the defense well beyond the arc.
What separated Black from the pack was his pace and poise. He never looked rushed, played under control, and showed a deep bag of counters to get past defenders. His length and confidence with the ball allowed him to create space and finish through contact. A breakout showing for the young guard who looks comfortable playing up and making an impact.
Cash Langston was a steady force all weekend long for Refuse 2 Lose (HSA) at #BamaJam, leading the charge for a 3–0 start with his efficient and composed guard play. The 2025 prospect showed great command of the offense, using his ability to change speeds and stop on a dime to keep defenders off balance and create scoring opportunities.
Langston consistently knocked down mid-range shots and made timely plays in key moments. He controlled tempo, made smart reads, and was the engine behind his team’s offensive rhythm. His basketball IQ and feel for the game were on full display.
SCORING EXPLOSION: DENNIS ESTRELLA LIGHTS UP BAMA JAM
Dennis Estrella was on a mission all weekend at #BamaJam, putting together one of the most impressive scoring runs of the event. The Discovery High School (GA) guard led Hoops United (John) to a thrilling comeback win over the Mobile Hurricanes, exploding for 39 points—including 27 in the first half with four three-pointers.
Estrella didn’t stop there. In another game, he poured in 37 more in an overtime win, capped off by a Cane Woltemar fadeaway buzzer-beater. With a combined total of 76 points across two games, Estrella finished as the event’s leading scorer and one of the top backcourt performers.
2028 WATCHLIST: BROWN & WINSTON MAKE THEIR MARK
Will Brown put together an impressive body of work throughout the weekend at #BamaJam for Team RCE (HSA). The 6’6 forward consistently showed why he’s one of the more intriguing prospects in Alabama’s 2028 class, flashing a smooth inside-out game. He led his team in scoring multiple times, highlighted by a 21-point outing.
Brown’s range from three, touch around the basket, and strong rebounding made him a tough cover. He impacted the game on both ends and continued to show growth every time out.
Zackery Winston turned heads all weekend at #BamaJam, putting together one of the most electric performances from a freshman in the field. The 2028 guard from Etowah High School (AL) opened the weekend with a 29-point statement game and followed it up with consistent play on both ends.
Winston showcased his full offensive arsenal—draining threes, finishing through contact, and using his quick first step to create separation. His bounce, body control, and shot creation made him one of the breakout guards of the weekend.
POINT GUARD PLAYMAKING: CHARLIE LITTLE LEADS THE CHARGE
Charlie Little ran the show all weekend for Magic City Jayhawks – 8th Ferguson (HSA), helping guide his team to a 3–1 record and a trip to the 8th grade championship at #BamaJam. The talented point guard played with control and confidence, setting the tone as the quarterback of a well-operated offense.
He impressed with his ability to create space, knock down floaters, and set up teammates in stride. Little’s pace, poise, and ability to lead were central to his team’s success.
GLUE GUY GREATNESS: STUERMANN'S IMPACT FELT ON THE FLOOR
Wyman Stuermann brought versatility and high-level feel to the floor all weekend at #BamaJam. The Swiss army knife forward impacted the game in a number of ways: slipping screens, cutting back door, knocking down threes, and making the extra pass.
His length and off-ball movement allowed him to consistently make winning plays. He was active on both ends and did a great job getting to the line and keeping the defense honest.
PACE AND PRESSURE: LUKE CLARK'S ENERGIZER ROLE
Luke Clark brought a high-energy, up-tempo style to the floor all weekend at #BamaJam, helping power We Play Basketball 14U (HSA) to a championship with his fast-paced offense and on-ball pressure.
The 2029 guard thrives in transition, getting downhill quickly and making great decisions to maximize the athleticism around him. He was a spark on both ends, setting the tone with urgency and leadership.
THREE-WING WRECKING CREW POWERS CHAMPIONSHIP RUN
The wing trio of Trey Wingfield, Braylon Kelly, and Tatum Perry brought relentless energy and effort on both ends during We Play Basketball 14U’s championship run at #BamaJam.
They defended at a high level, forced turnovers, rebounded, and ran the floor with purpose. Each embraced their role and made impact plays throughout the weekend—whether it was a key stop, a breakaway finish, or a hustle rebound. This group set the tone physically and mentally.
