YB Power 2030: JPS Candy Cane Classic: 3-0 Champions

Christmas came early for the 2031 Boys as they put a bow on the 2025 calendar year!

All season long, this incredible group of six 8th graders has been competing at a remarkably high level — pushing themselves, embracing tough competition, and showing that they truly belong among the best teams in the state. And this weekend was no different.

From the moment they stepped on the court, they carried themselves with confidence, focus, and purpose. They weren’t just there to participate — they were there to compete with anyone, anywhere.

The Tournament started on Friday night at The Courts complex. The squad got their rematch agains a team who had beaten a short handed YB team back to back on the same day a month ago. With the whole squad, there was no contest. Led by very strong performance of #8 power forward Kolbee, leadership on the ball from #2 PG James, and newcomer #23 Ethan, the boys blazed by Blaze 2030 team with a comfortable 49x26 win.

Up Next was another familiar face in PSB Krager. The YB Boys were hyped up from game 1 and carried on the assignment without any issues. #11 small forward PJ showed up big and the twin towers in #20 Callen and #45 Easton stablished their inside presence with no response from PSB and a final score of 73x35 to wrap up the night.

Then it there was time for the championships bout again one of the stronger teams in the area in B&B 8th Black and boy it was a true battle of giants. YB stablished a solid 8 point lead early in the contest, but B&B fought back to even out the scores. Constant lead changes was the story of the game. The tall and strong line up from both squads gave the crowd a real treat as the players battled all the way up until the last minute. #8 Kolbee and #23 Ethan lead the way in scoring with support from #2 guard James and Small fowrad #11 PJ. #45 Easton fough hard inside and #20 Callen was a strong presence on the defense side and on the boards on both ends of the ball. With a too close for YB's comfort full court hail Mary and came a few feet short from B&B at the buzzer, the boys celebrated their Championship (3rd straight for the YB for the night) like true friends who were all proud of the work they had done!

BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK for Young Basketball on Saturday Night!!

What makes this group special goes far beyond talent. It shows up in their coach-ability — the way they listen, adapt, and respond to feedback in real time. It shows up in their teamwork — crisp passes, smart decisions, and trust in one another on both ends of the floor. And most of all, it shows up in their commitment to playing for each other.

Every possession reflected their identity. They rotated on defense, communicated through pressure, and fought for every rebound. On offense, they played unselfishly, sharing the ball and creating opportunities through movement and effort — not ego. When the game got tough, they didn’t flinch. They leaned on their preparation and lifted one another up.

With only six 8th players, missing their staring Power Forward #1 Kam, and the help of a few 7th graders who always step up for the challent in #00 Tydus, #24 William, and #7 Marley), every moment requires heart, resilience, and mental toughness — and this group continues to rise to that challenge. They embrace the grind. They welcome high-level competition. And time after time, they prove that they belong on the court with the strongest programs in the state.

Their growth is undeniable. Their chemistry is powerful. And their ceiling is sky-high.

We are incredibly proud of how they competed this weekend — with class, grit, and pride for their team and each other. This journey is about more than wins and scores. It’s about identity, confidence, and the belief that hard work creates opportunity.

Keep building. Keep trusting. Keep proving what we already know: This team can compete with anyone.

A solid weekend run for the YB Power 2030 crew! 3-0 = Champions!