The Learning Foundation and Performing Arts Academy (LFPA) proudly hosted its first-ever Holiday Tournament as the year came to a close. This inaugural event brought together eight competitive teams from the Canyon Athletic Association, including the host LFPA, Sequoia Charter, Eduprize, Ridgeview, Heritage Academy Gateway, West Phoenix, EVAC, and Academy with Community Partners. The tournament was a showcase of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship, culminating in an intense championship game. The host team, LFPA, faced off against a determined Sequoia Charter squad and emerged victorious with a hard-fought 61-58 win. Throughout the tournament, several players stood out with their impressive performances. Here are a few who left a lasting impression.
Henry Asante 6’3 Guard 2026 Ridgeview
Asante showcased exceptional effort and determination on both ends of the court, playing with intensity and heart throughout the tournament. His athleticism stood out, highlighted by his quick movements, explosive bursts, and relentless energy. With his high motor and consistent hustle, Asante proved to be a dynamic presence on the floor, impacting the game both offensively and defensively. His skill set and athletic ability make him a promising prospect for smaller colleges, where he could thrive and develop further as a well-rounded player.
Harold Barberana 5’9 Guard 2025 Sequoia
Barberana is a skilled and intelligent floor general who serves as the driving force behind his team’s success. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions on the fly sets him apart as a true difference-maker. Whether it’s creating opportunities for his teammates with precise passing, finding gaps in the defense to score, or setting the pace to control the game’s tempo, Barberana consistently elevates his team’s performance. His competitive spirit, coupled with his advanced basketball IQ and scoring ability, makes him a player who can impact the game in multiple ways and lead his team to victory.
Cory Bery 5’8 Guard 2025 Eduprize
Bery is a dynamic point guard known for his quickness and exceptional ball-handling skills. His shifty movements and tight handles make him a constant threat to break down defenses and create opportunities for his team. Beyond his physical skills, Bery excels as a facilitator, showcasing a strong basketball IQ and a knack for making smart decisions under pressure. As the tournament progressed, his game became increasingly impressive, revealing layers of skill, vision, and composure.
Julian Garcia-Rivera 5’8 Guard 2027 ACP
Garcia-Rivera is the emotional and strategic cornerstone of his team, embodying their drive and determination. A versatile playmaker, he consistently finds ways to impact the game, whether by creating opportunities for teammates or scoring efficiently from all three levels—at the rim, mid-range, and beyond the arc. His competitive nature and clutch instincts shine through as he steps up to make pivotal plays that keep his team in contention during critical moments. Garcia-Rivera’s combination of skill, leadership, and resilience makes him a standout performer, and his upside and potential suggest an even brighter future ahead.
Justin Ford Jr. 6’7 Forward 2025 LFPA
Ford Jr. stands out as one of the most underrated forward prospects in the state, earning recognition as a promising sleeper with significant potential. He excels as a rim runner, using his speed and agility to thrive in transition and consistently finish plays at the basket. Defensively, he is a strong presence in the paint, effectively protecting the rim and securing crucial rebounds. Offensively, Ford Jr. demonstrates versatility with his ability to score in the post and occasionally stretch the floor with long-range shooting. His athleticism, combined with his raw talent and work ethic, makes him a player with tremendous upside. Local JUCO programs would be wise to keep a close eye on him, as he has the tools to make a substantial impact at the next level.
Julian Huerta 6’7 Forward 2025 LFPA
Huerta is a dominant presence in the paint, consistently making his mark with physicality and determination. He excels at protecting the rim, using his strength and instincts to deter opponents from scoring inside. On the boards, Huerta is relentless, securing key rebounds on both ends of the floor with a mix of toughness and positioning. Offensively, he’s a reliable interior scorer, finishing effectively around the rim even under heavy defensive pressure. What truly sets him apart is his love for physical play—he thrives on contact and embraces the gritty aspects of the game. Huerta’s toughness and willingness to battle make him one of the most impactful interior prospects in the competition.
Kaleb Jaramillo 5’10 Guard 2026 Eduprize
Jaramillo is a resilient and tenacious guard who brings a relentless competitive spirit to the game. A skilled scorer, he has the ability to generate points from all three levels—finishing strong at the rim, knocking down mid-range shots, and hitting from beyond the arc with consistency. His never-give-up attitude and tireless work ethic make him a player who can shift the momentum of a game through sheer determination. Jaramillo’s toughness, combined with his scoring versatility and unwavering effort, positions him as a standout guard prospect with the ability to elevate his team’s performance in critical moments.
Demise Kimble 6’0 Guard 2025 ACP
Kimble is a dynamic playmaker who injects energy and enthusiasm into his team’s performance. As a scrappy and determined guard, he embraces his role as a do-it-all player, consistently stepping up to make plays that contribute to his team’s success. Whether it’s creating scoring opportunities, hustling for loose balls, or applying relentless defensive pressure, Kimble does whatever is needed to help his team secure victories. His high-energy approach and unselfish mentality make him an invaluable asset, as he consistently puts his team’s needs above his own to drive results.
Melvin Lewis 6’2 Guard 2026 Ridgeview
Lewis is a highly athletic guard with the ability to score efficiently from all three levels—attacking the rim, utilizing the mid-range, and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess is complemented by his strong playmaking skills, as he consistently finds ways to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Lewis’s versatility and dynamic presence on the court make him a critical component of his team’s success. As they gear up for a playoff run this season, his ability to impact the game on multiple fronts will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their pursuit of a championship.
Carter Maxwell 6’7 Wing 2028 Eduprize
Maxwell is an intriguing and promising wing prospect with a well-rounded game that allows him to contribute in multiple areas. He consistently fills up the stat sheet, showcasing his ability to score, grab rebounds, and block shots, making an impact on both ends of the floor. His versatility and all-around skill set make him a valuable asset to his team. What stands out most about Maxwell is his untapped potential—he’s still developing, and his best years of basketball are ahead of him. With continued growth and refinement, he has the tools to become a solid player at the next level.
James Powell 6’0 Guard 2025 LFPA
Powell is a guard who thrives in high-pressure situations, consistently making key plays when his team needs them most. Whether it’s forcing a critical turnover or knocking down a clutch three-pointer, he steps up in the most important moments to shift the momentum in his team’s favor. As one of his team’s leaders, Powell’s influence on the game extends beyond his individual performances; his ability to take charge and lead by example provides a boost to his teammates. His leadership, combined with his knack for making game-changing plays, makes him an invaluable presence on the court.
Ephraim Smith 5’11 Guard 2025 Heritage Academy Gateway
Smith is a versatile three-level scorer, capable of impacting the game from anywhere on the floor—whether driving to the basket, hitting mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers. His offensive game is well-rounded, making him a constant threat for opposing defenses. Beyond his scoring ability, Smith competes fiercely on both ends of the court, bringing intensity and determination to every possession. On defense, he uses his athleticism and instincts to disrupt plays, while on offense, he continues to make decisive moves that create opportunities for his team.
Prince Sohn 6’0 Guard 2025 Sequoia
Sohn is a standout prospect known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. His explosiveness and quickness allow him to make an impact on both ends of the floor, whether creating opportunities for teammates or attacking the basket himself. In addition to his athletic gifts, Sohn possesses a reliable mid-range jumper and an effective floater, giving him multiple scoring options when navigating through defenses. His versatility as a scorer, combined with his athleticism and knack for making plays, makes him a dynamic threat on the court. Sohn’s skill set and potential position him as a player to watch as he continues to develop.
Ethan Wright 5’10 Guard 2028 Heritage Academy Gateway
Wright is a player with impressive range, displaying the ability to score from long distances with confidence. His athleticism allows him to make plays in transition and contribute both offensively and defensively. He has a smooth and reliable shooting stroke, making him a consistent threat from beyond the arc. What stands out most about Wright is his toughness and his ability to score in bursts, often taking over stretches of the game with quick, impactful scoring runs. His combination of skill, resilience, and scoring ability makes him a dynamic and dangerous player on the court.
