SEATTLE, WA — Hillcrest National @ SSS Academies will officially tip off its 2026–2027 regular season this weekend in Seattle, Washington, competing in the Attitude of Gratitude (AOG) Power 32 Prep School League Seattle Summit.
The Bruins enter the season with a roster featuring student-athletes from across the United States, Canada, and England. With a combination of size, athleticism, and young developing talent, Hillcrest National looks to establish itself as a competitive program on the national prep basketball circuit.
Led by Head Coach Taj Gantt, the Bruins will use the AOG Power 32 platform to compete against prep school programs while providing valuable exposure opportunities for student-athletes aspiring to play at the collegiate level.
The following student-athletes will represent Hillcrest National @ SSS Academies this season:
- #1 Zion Wilkins | 6’1″ | 2027 | Chicago, IL
- #2 EJ Banks | 6’1″ | 2027 | Las Vegas, NV
- #3 Amoni Francis | 6’8″ | 2027 | San Antonio, TX
- #5 Jayden Newell | 6’1″ | 2027 | Chicago, IL
- #7 Mikey Williams | 6’5″ | 2029 | Baltimore, MD
- #10 Charlie Barajas | 6’7″ | 2027 | San Diego, CA
- #11 Daniel Simon | 7’0″ | 2027 | Ontario, Canada
- #23 Jamar Keys Jr. | 6’8″ | 2028 | Canton, OH
- #30 Jaideep Gill | 6’5″ | 2027 | Toronto, Canada
- #35 Axel Bjurgert | 6’8″ | 2028 | London, England
Bruins Coaching & Administrative Staff
Head Coach: Taj Gantt
Assistant Coach: Micah Kendrick
Director: Nick Weaver
Athletic Administrator: George Courtney III
An Opportunity for College Recruiters
With prospects representing the graduating classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029, Hillcrest National offers college coaches at multiple levels an opportunity to evaluate talent for both immediate and future recruiting needs.
The Seattle Summit marks the beginning of what promises to be an important season for the Bruins as they look to develop their student-athletes, compete nationally, and create opportunities at the next level.
College coaches attending the Seattle Summit are encouraged to keep Hillcrest National @ SSS Academies on their recruiting radar.
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