The New Year’s Slam took place in Phoenix, AZ from Friday, January 28th through Sunday, January 30th. The event, hosted by Team Cezers consisted of teams from 4th grade through 8th, with games taking place at the Apex Pyramid and…

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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inThe New Year’s Slam took place in Phoenix, AZ from Friday, January 28th through Sunday, January 30th. The event, hosted by Team Cezers consisted of teams from 4th grade through 8th, with games taking place at the Apex Pyramid and the Phhacility. The event featured several prospects from the class of 2028, 2027, and 2026. It also featured several players with some big-time glass cleaning ability. In this article, we take a look at the top rebounders from the event.
Ethan Sobik 6’5 C AZ Storm 2026 – There’s a lot to like about Sobik. While he may be raw on the offensive end, he’s a natural rebounder. Sobik used his size, and long arms to grab in traffic boards. In addition to his size, he has strong hands and the ability to jump laterally. Sobik used his glass cleaning skill set to compete and win several 50/50 rebounding opportunities throughout the weekend.
Braxton Caruso 6’0 C Team Cezer 2027 – I got another look at Caruso this weekend. The big man was one of the better fundamental rebounders at the event. He’s a below-the-rim rebounder, that does a tremendous job of finding, hitting, and boxing out his opponent. He was effective with this technique, using it early and often. Caruso grabbed several of his boards with a man on his back.
Rider Portela 6’3 PF Monstarz 2026 – Portela was a do it all glue guy for the Monstarz. One of his do it all strengths, was rebounding. At 6’3 with a long wingspan, Portela relentlessly pursued the pumpkin, grabbing both out of area and in traffic boards alike. Perhaps the pefect definition of a star in his role, The long arm forward had no problem throwing his body around, and he did it willingly. Behind his ability to clean the glass, the Monstarz left with the 8th-grade gold Divison championship.
Quentin Shade 6’5 C PBC 2026 – Shade is a big body banger that was not shy about mixing it up. He used his frame to wedge through traffic and carve out space. When a rebound was to be had, Shade made sure everyone knew it was his. The big man displayed some extremely powerful hands, reaching out and snagging several rebounds, punctuating the board with thunderous ball slaps.
Jaydon Hayes 5’6 SG SE Supreme 2028 (featured image) – Has displayed a strong overall game, but perhaps his best skill was his rebounding. Hayes has a quick 1st jump, and he used it to beat most opponents off the ground. Several times he took rebounds away from players in better position, simply by jumping over them. His ability to offensive rebound provided his team with a ton of second-chance opportunities. helping them take home the 7th Grade Silver Crown.
Jeehzus Pagan PF Hoop Code 2026 – Unfortunately I did not get a height on Pagan. Whatever it was, the bespectacled forward played bigger than listed. Pagan was a tough inside rebounder, who fought hard to come away with in traffic boards. He got a lot of his rebounds on sheer effort. Pagan didn’t take anything for granted, as several times you could find him sprinting the floor following up teammates missed shots.