Who stood out? - Alley Oop April 2026
- david-harmon
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Spring club season has started in Western Canada, and my first stop was Alley-Oop in Calgary, Alberta. If you didn't see my story last year, let me introduce you to the most fun spring tourney in Canada.
They host 20 courts inside the Calgary Olympic speed skating Oval, and this session saw 350+ teams competing from U9 to U18. It is a fun atmosphere, and the organizers keep improving. This year, every game had a half-court shot for $100, and even 1 lucky girl hit a $ 1,000 shot. They also added a dirty soda booth that local players Nash and Drew Byam make some really good drinks (I may have had several sugar highs to support my guys)
Now, the talent on display is also incredible, and coaches will want to take notes, as at least 5 ACAC/USport/post-grad coaches were in attendance.
WHO STOOD OUT?
The committed players
(2027) 6'3 Noah Barton - Mount Royal University
A strong guard that knows what play to make. He is strong and took over several games, just getting to the rim at will.
(2027) 6' Kai Dobranski - Durham College
He led his team all weekend, hitting big 3's and making plays for his teammates. Any team that pressed him paid the price as he calmly broke it routinely.
The Unsigned Grade 12's
(2027) 6'8 Makalele Palid Supreme U18
The big man was noticeable every time he was on the floor this weekend. He was dominant in the paint at both ends, showing great strength and athleticism. He took the ball to the rim with power and finished through contact regularly. He also impressed with his desire to get the ball on rebounds, securing it high.
(2027) 6'2 Drew Byam FYB
Drew is as fundamentally sound as any player in the gym; he knocks down shots and makes plays. He will be highly sought after this summer as he makes his decision for what is next.
(2027) 6'4 Cedric Reynolds-Raby Supreme U18
Cedric is an efficient player; he uses his first step to create issues for the defense and makes good reads to get himself a bucket or a pass to a teammate for a good shot. He knocked down perimeter shots and showed a great feel all weekend.
(2027) 6'6 Matthew Maneer Empire (Winnipeg,MB)
Matthew is a long, dynamic prospect with a full bag of tricks on offense. This weekend, he attacked the rim with fury and rebounded the ball at a high level, leading to easy breakouts for his teammates.
(2027) 6'3 Nash Murray PEAK
The very definition of hustle. He was everywhere on the court and showed an incredible IQ, especially on defense, understanding what was happening and making plays.
(2027) 6' Hafeez Shokoya Rise U18
An incredible athlete who turned up the pace all weekend and had his team moving up and down the court. He was physical and got to the rim and finished with explosive dunks.
(2027) 6'1 Kieran Weinberger Rise U18
I have seen Kieran play at the Dime Sessions, and his ability to shoot from deep is impressive. He is a very consistent shooter, with a quick release that doesn't need much space to make the opposition pay for losing him.
(2027) 5'11 Max Saffran PEAK
a heads-up point guard that controlled the floor for his squad. He created opportunities for himself and his team.
The Ones to watch
(2028) 6'5 Daniel Rom Empire
It's hard to imagine he is still in grade 11; his ability to knock down shots anywhere on the court, as well as above the rim in traffic, made him the most-watched player in the building all weekend.
(2028) 6'5 Mitchell Ilika Supreme U17
The big man was an imposing player in every game he played. Mitchell's ability to both post up and take the ball off the wing and finish. He also showed incredible defensive instincts, guarding multiple positions.
(2028) 6'3 Luca Pek YXE Elite
Luca knows how to be a connector and make the little things his team needs to win. He is growing into a very good defender who can change the game.
(2028) 6'2 Austin Wang Supreme U17
Austin makes shots, and his teammates look for him. Whether off a catch-and-shoot or a one-dribble pump fake, he was one of the most consistent shooters all weekend and made clutch shots for his team in both their playoff comeback wins.
(2029) 6' Sayvian Smallings Factory
He impressed throughout the weekend, making quick, athletic, and dynamic plays. He pushed the ball up the floor and was one of, if not the best, floor generals I saw all weekend.
Alley-Oop was a great start to the spring club season, and I expect the talent to keep standing out. Thank you to all the coaches and players who stopped and said 'Hi'.
If you want to know where I will be this summer, be sure to check out my Instagram (@davidharmoncoach) and see the pinned post. Be sure to follow on X (@david_harmon) to see my player standouts in real time.
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