CJ THOMAS

My final highlighted game of Day 1 at the @NxtProHoops Finals featured a showdown between @kyfuture2028 16U and Prominent Elite. KY Future wasted little time setting the tone, moving the ball with precision, making efficient shots, and playing unselfish basketball to seize the early momentum. Prominent Elite answered every challenge in the opening half, matching the intensity and refusing to let the game get away. Despite the resistance, KY Future carried a 34-27 lead into halftime behind their balanced attack. Coming out of the break, Prominent Elite made a determined push. Strong shot-making, increased defensive pressure, and relentless energy helped them cut into the deficit and briefly shift the momentum. But every time they threatened, KY Future responded with poise beyond their years. Clutch shooting, dazzling ball movement, and timely defensive stops fueled one final surge as they pulled away down the stretch for an impressive 72-51 victory. KY Future's offense was a true team effort with four players finishing in double figures. #3 @ColtDelimpo led the way with 18 points, consistently creating offense when his team needed a basket and providing the spark that kept the pressure on Prominent Elite. Whether attacking the rim or hitting timely shots, he delivered one big play after another to help maintain control of the game. #24 Nick Prater added 13 points, 4 rebounds, a steal, and a block while making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. His versatility showed throughout the game as he scored efficiently, protected the rim, disrupted passing lanes, and provided the kind of two-way impact that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. #13 CJ Thomas finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds, doing the dirty work inside. He controlled the boards, battled for extra possessions, and gave KY Future a physical presence in the paint while converting key baskets that helped stop every Prominent Elite run before it gained momentum. #14 Tegan Couch chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds, providing another steady scoring option while crashing the boards with energy. His hustle, physicality, and willingness to make winning plays helped give KY Future the balance that made them so difficult to defend. Prominent Elite was carried by the spectacular effort of #14 @2raw.syy (IG), who finished with a game-high 23 points while grabbing 5 rebounds. With his team searching for offense, he continually answered the call, making tough shots, attacking the basket with confidence, and doing everything he could to keep Prominent Elite within striking distance. As the only player on his team to reach double figures, he fought until the final buzzer and nearly willed his squad back into the game through sheer determination. @NextUpRecruits