With the big NY2LA trophies at stake on Sunday for the GNBA Championships, plenty of player were stepping up their game a notch or two. Here is a sample of the days standouts that helped their teams make runs deep in bracket play. Plenty of additional coverage coming soon.

Donovan Davis – 2027 – PF – Grind Elite

As the day went on, Davis just continued to get better and take over. In the quarterfinals he was quiet early on with limited post touches but took over down the stretch to lead a comeback win and finish with 16 points over a very good 24Up team. In the semifinals victory he scored 18 points and finally 20 points in the championship game. To start off he was doing all his scoring around the rim but showed more ability and playing with confidence later on making plays off the dribble and hitting some outside jumpers. 

Cole Kelly – 2028 – PF – Illinois Flight

At the Generation Next Invitational, Kelly stepped up his game in the title matchup with 22 points in a winning effort. Once again with the trophies on the line, Kelly took his game to another level scoring 19 points and dominating the glass for another title for this dominant 13U Illinois Flight squad. 

Tref Rademaker – 2027 – C – Chapman Basketball

The post is one of four players on this CBA squad that can take over a game along with Mikey Rogers, Trey Resch, and Jack Kohnen. While early in the day it was some of his teammates turns to lead the day when it mattered most in a tight championship game Rademaker took over. In a five-point victory, the strong 6’5” center went to work down inside going for 21 points against good size and plenty of defensive attention around him.  

Trey Resch – 2027 – G – Chapman Basketball

Another CBA player on the list from this very good championship 14U team. While Resch played exceptionally well all day in helping CBA win the title, it was his quarterfinals performance that earned his spot on the list. In that tight game, the skilled guard exploded for 26 points. He’s a high-level shooter hitting five three’s in that one game but also played well attacking the rim.   

Peyton Thomas – 2030 – G – 94 Feet Elite

While there are a few champs on this list, Thomas is the lone player to capture a pair of trophies on the day. Even while playing up a level, he was a big reason 94 Feet Elite won the 12U championship. In that championship game, the playmaking guard went off leading his team with 20 points. Right after his 12U championship, he then went and played at his correct age group at the 11U level and helped them win a title with 14 points.