For almost three decades, the Nike Peach Jam has been a major highlight of the summer basketball scene, bringing together some of the most promising young players each July at the Riverview Activities Center in North Augusta, South Carolina.
This year, the event has drawn numerous athletes featured in the ESPN recruiting rankings.
Star Performers from Peach Jam
In 2023, Flagg delivered an impressive performance featuring some electrifying dunks and significant defensive plays. He scored 38 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked 12 shots for Maine United, and followed that with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 blocks the next day. Although Maine United made it to the title game, they fell short against Cameron Boozer and NightRydas Elite. Flagg concluded the event averaging 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 6.9 blocks, and 5.7 assists. He later reclassified to the 2024 class, earned the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, and led his high school team to a Chipotle Nationals championship before being selected as the No. 1 pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 draft.
In 2019, Green guided Team Why Not from California to the Peach Jam title game, averaging 23.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists. As the top high school prospect in the ESPN 100 for 2020, he showcased his athleticism with highlight-reel dunks throughout the week. He was named high school player of the year in his senior season and was selected as the No. 2 pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA draft.
Cameron Boozer’s Dominance
In 2024, Boozer played a key role in NightRydas Elite from Florida, making history as the first grassroots team to win consecutive Peach Jam championships at various age levels. In the title game, he scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, alongside 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Ranking No. 3 in the ESPN 100 for 2025, Boozer was also honored as the Gatorade National Player of the Year during his senior year.
Another dynamic duo was Young and Porter during the 2016 event, leading Mokan Elite from Kansas to an unbeaten run. Young averaged 27 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, while Porter contributed with 26.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and three steals. Young, ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 100 for 2017, led the nation in points and assists his freshman year at Oklahoma, later being picked fifth by the Dallas Mavericks and traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Porter, ranked No. 2, went 14th in the draft to the Denver Nuggets.
Historic Contributions from Other Players
Tatum was a formidable presence in 2015, leading the St. Louis Eagles to the title game with an average of 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His impressive skill set earned him the Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Tatum excelled at Duke and was selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 draft.
Briscoe, known as “Must-See TV,” led NJ Playaz to the Peach Jam title in 2014. His exceptional speed and ballhandling made him a tough player to guard, averaging 19.2 points and five assists per game. He had a standout championship game with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, eventually leading Roselle Catholic School to a state title before a successful stint at Kentucky and a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Randle, ranked No. 3 in the ESPN 100 for 2013, also made his mark with the Texas Titans in 2012, averaging 23.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. He peaked during one game with 31 points and 17 rebounds. Leading Prestonwood Christian Academy to a state title in his senior year, Randle averaged an impressive 32.5 points and 22.5 rebounds before excelling at Kentucky and being picked No. 7 by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 draft.
