For over two decades, basketball enthusiasts and players alike have marked their calendars for the Spring Ice Breaker Tournament, a staple event in Houston, Texas, hosted by the esteemed Jim Hicks. With each passing year, Hicks continues to elevate the tournament, attracting top-tier talent from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This year’s edition was no exception, as the basketball community gathered for a weekend filled with fierce competition, camaraderie, and opportunities for aspiring athletes.
As one of the official starts to the High School AAU basketball season, the Spring Ice Breaker holds a special place in the hearts of players and coaches. Over 218 teams descended upon Houston, ready to showcase their skills and kickstart their season on a high note. From elementary school to high school seniors, the tournament catered to players of all ages and levels of experience.
One of the standout features of the tournament was the unsigned senior event, which commenced on Friday at noon. With a college coach on each team’s bench, players had the unique opportunity to catch the attention of over a dozen different colleges in attendance. Among the distinguished institutions represented were Our Lady of the Lake, Texas A&M San Antonio, Texas A&M Kingsville, and Concordia, offering aspiring athletes a platform to pursue their dreams of playing at the collegiate level.
Behind the scenes, Jim Hicks enlisted the expertise of Russell Vanlandingham, the Owner and Founder of UnCommon Basketball, to oversee the unsigned senior event. With over 25 years of coaching experience, including two decades at the college level, Vanlandingham’s wealth of knowledge and keen eye for talent were invaluable assets to the success of the tournament. He meticulously handpicked 64 talented players and organized them into eight teams, setting the stage for an unforgettable showcase of skill and athleticism.
Team 4 Roster:
- Champions
- Aaron Sowell 5’8″ Guard Grapevine High School
- Yashi McKenzie 5’11” Point Guard TMI(JC Transfer)
- Noel Ike 6’3″ Point Guard Fort Bend Kempner High School
- James Sakalas 6’3″ Wing/Forward Flour Bluff High School
- Brycten Harris 6’1″ Guard Nevada High School
- Parker Whisenhunt 6’3″ Shooting Guard/Small Forward Sulphur Springs
- Reid Daniel 6’3″ Guard Fort Bend Elkins
- Keaton Mchaney 6’5″ Forward Red Oak High School
- J’Bari Adams 6’5″ Shooting Guard/Small Forward Ringgold High School
Team 8 Roster:
- Runner-up Team
- Cameron Wagner 6’0″ Guard Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men
- Lamont Stokes 6’0″ Point Guard Fort Worth Eaton High School
- Gian Carlo 6’1″ Guard Belton High School
- Jahill Brewster Guard Monterey High School
- Braylon Toussaint 6’4″ Grand Oaks High School
- Donny Thomas Guard Bishop High School
- Jeremy Roman 6’4″ Combo Guard New Coney High School
In addition to the unsigned senior event, the tournament boasted two divisions, providing teams with the choice to compete for a $1000 prize or participate in a showcase of four games. This diversity in offerings ensured that every team had an opportunity to shine, whether they were vying for the cash prize or simply looking to gain exposure and experience on the court.
Congratulations to the winners of $1000 in their division:
- Super Varsity – FAM Elite 2025 Sei
- Varsity – Island Impact
- Jr Varsity – TMA UA Next 2027
- 8th Grade – Houston Hoops 2028
- 7th Grade – Blue Chips 7th
- 6th Grade – Dallas Da Fam
- 5th Grade – STX Hoops Elite 5th
- 4th Grade – Houston Hoops 2032 Red
As the final buzzer sounded and the tournament came to a close, the echoes of cheers and applause reverberated throughout the gymnasium, a testament to the passion and dedication of all those involved. The Spring Ice Breaker Tournament not only serves as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of the enduring spirit of basketball and the bonds forged on the court. Here’s to another 24 years of basketball excellence and the countless memories yet to be made on the hardwood. #SIB2024
