The 16u Oakland Soldiers Peach Jam hopes were slim earning only 2 wins in the first 2 sessions of the EYBL. Coach Monroe and Coach Todd dug deep and some changes that igniting a 4-1 outcome in the 3rd session getting over .500 for the season after the 3rd session.

The Soldiers got into Peach Jam as the 14th seed and will be playing the #1 team in Woodz Elite out of Arkansas who finished 11-1 in the EYBL Season.

The team prepared for Peach Jam by playing against West Coast Elite Norcal (UAA) and 17u Team Arsenal Elite at the Norcal Summer Preview hosted by Gerry Frietas. ( Highlights Below)

We will be following the 16u Oakland Soldiers journey as they try to conquer the most prestigious championship in grassroots basketball

16u Oakland Soldiers EYBL

Tosh Baker – Pinnacle – A 6’9 post that protects the rim and loves to bang in the post. Tosh helped Pinnacle HS out of Arizona win another state championship and teammates of national recruit Niccolo Mannion. Tosh has been playing for Coach Monroe for 2 years.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCZ0RpAeP9/

Bryce Monroe – Sacred Heart Cathedral – 5’10 point guard that gets the offense going with his elite ability to break down the defense. One of the top 2020 guards on the west coast holding offers from St. Johns, USF, Cal Poly, Hampton.

Je’lani Clark – Riordan – 6’3 guard and top perimeter defender on the team that is great at penetrating the gaps and getting to the line or finding the open shooter. Currently holds offers from USF, Montana, and Hampton. Je’lani has been playing for Coach Monroe since 5th grade.

Gavin Wilburn – Weston Ranch  – 6’3 but plays bigger than his height. He is the Draymond Green of the team that does a little bit of everything. Maybe the most important player on the team. Gavin has been playing for coach Monroe since the 5th grade.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk_0wkUAvQ5/

Jason Roche – St Marys Berkeley – 6’5 dead eye shooter and a sneaky defender with his long arms. Was out all season due to injury and is back making a splash. Jason’s ability to shoot will stretch the floor for Bryce and Je’lani to attack the lanes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk_dOw8gEq1/

Kori McCoy – Sacred Heart Cathedral – 6′ point guard will be the key facilitator when Bryce is out to handle the pressure defense in the EYBL. Kori will have a big role for SHC this upcoming season after transferring from El Cerrito. Kori has been playing for coach Monroe since the 6th grade

Tejon Sawyer – Salesian – 6’8 post that is good at passing out of the high post and scoring with his back to the basket. Tejon maybe the X factor on how well the Soldiers

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Peter Gwananji – Sacramento – 6’6 athlete that plays above the rim

Mason Whitaker – Spanish Springs – A guard that will be looked upon to provide a spark off the bench

Ramon Farias – College Park – 6’8 big man provided big contributions for a good College Park HS that went to the D1 NCS quarterfinals

Muti Shuman -Woodside Priory – A new addition to the team 6’8 big and physical