2026 All-HoopSeen Association 17U First Team

Augusrt 10, 2026

The 2026 HoopSeen travel season is officially in the books and, as usual, the depth of talent was fun and impressive. Our staff debated, deliberated and now delivers our First Team All-HSA for the season. These five players came through in a big way for their respective team and program and stand at the top as some of the best players in independent travel basketball.

Grant Smith, Team Global Elite - This guy had one of the best travel seasons of anyone we saw all year. Smith is a versatile prospect with size and scoring ability. He is going to stuff the stat sheet when he is out on the floor. 

His versatility is what has college coaches intrigued at what he can bring to the next level. Smith had college coaches at nearly all of his games throughout the live periods on our HoopSeen stage. 

Smith shined all travel season. He was named a top performer at our Bama Jam, Atlanta Jam and The Best of the South. - Justin Byerly

Kendall Charleston - Norcross Heat - If you followed the HSA circuit this year, Kendall Charleston is a name you probably saw more than a few times. Charleston was one of those guys who just continued to produce every time we saw Norcross Heat. The big, physical guard had multiple 20+ point performances this season and was always putting pressure on the defense. He’s at his best getting downhill and out in transition, where his size and strength make him a tough cover for opposing guards. But what I liked most about Charleston this year was that he showed he could do more than just score around the rim. He knocked down shots, created for himself and was more than willing to get his teammates involved. Charleston was simply one of the most consistent guards we had on the circuit this year, and his impact on Norcross Heat made him an easy choice for our All-HSA First Team.

Ian Allen - Tennessee Tigers - A Tennessee Tiger always finds their way onto our list of All-HSA teams. Last year, Cutter Sisk (Wofford basketball) was the guy. This year, Ian Allen was the most consistent and valuable player for Chip Smith’s squad. The 6-foot-4 guard has the ability to play multiple positions on the floor and can get his baskets from the perimeter and down in the paint. Allen looks to be a college level prospect and should have college coaches in to see him during the scholastic live periods. - Justin Byerly 

Elyjah Rebetez, HoopGwinnett 85 - Elyjah Rebetez is a guy I’ve been high on since the first time I watched him play, and after the year he put together, he was an easy choice for our All-HSA First Team. Rebetez has everything you look for in a Division I guard. He has great size, plays with confidence and can impact the game in so many different ways. He can get downhill, create for himself and others, and when his jumper gets going, he becomes an extremely tough cover.

What stood out to me the most this year was just how comfortable he always looked with the ball in his hands. The game never seems too fast for him, and he has that ability to take over without forcing things. We saw him put together some big performances on our circuit, including multiple 30 point outings where he showed the full package offensively.  

This is a D1 kid, no question about it. He already has Division I offers on the table with plenty of other programs showing interest, and I expect that list to continue growing. Rebetez has the size, skill set and experience to play at that level, and I think we’re only scratching the surface of what he can become.

Noah Kaufmann- Shockers - There weren’t too many players on our circuit who could get going offensively like Noah Kaufmann. We saw it all year with the Shockers. Once Kaufmann found his rhythm, he could completely change a game. He can really shoot the basketball, but calling him just a shooter wouldn’t do his game justice. He’s crafty with the ball in his hands, knows how to create space and can make the right play when defenses start keying in on him. Kaufmann had some big scoring performances throughout the season, but what stood out to me was how consistently he showed up for the Shockers. Whether they needed a big shot, someone to create offense or just a guard to settle things down, Kaufmann was usually right in the middle of it. He was one of the best guards we saw from start to finish this year and definitely earned his spot on the All-HSA First Team.