Springfield, Massachusetts, January 21, 2026
The finale of the Hoophall Classic in Springfield saw remarkable upsets, notably Newman National’s victory over Southeastern Prep Academy and Dynamic Prep’s win against Prolific Prep. These performances showcased the competitive spirit of high school basketball, with standout players like Preston Bollin and Elton Smith making significant contributions. The outcomes have important implications for national rankings and highlight the depth of talent within Massachusetts prep sports.
Springfield
Hoophall Classic Delivers Epic Monday Upsets
The final day of the 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, proved to be a showcase of high school basketball at its most competitive, delivering unexpected outcomes that captivated fans and reshaped the national landscape. Two significant upsets, one featuring a Boston-area team, highlighted a day where discipline and teamwork triumphed, underscoring the character-building essence of prep sports.
For high school sports enthusiasts across Massachusetts, and especially in the Boston area, events like the Hoophall Classic represent more than just games; they are a stage where young athletes demonstrate hard work, sportsmanship, and personal growth. The prestigious tournament, held at Springfield College in the birthplace of basketball, attracts top talent nationwide, making every victory a testament to dedication and strategic execution. The recent Monday session showcased precisely this spirit, with teams rising to the challenge and proving that rankings are merely a starting point when the whistle blows.
Newman National Cardinals Make a Statement
In one of the day’s most compelling matchups, the Newman National Cardinals from Boston, Massachusetts, orchestrated a notable upset over the Southeastern Prep Academy National Falcons of Orlando, Florida. The Cardinals secured a 67-60 victory, a result that sent a clear message to the national high school basketball scene. Southeastern Prep, although unranked at the time of the contest, had previously earned a spot in the national Top 25 and was recognized among the nation’s Top 50 teams leading into the Hoophall event. This hard-fought win is anticipated to elevate Newman National’s profile considerably within national rankings, reflecting their commitment to excellence and their ability to perform under pressure.
Key Players in Newman’s Triumph
The Cardinals’ success was a collective effort, yet some individual performances shone brightly. Preston Bollin, a 2027 forward, was recognized as the Game MVP for Newman School. He contributed 16 points and 4 rebounds, demonstrating an excellent spot-up shooting ability with multiple successful three-pointers. Bollin also showed a strong attacking instinct, effectively driving to the rim against defensive closeouts. Adding to the team’s dynamic play was Atticus Richmond, a 2026 power forward committed to Columbia. Richmond delivered a solid performance, showcasing strong effort and an effective drive game. His skills in screening and applying rim pressure were instrumental, creating valuable opportunities for his teammates. These individual contributions, combined with disciplined team play, exemplified the kind of character and readiness that defines true athletes.
Dynamic Prep Shakes Up the Rankings
Another significant upset during Monday’s final session involved the No. 7 ranked Dynamic Prep of Irving, Texas, who faced off against the No. 4 ranked Prolific Prep Crew from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dynamic Prep emerged victorious with a decisive 78-66 win. This “minor upset,” as described by some analysts, featured two highly-ranked teams, indicating the intense competition present at the Hoophall Classic. Such outcomes are a testament to strategic preparation and unwavering resolve, reinforcing the idea that on any given day, a well-prepared team can overcome a higher-ranked opponent through sheer will and execution.
Standout Performance for Dynamic Prep
For Dynamic Prep, Elton Smith, a 2026 forward/center, was a key contributor in their upset victory. Smith’s performance was marked by his physical style of play and effective passing, particularly in short roll situations where he made sound decisions, opting for lobs or driving to the basket. Such versatile play highlights the comprehensive skill set required to succeed at this elite level of prep basketball.
Impact on National Rankings and Community Pride
These surprising results, including additional upsets like unranked St. John Bosco defeating No. 23 Columbus and No. 10 SPIRE Academy topping No. 2 Brewster Academy, are poised to significantly reshuffle the upcoming national high school basketball rankings. The Hoophall Classic consistently draws national attention, with its games often televised, further amplifying the achievements of these young athletes. For the communities these teams represent, especially for Newman National’s connection to Boston, these victories ignite immense school pride and fan engagement. Local athletic programs benefit from this heightened visibility, potentially attracting further support and showcasing the deep talent pool within Massachusetts prep sports. The spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence fostered at events like the Hoophall Classic provide invaluable lessons in leadership and personal responsibility, extending beyond the court into the lives of these student-athletes and their communities.
Supporting Massachusetts Prep Sports
The 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic once again proved to be a thrilling exhibition of skill, determination, and unexpected triumphs. The upsets delivered by teams like Newman National and Dynamic Prep remind us that success is earned through relentless effort, strategic planning, and resilient teamwork. These performances not only entertain but also embody the core values we celebrate in high school athletics: the development of character, leadership, and opportunity.
HEREboston.com encourages all our readers to continue supporting local high school athletic programs. Attend games, cheer on these dedicated young athletes, and follow our coverage for more inspiring stories from Boston MA high school basketball and Massachusetts prep sports. Your involvement strengthens our community and helps foster the next generation of leaders both on and off the court.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hoophall Classic Upsets
What were the two upsets that started Monday’s final session at the Hoophall Classic?
The two upsets that started Monday’s final session at the Hoophall Classic were Newman National of Boston, Massachusetts, defeating Southeastern Prep Academy National of Orlando, Florida, 67-60, and No. 7 Dynamic Prep of Irving, Texas, defeating No. 4 Prolific Prep Crew of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 78-66.
Where was the 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic held?
The 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic was held at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Who were the standout players for Newman National in their upset victory?
Preston Bollin, a 2027 forward, was the Game MVP for Newman School with 16 points and 4 rebounds, while Atticus Richmond, a 2026 power forward committed to Columbia, also played well, contributing with effort, a drive game, good screening, and rim pressure.
What was the score of Dynamic Prep’s upset win?
No. 7 Dynamic Prep defeated No. 4 Prolific Prep Crew with a score of 78-66.
What is the significance of these upsets for national high school basketball rankings?
These upsets, along with others, are expected to significantly alter the upcoming national high school basketball rankings.
Key Features of the Hoophall Classic Upsets
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic | National |
| Location | Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts | State-level |
| Date of Upsets | Monday, January 19, 2026 | National |
| First Upset Matchup | Newman National (Boston, MA) vs. Southeastern Prep Academy National (Orlando, FL) | National |
| First Upset Score | Newman National 67, Southeastern Prep Academy National 60 | National |
| Second Upset Matchup | No. 7 Dynamic Prep (Irving, TX) vs. No. 4 Prolific Prep Crew (Fort Lauderdale, FL) | National |
| Second Upset Score | Dynamic Prep 78, Prolific Prep Crew 66 | National |
| Key Player (Newman) | Preston Bollin (Game MVP: 16 points, 4 rebounds) | National |
| Key Player (Newman) | Atticus Richmond (Columbia signee: effort, drive game, screening, rim pressure) | National |
| Key Player (Dynamic Prep) | Elton Smith (Physical play, effective passing, short roll decisions) | National |
| Impact | Expected to significantly alter national high school basketball rankings | National |
Now Happening on X
- @MassLiveHS (January 19, 2026): Led by a 16-point performance from Preston Bollin, the Boston-based Newman National Cardinals defeated Florida’s Southeastern Prep on Monday at the Hoophall Classic. View on X
- @steve_hewitt (January 19, 2026): Newman Hoops had an incredible 24 hours, beating Cushing at TD Garden yesterday and then upsetting nationally-ranked Southeastern Prep in a 9 a.m. tip at the Hoophall Classic. View on X
- @daves_joint (January 19, 2026): In a close battle at the Hoophall Classic, Newman Hoops from Boston emerged victorious over Southeastern Prep, following their win over Cushing the previous day. View on X
- @nehoopjournal (January 20, 2026): New NEPSAC boys basketball Top 10 rankings place Newman at the top after their signature wins over Cushing at TD Garden and Southeastern Prep at the Hoophall Classic. View on X
- @robbie_hodin (January 18, 2026): Newman Hoops defeated Cushing 79-71 in an exciting matchup at TD Garden, with standout play from Atticus Richmond who excelled in all the little things. View on X
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