Event Preview - WPA Bruins Tip-Off Classic
WPA Bruins Tip-Off Classic - 2024
April 12-14, 2024 | Pittsburgh, PA I Hoops Review Event Preview
What you need to know before the event:
The WPA Bruins tip-off classic is always considered to be one of the top live period tune up events in the country. This year brings over 425 teams from all over the country under one roof at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. Most of the top programs in the region will be in attendance, with #GrassrootsPower25 #4 FBC United GUAA making the trip up north to make a statement.
LIVE STREAM LINK
#GrassrootsPower25 17U in attendance:
Bringing back the core group from the 2022 GUAA championship team and 2023 Final Four team, this WV Thunder GUAA group is the clear #1 team heading into the season. ‘25 Dee Alexander and ‘25 ZaKiyah Johnson are both top-five players in the country and a force to be reckoned with. Adding ‘27 Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka gives this another weapon for opposing defenses to worry about. This loaded roster is being quarterbacked by the best coach in the country, and you can see why this team will be so difficult to beat all season.
Key Players
2025 - Dee Alexander
2025 - ZaKiyah Johnson
2027 - Ivanna Wilson - Manyacka
Putting FBC United at #4 was extremely difficult. I think the entire grassroots basketball community can agree that FBC has held down the #1 spot for the last 5 seasons. This season is a bit of a rebuild, but we would be unwise to bet against Mo Motton. FBC will be aided by a huge late addition in ‘25 Lara Somfai, who will shoot up everyone's rankings after a stellar season at IMG Academy. ‘26 Kelsi Andrews is back after suffering a season ending injury in 2023.
Key Players
2025 - Lara Somfai
2025 - Aubrey Beckham
2026 - Kelsi Andrews
Team Takeover is always mentioned as one of the top programs in the country, and this season should be no different. TTO will bring a very strong roster to the court this spring, led by ‘26 Jayla Jackson - a top-3 prospect in her class.
17U Roster
2025 - Zhen Craft
2025 - Mary Amoateng
2025 - Riley Hamburger
2025 - Kennedy Austin
2025 - Maisie Crowley
2025 - Ariana Meriedy
2025 - Princess Moody
2025 - Amirah Anderson
2026 - Jayla Jordan Jackson
2026 - Autumn Fleary
2027 - Qandace Samuels
Adding the #8 player in the 2025 Class in Leah Macy was a huge addition for the WV Thunder Riego squad. She will be one of the top players on the GUAA circuit this season after putting up huge numbers on the EYBL in 2023. Danny Riego will be coaching this highly regarded team and is ready to make his GUAA debut in 2024. We expect this team to be in the mix for a championship come July.
Key Players
2025 - Leah Macy
2025 - Maya Makalusky
2026 - Zaniyah Williams
OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH:
M14 Hoops 3SSB, IGB GUAA, WPA Bruins GUAA, Michigan Storm GUAA, Lady Push 3SSB, MBA GUAA, iBelieve - CT Elite S40, Germantown Lady Panthers GUAA
MARQUEE MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
SATURDAY
M14 Hoops 3SSB vs MBA GUAA
WPA Bruins GUAA vs Lady Push 3SSB
Team Sharp S40 vs Team Thrill GUAA
SUNDAY
FBC United GUAA vs Team Takeover EYBL
FBC United vs WV Thunder GUAA - Riego
Germantown Lady Panthers GUAA vs Michigan Storm GUAA
