North Pole Hoops Welcomes Montverde Academy Eagles to the WNPA
A Landmark Partnership Elevates Women’s Prep Basketball Across North America
TORONTO, ON / MONTVERDE, FL – North Pole Hoops (NPH) is proud to announce that the Montverde Academy Eagles will officially join the Women’s National Preparatory Association (WNPA) beginning in the upcoming season.
Recognized globally for developing elite student-athletes and producing some of basketball’s most accomplished players, Montverde Academy brings an unmatched tradition of excellence to North America’s only national prep league for women. The program has also played a significant role in the development of both boys and girls Canadian basketball talent making this partnership a natural fit for two organizations committed to developing athletes at the highest level.
Montverde Academy is currently celebrating their first ever alumni to be drafted to the WNBA with Janiah Barker being selected 29th overall in the 2026 Draft by the Las Vegas Aces. They have also produced multiple D1 players including Jaloni Cambridge (Ohio State), Vivian Iwuchukwu (Florida Gators) and Agot Makeer (South Carolina) who is a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
On the men’s side, Montverde Academy’s storied history includes multiple top-5 NBA Draft Picks including Cooper Flagg (1st overall – Dallas Mavericks), Cade Cunningham (1st overall – Detroit Pistons), D’Angelo Russell (2nd overall – Los Angeles Lakers) and Scottie Barnes (4th overall – Toronto Raptors). The Eagles also boast a Canadian pipeline that counts current NBAers RJ Barrett, Andrew Nembhard and Ryan Nembhard. Currently on the Eagles roster is FIBA Americas MVP & Gold Medalist Javion Tyndale and incoming phenom Isaiah Hamilton, both of which are National Preparatory Association (NPA) alumni.
The addition of one of the world’s premier basketball programs marks a historic milestone as North Pole Hoops, the operator of the WNPA, celebrates its 16th year. This commitment further strengthens the Canadian organization’s expansion into the United States while continuing its commitment to raising the standard of prep basketball across North America.
“This is a defining moment for North Pole Hoops,” said Tariq Sbiet, Founder & CEO of North Pole Hoops.
“We are excited to work with a program like Montverde Academy that will help us continue to raise standards and set new benchmarks in prep basketball, while continuing our mission of elevating women’s basketball.”
Sbiet believes the partnership represents far more than competition—it reflects a shared philosophy and long-term vision.
“Culturally, both organizations are aligned, representing a people and player-first approach, with a global vision uniting us. We believe in the power of basketball to break geographical barriers, serve as a growth catalyst, and provide unique experiences to our student-athletes. Canada and America coming together for high-level basketball is exactly what this game deserves.”
Beyond the court, the collaboration will place a strong emphasis on advancing opportunities for women throughout the basketball ecosystem.
“Women’s basketball continues to experience incredible momentum, and partnerships like this accelerate that growth,” said Mike Mekhail, Director of Women’s Basketball Development at North Pole Hoops.
For Nana Owoahene, NPH’s Women’s League Manager, the partnership reflects the league’s continued evolution.
“Entering the WNPA’s third season, North Pole Hoops continues to show its commitment to women’s basketball by building a next-level platform that quite frankly, hasn’t existed until now.”
With Montverde Academy joining the league, the WNPA adds one of the sport’s most respected brands to its growing membership while reinforcing North Pole Hoops’ vision of connecting Canada’s best programs with America’s best institutions through meaningful competition and collaboration.
“WNPA gives teams that don’t play for typical sanctioned state champions such as prep school and other private schools an opportunity to play in an elite league of its own and have a championship playoff run,” stated Montverde Academy’s Head Coach Anthony Jones.
“Canada and the United States now get a chance to compete in a league that can help the high school teams better prepare for the different styles they don’t often see when playing in a more confined area,” Jones added. “Playing internationally in FIBA competitions and in the NCAA is so much more diverse and what better way to help prepare our players for that moment than by playing against diverse competition as soon as possible.”
For Khrystal Phiri, Montverde Academy’s Director of Athletic Operations, this partnership fits Montverde Academy’s big picture perspective.
“At Montverde Academy, we believe growth happens when talented student-athletes are challenged by the very best competition available, while continuing to develop players who are prepared to succeed at the highest levels of the game. We’re excited to represent our school on the international stage and contribute to the continued growth of girls basketball worldwide.”
About North Pole Hoops
Founded in 2010, North Pole Hoops is North America’s leading basketball media, events, scouting, and league platform dedicated to developing student-athletes and growing the game across Canada and the United States. Through its leagues, showcases, scouting services, media coverage, and international partnerships, NPH continues to connect players, coaches, schools, and communities while creating pathways to success on and off the court.
About Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is internationally recognized as one of the world’s premier athletic and academic institutions, with a rich tradition of developing elite basketball talent. Known for its championship culture and commitment to excellence, the Eagles have produced numerous collegiate and professional athletes while preparing student-athletes to succeed at the highest levels both academically and athletically.
