NPH D1 Championships Marquee Matchup: USA vs Cali Prep

Definitely the game to see in the first round of this weekend’s NPH D1 Playoffs at York University. #10 Seed United Scholastic Academy vs #7 Seed Cali Prep, both finished the season 7-4.

Tip-off Saturday March 16 at 12pm in the Field House Gym at York.

The reason this is the marquee matchup among other notable ones is because of how evenly matched these teams are. From excellent guard play to talented wings. Both teams are from the Greater Toronto Area, and with this tournament being held at York University in Toronto you can expect a pretty good turnout of local fans and spectators.

On the Cali Prep side, they are led by PG Taj Au-Duke who’s averaging 17ppg and recently had a 52 point game at their Senior Night, Dennis Nwogonuwe averaging 13.7ppg, sharpshooting Malko Young & versatile DJ Burke putting up around 10ppg.

Senior night game pic.twitter.com/8BGEKge9yi

— taj au-duke (@tajauduke1) February 19, 2024

USA actually got the victory against Cali Prep when they matched up in the regular season, althogh Cali was without top players. Going into playoffs, Tristan Darko leads USA in scoring at 13ppg with some pretty big games in the season. Progress Imafidon has proven to be an elite level guard with a polished offensive game. Athletic and lengthy frame at 6’4.

2025 G @Tristandarko6 put up a 36 point performance for @UnitedScholasti today in @NPHShowcase averaged 22ppg in his first 3 games pic.twitter.com/ZC3ZKYDfmO

— Joe Moussa (@Joe_NPH) November 27, 2023

C/O 2025 6’4 G @OsarumwenseP4 showcased an impressive scoring arsenal today for @UnitedScholasti

Pretty refined shotmaking ability, did a solid job creating space in the midrange, broke guys down off dribble & got to his spots. Lengthy frame w athleticism, high two-way upside pic.twitter.com/Cb5l2AobZ2

— Joe Moussa (@Joe_NPH) February 10, 2024

These aren’t the only two to look out for on USA’s side. Lebron Waysome, Sam Nuga, among others will have to also step up. If all their guys come to play they can definitely make a deep playoff run.