Well, well, well… look who made good on his promise. If you don’t remember, here were my exact words:

[June 19, 2024] “Unfortunately, the MVP award stayed out of my hands this year, but after winning it in 2022 and 2023, I figured it was time to let someone else shine. But no more Mr. Nice Guy after this because I’ll be coming in hot next year to steal back my spotlight. And that’s not a threat; it’s a promise.”

And guess what? I delivered.

I showed up to the Jordan Kappen 2025 Basketball Camp ready to WORK. It was my 4th annual appearance and I didn’t just win the 1v1 tournament in my age group—I also took home the biggest prize of all: the KAPPEN CAMP GOAT award.

Yep. Greatest Of All Time. That’s me now. No big deal. Well, it’s kind of a big deal, so I’m glad the paparazzi (aka Grandma) was courtside to catch me in action.

I earned this distinguished title by showing up, working hard, listening, and—let’s be honest—scoring on the coaches more than once. The prize? A diamond GOAT necklace, a sweet Local Hoops basketball, and a Local Hoops hat.

But don’t worry… this GOAT didn’t graze alone. Besides playing with my Mel-Min buds (Parker, Ryder, and Cullen), my favorite sidekick (Genesee) was back for her 3rd year of camp! She put in serious effort, held her own on the court, and has been leveling up every summer. If the trend continues, she’s gonna be a top prize-winner next year. I’m calling it now.

So yeah, I’m a man of my word… Spotlight reclaimed.

And just as this year’s camp t-shirt says: “The future’s so bright, we gotta put shades on.”