The opening game of Saturday afternoon at the Crush in the Valley Basketball Showcase delivered a competitive start before Southeastern Prep (Florida) asserted control in the second half, defeating DNA Prep (Los Angeles) 62–45 at Napa Valley College.
For much of the first half, the game was tightly contested. DNA Prep matched SEPA’s physicality and energy, keeping the score close through two quarters. That balance shifted decisively in the third quarter, when SEPA began to dominate the paint and impose its size and depth on both ends of the floor.
DNA Prep’s primary challenge came in trying to slow down SEPA’s frontcourt tandem of 7-foot center Obinna Ekezie Jr. and newly acquired big man Toni Bryant. The duo controlled the interior, combining for 18 rebounds and consistently altering shots around the rim. Ekezie finished with 15 points to go along with his presence on the glass, while Bryant added 13 points, giving SEPA a steady inside scoring option throughout the second half.
Offensively, SEPA was paced by junior standout CJ Rosser Jr., who delivered a game-high 22 points. Rosser’s ability to score at all three levels proved to be the difference, particularly during the third-quarter surge when SEPA created separation and never looked back.
DNA Prep showed resilience and flashes of promise, led by sophomore Jayden Robinson. Robinson finished with 13 points and filled up the stat sheet with two assists and six steals, providing energy and defensive pressure despite the uphill battle in the paint.
With the win, SEPA moves on to face Albuquerque Prep on Sunday afternoon, while DNA Prep will look to bounce back against Bella Vista Prep (Arizona). Adding to the experience, the SEPA squad will cap off their day with a trip to Stanford tonight to watch the Cardinal take on the Cal Bears, a fitting end to a strong Saturday performance at the 10th annual Crush in the Valley.
The opening matchup set the tone for the day—competitive, physical, and full of high-level talent—exactly what the Crush in the Valley has come to represent.
