Youth athletes displaying their skills during the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activities Center.
The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Peach Jam returns to North Augusta, showcasing elite high school basketball talent from the U.S. and Canada. This year marks the 29th consecutive event, featuring over 100 teams competing for glory. Local athletes represent the community at this prestigious tournament, which is projected to generate substantial economic benefits for local businesses. Volunteers are essential in supporting the event. The tournament also attracts national scouts and basketball celebrities, making it a key highlight in the youth basketball calendar.
North Augusta is hosting the annual Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Peach Jam at the Riverview Park Activities Center from July 14-20, 2025. This event, now in its 29th consecutive year, showcases elite high school basketball talent from across the United States and Canada, gathering notable teams and thousands of spectators.
This prestigious tournament debuted in North Augusta in 1996 and has since become the longest-running event for Nike at a single location. Participating teams had to qualify through the EYBL summer league, with fierce competitions held from July 9 to July 12, attracting more than 100 teams across the nation. Three age divisions are represented this year: 17U, 16U, and 15U, ensuring a wide range of young talents on display.
Local athletes Frashard Tisby, a junior from Cross Creek High School, MJ Curry, a former Grovetown star now playing at Grayson, along with Dontrell Jackson and Ian Leverette, are proudly representing the community at this year’s tournament. Their participation adds a personal touch to the event as local talent competes on a national stage.
The economic impact of the Peach Jam event is significant, with projections estimating around $18.6 million benefitting local businesses, including hotels and restaurants. This influx of visitors highlights the tournament’s importance not only in the sporting world but also in supporting the community’s economy.
More than 300 dedicated volunteers from local churches, including TrueNorth Church and First Baptist Church, play a crucial role in the event. These volunteers provide essential support by preparing and serving between 1,200 to 1,500 meals daily for athletes, featuring a hearty menu that includes turkey, ham, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and homemade peach jam, which is particularly popular among the players.
The Riverview Park Activities Center has undergone several adjustments to ensure high-quality conditions for the athletes, including upgraded wood floors designed to protect players during games. Spectators wishing to attend can purchase single-entry tickets for $15 (cash only) at the event, enhancing accessibility for fans eager to support their teams.
This year’s Peach Jam has drawn the attention of national scouts, basketball celebrities, and an enthusiastic local audience. The vibrant atmosphere created by fans has been noted as a key factor contributing to the event’s lasting success among players and coaches alike. The tournament not only features emerging talents but also honors the legacy of basketball greats who have participated in the past, including notable coaches like Bobby Knight and Mike Krzyzewski, as well as legendary players such as LeBron James and Chris Paul.
In addition to high-level basketball, the Riverview Park Activities Center offers various amenities for athletes, including a racquetball court and a barber shop, enhancing the overall experience for participants. Local residents and visitors have reported positive experiences surrounding the event, commending the fun atmosphere and community goodwill that accompanies the Peach Jam.
The Nike EYBL Peach Jam serves as a key event in the youth basketball calendar, combining elite competition with community support and engagement, showcasing the best in young basketball talent while also benefiting the local economy.
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