A Covenant Renewed
Covenant College Prep is based in Belmar, on the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County. Players live in a 10 bedroom team house two blocks from the ocean, with meals provided daily. Home games are at Hoop Group HQ gym, about 3 miles away and the program is within easy reach of college coaches from New York to Philadelphia. Covenant serves both high school and postgraduate players. It has one goal: prepare its players academically, physically and mentally to play college basketball.
The program was founded 17 years ago and is led by Ian Turnbull, its executive director and the team’s head coach. Covenant returns in 2026-27 after a one-year break. The NCAA's changing recruiting landscape drove the comeback: college staffs are relying on the transfer portal and recruiting fewer high school players, and that makes a strong development year more valuable than ever. Before its pause, Covenant had built a strong placement record. Its alumni include Nick Jourdain (Memphis), Shavar Reynolds (Seton Hall) and A.J. West (Nevada), and more than 100 former players have earned scholarships at the D2, NAIA and JUCO levels. The team's staff includes coach Tomiwa Babalola, assistant coach, Ryan Hodge and operations manager, Lesha Hawkins.
Covenant's model is built on five principles: appropriate behavior, fair play, good sportsmanship, excellence and competition. On the court, it plays a defense-first system with an attacking offense, backed by daily practices, skill workouts and strength and conditioning. Off the court, players take NCAA-approved classes and can earn college credit. The team competes in the newly formed Empire State League, a NYC regional prep conference.
Below are profiles of the college prospects on this season's roster.
Cameron DeJesus (2027) 6'10, 180lb, wing - From Long Branch, NJ, DeJesus previously played at College Achieve-Asbury Park (NJ). He is a tall, athletic player with the ability to score both from the perimeter and around the rim. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability gives him the potential to provide versatility on the offensive end.
Jeremiah Forbes (2027) 6'0, 170lb, guard - From Middletown High (NY), Forbes is a quick guard with a shifty handle and the ability to finish through contact around the basket. His speed, ball-handling, and finishing ability make him a dynamic guard who can put pressure on opposing defenses. Plays club ball with NY Finest. RTB profile
Isaiah Gore (2027) 6'4, 175lb, guard - From Archbishop Ryan High (PA), Gore is a shot-creator who can score off the dribble and attack the basket. His ability to create his own offense and put pressure on the defense makes him a versatile scoring option. Plays club ball with Jersey Force. 3.4 gpa PH profile
Va’Saun Harper (2027) 6'3, 180lb, guard - From Newark Tech (NJ), Harper is an aggressive guard with the ability to create his own shot and score from the perimeter. His shooting ability and shot creation make him an offensive threat who can generate scoring opportunities. PH profile
Emmanuel Harris (2027) 6'5, 180lb, small forward - From Winslow High, Willingboro (NJ), Harris is a versatile three-level scorer who can score from the perimeter, midrange, and around the basket. A capable shooter with a strong work ethic and hustle, he brings scoring versatility and energy to the court.
Mikah Hart (2027) 6'2, 175lb, guard - From Camden High (NJ), Hart is a defensive-minded guard who combines strong ball-handling skills with catch-and-shoot ability. His defensive approach and ability to contribute as a perimeter shooter give him a foundation for making an impact on both ends of the floor. Plays club ball with Philly Pride. 3.5 gpa PH profile
Nyrie Robinson (2027) 6'5, 180lb, wing - From Newark Eastside High (NJ), Robinson is an athletic wing who excels as a catch-and-shoot option and can finish around the basket. His perimeter shooting and athleticism give him the potential to contribute both on the outside and as a finisher near the rim. 3.6 gpa
Shareef Smith (2027) 6'7, 185lb, small forward - From Thomas Jefferson High, Brooklyn (NY), Smith is an athletic wing who brings defensive effort, rebounding, and consistent hustle to the floor. His willingness to compete on both ends of the court makes him a valuable contributor to the team’s overall effort. RTB profile
Michel Tadjo (2027) 6'5, 185lb, guard - From Montreal, Quebec, Tadjo previously played at C.O.D.E. Sports Academy. He is an athletic guard who combines shooting ability with strong passing skills. His combination of athleticism and playmaking gives him the potential to contribute as both a scorer and facilitator. 3.5 gpa CIA profile
Caleb Williams (2027) 6'2, 165lb, guard - From Paramus Catholic High (NJ), Williams is a skilled guard with shooting ability and an excellent handle. His ball-handling skills and perimeter shooting provide a foundation for creating offensive opportunities and contributing to the team’s scoring. 4.0 gpa PH profile
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.