St. James Performance Academy Prep Blue is Playing National Level Ball

The St. James Performance Academy (St James) officially opened in August 2024, launching as a new college-prep sports academy for middle school, high school and post grad athletes. The multi-sport academy focuses on elite athletic development alongside academics. It is located in Springfield, VA, about 15 miles outside of Washington, DC.

They are running multiple college prep basketball teams, including a Nike-EYBL high school team and a prep team. They call the prep team "Blue" and it plays a very highly competitive college prep schedule. Despite being a new program, has already achieved a National Top 100 prep team computer ranking.  

The team's 2025-26 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here. 

The Blue team is coached by Walt Webb. Coach Webb brings more than 30 years of experience in building programs at both the high school and grass roots level. That experience includes leading the Coastal Christian Academy (VA) to the National Christian School Championship five times, being named Coach of the Year four times. He also built the Cornerstone Christian School (TX) to back-to-back National Championships. As a first time head coach, Webb turned Riverdale Baptist High (MD) into a national program, as ranked by the Washington Post, USA Today and captured the Maryland State Private School championship.

The 2025-26 Blue team's players are profiled below.

Nigel Moore (2026) 6'1, 160lb point guard - Moore Is an unbelievable scorer and leader for St James. He runs the point guard position for this team but can be a combo guard at the next level. He does an extremely good job of getting people open by driving, penetrating and dishing He leads St James with 6 assist a game. He recently led all teams in scoring at the massive Big Shots National Prep Event in Rock Hill, SC. Moore from New York City and is a NCAA qualifier. He was offered by Hofstra University but decide to do another year of development and exposure at St James.

Cole Perez (2026) 6'4, 185lb guard - Perez is an outstanding playmaker. Coach Webb uses terms like "Swiss Army knife" and "blue collar guy" when describing Perez. He has a nose for the ball and wins the 50-50 ball scrambles. Defenses can’t leave him open without regretting it. Projected as a D2 or Low Major prospect. 

Justin Burrough (2026) 6'7, 204lb wing - Burrough is the son of a great UVA Hall of Famer. He s a swingman who can play the two or three. St James is focused on developing him as a next level two guard. He is a south paw who really knows how to play. He is a great passer and he has a great mid-range jump shot. He is also punishing defenses from deep, shooting better than 40% from three.

Kassidy Jackson (2026) 6'2 165lb guard - Jackson won the 757 District of the Hampton Road area championship at his high school and was also named the Play of the Year in doing so. He brings the ability to really defend the guard position, and he is good at attacking the rim. He leads St James in paint touches with 2 feet. He also leads the team in free-throws, as he does a great job of drawing fouls and getting defenders in foul trouble. When he gets his chance at the next level, he will shine.

Colin Phang (2026) 6'10, 235lbs - Coach Webb is surprised that Webb hasn't received college recruiting yet.  He leads St James in rebounds and blocked shots. He also does a great job of scoring around the rim. He is a solid defender in the paint, but also able to defend the perimeter, making him a valuable ball screen defender at the next level.  A defense that features Phang can switch on all screens. Phang is developing in a comparable way to Kyle Quinn, a player that Coach Webb had groomed to play in the NBA.

Jakobe Shepeard (2026) 6'6, 170lb small forward - Shepeard is very long defender with a 6'10 wingspan and uses his ability to change the game. He causes problems when he picks up the ball full court.

Wizdom Mintz (2026) 6'3 175lb guard - Mintz is extremely talented. Coach Webb also coached his brother Judah who played in the NBA with the 76ers. Coach Webb says they are both cut from the same cloth. He can really shoot the basketball. Before a thumb injury this season, he was averaging 23.7 ppg. He is extremely efficient and draws a lot of attention.