The inaugural Bridge of Hoops Invitational tipped off in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, and Prolific Prep made an immediate statement with an 84-65 victory over The Star Alliance. The California-based powerhouse displayed a blend of scoring, athleticism, and defensive intensity that left their European competition scrambling to keep pace.

Prolific Prep’s offensive attack was led by Bruce Branch III, who exploded for 31 points on a mix of drives, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers. Branch also contributed six rebounds and two blocks, showing why he’s considered one of the top talents in his class. Complementing him was Alex Smith, who added 24 points, five rebounds, and three blocks, providing a steady inside presence and a scoring punch from multiple levels. Aaron Ona Embo rounded out the team’s key contributors with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals, impacting the game both on offense and defense.

Despite the loss, The Star Alliance had bright spots. Brian Angeletti led the team with 12 points, while Giannis Odzebe contributed 11 points. Ricards Aizpurs added nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks, showing flashes of potential against a high-level opponent. However, the team struggled to match Prolific Prep’s pace and efficiency, particularly in transition and rebounding.

Day 1 of the Bridge of Hoops Invitational highlighted the talent gap between Prolific Prep and their European competition. Bruce Branch III and Alex Smith showcased why Prolific Prep is a force to be reckoned with, while Aaron Ona Embo’s all-around contributions helped seal a convincing win. The Star Alliance showed glimpses of skill but will need more cohesion and execution to compete against the top-tier teams in this tournament. Prolific Prep sets the tone early, establishing themselves as early favorites for the invitational.