Spring AAU Week 3 Recap: Standings and Standouts Across 12 States

Week 3 of the 2026 AAU spring circuit delivered another packed weekend of youth basketball, with over 200 teams competing across 12 states in regional qualifiers and showcase events.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Washington AAU Spring Classic wrapped up in Tacoma with strong showings from programs across western Washington. The 7th and 8th grade divisions were particularly competitive, with several bracket games going to overtime. Programs from the greater Seattle and Kitsap County areas continued to show improved depth, a trend coaches in the region have noted since last summer.

The Midwest circuit remains the most competitive in the country at the grassroots level. The Illinois Spring Shootout and Indiana Hoops Classic both drew 40+ teams in the 14U and 16U age groups. The talent level in these events consistently produces players who end up on college coaches' radar by their sophomore year of high school.

Down south, the Texas AAU spring events are ramping up with the state's massive program base hitting full stride. Florida and Georgia circuits are also seeing increased participation this spring, with several new programs entering the scene.

For coaches tracking their standings, April results are increasingly weighted in July seeding decisions by major showcase organizers. A strong spring performance doesn't just build confidence — it directly impacts your bracket placement at nationals.

Key takeaway for program directors: if you're not tracking your spring results, game film, and player development metrics in an organized way, you're leaving July preparation on the table. The programs that show up to showcases with data on their players consistently outperform those operating on memory and gut instinct.