By Nicki Kupchan
As the first game of the 2026 Capital Hoops Summer League tipped off between South County High School and Takoma Academy, one player immediately stood out with his dominant presence on both ends of the floor. Isaiah Martin, a 6-foot-3 forward, controlled the boards from the opening minutes.
In addition to his presence in the paint, Martin proved nearly impossible to stop while attacking the rim, converting two tough and-one layups through contact. Midway through the first half, South County held a 29-23 lead, and Martin’s relentless effort on the glass played a major role. His three offensive rebounds consistently created second-chance opportunities that helped fuel South County’s offense.
Martin also showcased his perimeter shooting ability in the first half, knocking down a crafty step-back three-pointer while shooting 66 percent from beyond the arc. Although South County entered halftime trailing by three, Martin’s 18 points and nine rebounds were a major reason the game remained competitive.
Early in the second half, South County responded to an early deficit with renewed energy, cutting the lead to just two points with 10 minutes remaining. Once again, Martin’s size and physicality stood out as he continued to dominate the glass and create extra possessions for his team.
As the half progressed, Takoma Academy capitalized on South County’s turnovers, scoring 19 points off miscues compared to just three points off turnovers for South County. Despite the loss, Martin’s performance left a lasting impression. Finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds, the class of 2028 prospect established himself as a dominant force and a player worth watching throughout the remainder of the Capital Hoops Summer League.