[1] He grew up playing club basketball for the Alaska Mountaineers, with whom he won tournaments in North Carolina and California.

In each season, he led his team to the Class 3A state title and was named Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year.

[6] As a junior, Hepa averaged 16.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, leading Jefferson to its first Class 6A state title.

[9] In February 2019, as a freshman, Hepa suffered a head injury in practice and missed two games in concussion protocol.

[12] On January 15, 2020, in his sophomore season, Hepa scored a career-high 15 points and four rebounds in a 76–64 win over Oklahoma State.

[6] Hepa's older sister, Lynette, was a standout basketball player for Barrow High School before playing collegiately at Fort Lewis College.