#NEXTSouthwestKickoff: 2026 Outstanding Performers (Pt.1)

Cypress, Texas — The Southwest Kick-Off presented by Prep Hoops Next brought out prospects and teams from all over the country to showcase their talents on one of the biggest up and coming circuits around. Talent oozed out of just about every team at this event, there were big-time scorers, defenders, rebounders, and more involved in making this tournament so special. The 2026s were loaded with skills, size, and the basketball mindset to become the basketball stars of the future. Let’s take a look at the most outstanding prospects from the Class of 2026.

Dean Spencer | Katy, Tx | Class of 2026

Team JL3 Elite, shooting guard, Dean Spencer proved to be a relentless slasher with beautifully crafty finishes. Spencer pulled out all types of layups, he attacked the lane over and over again converting layups and floaters despite tall defenders or physical play. This lefty has a mean crossover step-through that gave him an open lane to the hoop with ease, even when being trapped he was able to make the same move and split through the defense. Dean Spencer displayed some of the smoothest footwork and ball skills out of anyone in attendance. 

David Lunn | Albuquerque, NM | Class of 2027 (playing up in ’26)

Lunn was a true point-forward out there, he’s a big solid ballplayer with a full set of skills and the capability to finish a layup with either hand. David handled the ball like a guard when snagging rebounds on the defensive end and taking it back down to the opposite end with no problem, consistently showing off his ability to run the floor and push the pace. In the post, he displayed good patience with the ball when looking to score. Lunn used pump fakes and head fakes to get the defense jumping and it worked the majority of the time. David effectively put up points in the paint as well as out on the perimeter. Great body strength, he physically overpowered his opponents, Lunn was strong enough to go up and complete a shot through contact and fouls. He also showed an understanding of how to use his body to create shots.

Solomon Bradshaw | Arlington, Tx | Class of 2026

Solomon Bradshaw exhibited all-around point guard skills with his timely passes, high basketball IQ, ability to create for himself and others, and his knack for penetrating the defense for either a score or a dish. The Razorback point guard produced true no-look passes, he drove the lane looking as if he’s going to finish with a floater, as he often did, before kicking it out to an open shooter in the corner or someone trailing right behind him, he even faked me out a couple of times with his remarkable passing skills. A flat out phenomenal facilitator who found a way to somehow put the ball right into his teammate’s chest when they weren’t even open. Solomon was a fantastic finisher around the basket, showing a knack for completing reverse and up and under layups even through the traffic and physical play down low. Bradshaw doesn’t have to always have the ball in his hands to find a shot, he moved well without it and usually found holes in the defense and open spots under the hoop. This lefty is a strong, cut, physical specimen that looks like he lives in the weight room. Solomon Bradshaw also has limitless amounts of energy, this young man is never tired or winded even in the slightest.

Beau Porter | Katy, Tx | Class of 2026

Beau Porter is another Team JL3 prospect with high-level footwork. Porter pulled out on some moves and hop steps that most haven’t seen done, at least not at this level, even confusing the refs with the hop steps and step-through moves he made. His fundamentals and detailed footwork was a marvel to watch and tough to contain. In transition, there was no stopping him with the ball and a full head of steam. 

Ruben Melendez | Albuquerque, NM | Class of 2026

Ruben Melendez showed his worth as a tremendous 3-and-D player. His team had a game where they ran a box-and-1 defense and he had the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best ball-handler and Melendez didn’t disappoint, he took his man completely out of the game with his defensive presence. Ruben played his role exceptionally well, proving to be very coachable. He never got out of character or attempted to do more than what was needed of him, Melendez stayed in his man’s face and focused on nothing else. His man didn’t have any chance at getting the ball and if he did get it, Ruben made sure to not let him get a shot off cleanly. This outstanding effort led to Melendez holding his man to just one single point and frustrating him enough to get in his head, getting him out of character, and forcing him into making boneheaded plays. Ruben also made his open 3-point opportunities count late in the game using his impeccable shooting mechanics.

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