#NEXTSouthwestKickoff: Outstanding Performers from ’25 and ’26

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 middle schoolers were loaded with skills, size, and the basketball mindset to become the basketball stars of the future. Let’s take a look at a few of the most outstanding performers from the event.

Jayden Leverett | Albuquerque, NM | Class of 2025

6-foot-7-inch, New Mexico prospect, Jayden Leverett, contributed to his team’s success with his defensive abilities. This rim protector was at his best when blocking shots from behind and when sliding over to help on defense. Leverett showed great timing, he didn’t get called for fouls much and consistently got all ball. Jayden is so long and lengthy that If he was just standing in the lane he had a good chance of blocking whatever shot came his way. On championship day, Leverett stepped up and out-rebounded everyone on the defensive glass, pulling down boards right off the rim before anyone else could even come close to the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, all he had to do was stretch his hands high and the ball was coming his way for a quick spin or turnaround floater and layup. He also showed an ability to run the pick-and-roll, freeing his teammates up and rolling to the basket looking for the ball. Jayden Leverett has the tools to become a success at the next level. 

Jaxon Sneed | Arlington, Tx | Class of 2026

Jaxon Sneed was the most fearless shooter I have seen in a while. This knockdown jump shooter lit teams up from 3-point range relentlessly. A missed shot attempt didn’t phase him one bit, he kept his confidence and continued to let it fly at a high rate. Even on an off shooting day, Jaxon Sneed was still highly impressive. His mechanics were phenomenal and his range was lethal. 

Caden Miller | Albuquerque, NM | Class of 2026 #4

Caden Miller was a smooth operator with nifty ways of finishing at the basket. Miller’s fundamentals were well above average, he hit defenders with euro steps, pro hops, and jump stops that created the space he needed to get his shot up. That along with his first-step allowed him to get by the defense and to the basket for open opportunities on plenty of occasions. 

Mike Gibbs | Arlington, Tx | Class of 2026

6-foot-2-inch, Razorbacks center, Mike Gibbs is a 7th-grader with gifted size that was tough to match up with. The big man was in full control of the boards, no one seemed to have an answer for his presence in the paint. Gibbs stayed in a box out position and went after every rebound whether it was in his vicinity or not. 

Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!