#NEXTSouthwestRegionFinals: 13U Standout Prospects
Dallas, Texas — The Prep Hoops Next Southwest Region Finals brought out some of the toughest, most talented teams and players across the country. The fans, players, and coaches all brought intense, electric energy throughout the weekend. The competition on…
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Continue ReadingDallas, Texas — The Prep Hoops Next Southwest Region Finals brought out some of the toughest, most talented teams and players across the country. The fans, players, and coaches all brought intense, electric energy throughout the weekend. The competition on the court was stiff for all ages, from 11U up to 14U and teams fought tough and nail to leave this tournament on top. Here we’ll take a look at the standout recruits that made major contributions and impacts throughout the weekend in the 13U division.
Ruben Melendez | Albuquerque, NM | JB White Elite 2026
Every time I have watched Ruben Melendez play, he has proven to be the ultimate competitor. This ballplayer gives 110% on the defensive end on each possession, laying his body on the line, hustling for every single loose ball, and chasing down every rebound no matter where he stood on the court. Melendez had a phenomenal effect on the glass, somehow getting his hands on rebounds that looked out of reach. Defensively, Ruben moved his feet very well, he showed the ability to pressure and disrupt his man the full length of the floor. Unbelievable motor, giving up on a play wasn’t an option, if his man got around him he quickly hurried and chased them down to stop the ball, nothing came easy for the offense whenever he was around. This JB White talent completely changed the outcome of games without having to dominate the ball or even score, his defense and his hustle are in a league of their own.
Curtis Coleman | Houston, TX | Houston Blue Chips 2026
The Houston Blue Chips guard proved to be an all-around playmaker that doesn’t have to be the top scorer to make a major impact on the game. Coleman showed good intangibles and fantastic defensive instincts, he did all of the little things it takes to win a game. Curtis Coleman contributed heavily on the defensive end, constantly finding a way to get steals, it seemed like the ball just always found him. But, he also displayed the skills of someone that could be more than just a defender as he would go on streaks putting points on the board in bunches. High arcing release with a great follow-through, when catching and shooting it in rhythm Coleman started to heat up and do damage at a rapid pace.
Bodey Weaver | Colleyville, TX | R.J. Hampton Elite 2026
Dangerous off the bounce, Bodey has several moves in his arsenal that are effective enough to create a shot on and create space from any defender. The best part of it all is that Weaver does it without over-dribbling, he makes each bounce count for something and always dribbles with a purpose. Bodey Weaver scored from all three levels, produced offense for others, and hit some big clutch shots down the stretch of games.
Kaleb Johnson | Fayetteville, AR | Arkansas Athletes Outreach 2026
This Arkansas Athletes Outreach point guard displayed an extremely pesky defensive nature. Amazing lateral quickness, his foot speed was outstanding, and he showed the ability to stay in front of fast and shifty dribblers. Johnson forced opposing ball-handlers to either pick up their dribble or get rid of the ball, Kaleb has a knack for making his opponent work harder than usual to get to any spot on the court. This young man proved to be an incredible athlete, with quality speed, strength, and body control that propelled him tremendously throughout the tournament.
D.J. Pedulla | Edmond, OK | Team Buddy Buckets 2026
Team Buddy Buckets shooting marksman, D.J. Pedulla put his shooting prowess on full display. Pedulla made everyone a believer in his jumper, displaying a pure jump shot with limitless range. D.J. pulled shots from college range without forcing it, his form never changed and he stepped into each and every shot, whether he was spotting up or pulling up. D.J. Pedulla becomes extremely deadly whenever he’s in the zone, catching the ball in rhythm, and releasing with consistency.
Brandon Mason Jr. | Albuquerque, NM | JB White Elite 2026
Sharpshooter, Brandon Mason Jr. stood out as a spot-up shooting threat, particularly in the corners where he got open and got his shot off incredibly quickly. He showed pure shooting specialist abilities, Mason Jr. torched teams with his effortless release, it was like a laser beam coming off of his hand. The JB White shooting guard also displayed good footwork, showing a knack for quickly setting his feet and using pivot or jab steps to his advantage when creating space and finding a better view of the floor. Brandon Mason Jr. is a name to remember, he showed a lot of promise and will likely become a top-notch shooting marksman over time.
Major Hopkins | Richardson, TX | R.J. Hampton Elite 2026
This three-point specialist is a fantastic utility piece that always plays his role and can affect the outcome of games. Hopkins is a knockdown spot-up jumpshooter with a consistent and reliable shot. It’s rare to see him miss anything, Major puts it up quickly and confidently and often comes up big. Anytime Major Hopkins was on the court, he put R.J. Hampton Elite in a much better position to succeed.