NEXT Midwest Melee: 13U Guards to Follow

Talent continues to emerge at the younger levels, and the Midwest Melee this past weekend was no exception. This group of 2030 guards showcased strong foundational skill sets and should start landing on radars at future events. Let's take a closer look at these promising backcourt ballers!    Jamyeer is a smooth, slithery lefty with good length, particularly impactful on the defensive end where he uses his frame to disrupt passing lanes and contain drivers. Offensively, he shows poise as a primary initiator—patient in his reads, unselfish with the ball, and capable of leading the offense without forcing. He also flashes some touch from beyond the arc, hinting at developing perimeter range.     Cedric showcases a strong ball-handling package, maintaining control under pressure and creating off the bounce. He has a knack for getting into the teeth of the defense and drawing contact, earning frequent trips to the free-throw line. Offensively, he mixes in runners and floaters with touch, showing a developing in-between game that complements his aggressive downhill attacks.     Ty is a high-energy guard who brings value both on and off the ball. He's confident pulling up from the wing, showing range and comfort with his jumper. Offensively, he's effective playing within the flow—cutting hard, relocating into open pockets, and staying active without the ball. His combination of shooting touch and motor makes him a consistent threat.     Will is a smaller guard who plays with confidence and craft. He attacks aggressively from the perimeter and showed the ability to finish through contact, even against bigger defenders. He uses a well-timed left-handed hesitation move to create separation and shake off defenders. Notably, it felt that his confidence grew each time I stopped to watch. His shot is still developing, but the mechanics are sound and projectable.     Jarryl plays with an advanced pace and physical presence that stands out for his age group. He's a bigger, more developed guard who doesn't shy away from contact and often thrives through it. His ability to shift speeds keeps defenders off balance, and he already shows promising passing instincts, reading the floor well and making timely decisions. There's a maturity to his game that puts him a step ahead of many peers.     Shooting guard with [program_tooltip program_id='2830289' first='Vikings' last='United'], Nasir uses long, fluid strides to get downhill and into the paint. While his ball skills are still raw, there's a clear foundation to build on, and it's easy to project growth as he matures. He embraces contact on drives, showing both physical toughness and a competitive edge that stands out. With continued development of his handle and decision-making, he could become a dynamic slasher.

Talent continues to emerge at the younger levels, and the Midwest Melee this past weekend was no exception. This group of 2030 guards showcased strong foundational skill sets and should start landing on radars at future events. Let's take a closer look at these promising backcourt ballers!