NEXT Midwest Melee: Sunday’s 13U Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunday, the Midwest Melee picked up right where Saturday left off—high energy competition and standout performances across the board. The atmosphere at West Suburban Sports Complex was electric as 13U players continued to raise their level of play. Sunday's games were packed with intensity and heart. Several players built on strong Saturday showings, while others stepped up big to leave their mark. Here's a breakdown of the top performers from Sunday's action!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2865912,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Romello Crayton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682ada38a7f8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dynamic presence at the point guard position, Crayton stood out for his tight handle and ability to navigate full-court pressure with poise. Defensively, he's a relentless on-ball pest with quick feet and a nose for disruption. His hustle was on full display with a high-effort chase-down block in transition. Crayton attacks the rim fearlessly and delivers sharp passes, showing solid court vision in fast-paced settings. He was a clear difference-maker in a high-energy matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='2830289' first='Vikings' last='United'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2773607"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2865916,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682ada38a7ff6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arguably the biggest hustler on his team, Ford brings relentless energy on both ends of the floor. He racks up deflections and steals, constantly disrupting the flow of the opposing offense. Willing to dive for loose balls and battle inside, he embodies the classic glue guy every team needs. Ford contributes on the boards, finishes quick scoring opportunities generated from hustle, and consistently makes winning plays. His effort was a major factor in a competitive game against FVV Elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2838588"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682ada38a803e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A strong-bodied guard who plays with power and balance, Kimbrough-McMillian attacks the rim with physicality. He shows a smooth blend of ball-handling, change of pace, and body control, making him difficult to contain off the dribble. His perimeter game is developing, with a confident three-point shot on display. In a competitive matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='2767073' first='All-In' last='Sports'] (MI), he also flashed promising playmaking instincts, hinting at upside as a creator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2828555"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2865918,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682ada38a8092"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A smaller guard who plays with heart and hustle, Nano consistently impacts the game through effort and awareness. He sets the tone with second-chance scoring plays, battling inside despite his size. He showed good vision in transition, making smart look-ahead passes to ignite the break. Off the ball, he timed a sharp back cut from the wing for a clean finish, showcasing chemistry with teammates. Nano's shiftiness with the ball stood out, and he looked noticeably more confident and connected in Sunday's matchup against Team Herro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2826426"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2865921,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682ada38a80e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A skilled and crafty guard, Malinowski demonstrated feel in ball screen situations, making the right reads. He delivered crisp passes in transition and stayed active defensively, bringing energy on both ends. Off the bounce, he sliced through defenders with control and purpose, showing growing confidence as an attacker. His jumper looked clean and fluid, with a quick rise that's inspiring for his age. Throughout the day, Malinowski showed layers to his scoring game, hinting at long-term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2369920"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2865927,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682ada38a8130"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A relentless competitor in the paint, Beran consistently hunts for rebounds and creates second-chance opportunities through effort and positioning. He's willing to hit the floor for loose balls and stays active around the rim, both offensively and defensively. Beran impacts the game by doing a little bit of everything—running the floor, crashing the glass, and generating extra possessions. He made several big-time plays in the matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='2830289' first='Vikings' last='United'], showcasing his hustle and versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->