Midwest Melee: 14U Up-and-Comers

The standout stars were on display at this weekend's Midwest Melee. But we also got the opportunity to see some of the best up-and-coming players from around the midwest. Let's look at some of the top players who are just about to start their high school careers.    Senu is an immediate presence when he steps on the floor. As a 6'3" 8th grader, he will make an instant impact against opponents once his prep career begins.   Senu is a strong man who will gobble up rebounds, and collect a lot of points on putback shots. And he's frightening when he's on a breakway. During one of his Saturday games, I saw him throw down a vicious one-handed dunk on a fast break. It was the only dunk I saw over the entire weekend, and I told him afterwards that I wasn't aware that 8th graders had the ability to dunk it like that!   He has unbelievable strength, and he goes so hard when he's driving the lane and trying for a layup. He has terrific footwork for a big man, and already seems so confident that he could play against any big man who's put in front of him.   This kid is an absolute freight train when he drives the lane. You'd question anyone's decision to step in his way. Senu takes pride in his ability to drive the lane, and his defensive prowess at blocking shots and being a disruptor.     Ke'ion is a strong ball-handler for his OG Elite team, showing skill in bringing the ball up the floor-as well as speed going to the hoop.   He scored 15 points in the one game I saw him play, but he's also a tremendous defensive threat. He has active hands to disrupt a team's ability to set up their offense, and has a natural ability to create tipped balls and turnovers.   Ke'ion had at least 3 first half steals in the game I saw him play, and he's a kid who's always battling. Even though his team was down big late in the game, he was still going after steals and doing whatever he could to impact the game.     Zaydin is a key piece for his Hoop Dreams team out of Wisconsin. He has elite speed and has a knack for producing steals, and capitalizing with a layup on the other end of the floor.   Zaydin is a smooth ballhandler, with a soft touch at the rim. He's a very skilled point guard who can drive the lane and work out of pressure to kick out the ball to an open teammate.   Zaydin's got a good head for the game, and is always working hard. Late in his team's win over Man Up, he chased down a ball that looked certain to go out of bounds; and was able to keep his team's possesssion alive.   Zaydin says he's proud of his ability to handle pressure, as well as a strong shooting ability. He also finishes strong at the rim and always plays hard defense.     Alessandro showed a natural scoring ability this weekend. In his team's loss to [program_tooltip program_id='2512324' first='Wisconsin' last='Legends'], he still found a way to pour in 22 points for the Sharks.   Alessandro has a strong 3-point game, burying three 3-pointers in that loss to Hoop Dreams. But his game is diverse; with a quick first step when going to the rim for a layup. He also possesses the ability to convert a contested bucket on a fast break.   Montemayor hopes that people notice his ability to attack the rim, as well as the skills to sag back and shoot the ball from deep; or draw a foul and get to the free throw line.     Dennis plays on a great Dream Ballers team, and he's a staple in their attack on both sides of the ball.   He's a tough defensive grinder, and doesn't stop pestering the ball-handler until he forces a turnover. And in transition, he showed an ability to convert a steal into a layup.   Dennis has strong court vision, with an ability to find an open teammate. And he has a nice quick release, with an ability to get shots over guys who are taller than hi,.   Dennis is proud of his defense and his hustle. And he says he's grown a lot in bringing the ball up the floor, setting up the offense, and his passing ability.     Zeke came all the way from the quad cities to show off his game at this year's Midwest Melee.   The incoming freshman at Pleasant Valley does a great job of setting the pace of the offense and keeping all of his teammates involved. He has tremendous hustle; diving after loose balls, showing no fear in making the gritty plays for the benefit of his team.   On defense, Zeke is a terror. He possesses an ability to disrupt shots, and corral a loose ball after forcing a turnover.   He's also a great team leader. His TNT team was trailing by ten points in the second half of a Silver bracket semifinal, but he helped keep them in the game-bringing them back to take a 3-point lead at one point.   He's got a strong 3-point game, as well as an ability to hit off-balance shots when he's contested.     Kavi was one of the instrumental pieces in helping bring his team a Silver bracket championship this weekend.   He's a kid who displays quickness when he gets the ball in his hands. Plus he's an excellent outside shooter, scoring 13 points in the semifinal round-and another 5 points in the title game.   And when he's not scoring, Kavi is unafraid to drive into traffic, in the midst of guys who are a lot bigger than him. And he can kick the ball to an open teammate if there's nothing available for him.     Owen had a great weekend for his [program_tooltip program_id='2512324' first='Wisconsin' last='Legends'] team, leading the way in a pair of wins and a trip to the tournament's semifinal round.   Owen scored 13 points in his team's final game of the weekend, and showed that he's a confident 3-point threat, burying three triples in his team's loss.   Owen says that he has the capacity to get open on offense, and do whatever his team needs.

The standout stars were on display at this weekend's Midwest Melee. But we also got the opportunity to see some of the best up-and-coming players from around the midwest. Let's look at some of the top players who are just about to start their high school careers.