Young Guns Turn Heads at T3TV Southern Takeover

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The future of the game was on full display during Day 1 of the T3TV Southern Takeover in Atlanta, GA, as several young prospects stepped onto the floor and showed why they are names worth tracking. While these players are still in the early stages of their development, their talent, competitiveness, and flashes of high-level potential were impossible to ignore. Here are some of the young standouts who turned heads throughout the day…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662254,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Xavier-Childress-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Xavier-Childress-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3662254" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Xavier Childress </strong>(5'3/G|F/2032/Trap N Train) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: taxxzaytion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">TikTok: rickowensonfeet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Xavier impressed on Day 1 with his ability to balance running the offense while also providing scoring production for his squad. He is listed as a multi-position prospect, but he spent the majority of the game at the lead guard spot, which is where he made his biggest impact. He consistently broke down defenders and got to his spots, where he was either creating open looks for teammates or taking advantage of his own scoring opportunities. He has a budding hesi move that kept defenders off balance, and when combined with his shiftiness, made him an extremely tough cover. One area he must continue to work on is his perimeter shooting and overall shooting mechanics. As those areas continue to improve, his stock will continue to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662255,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Elliott-Bruce-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Elliott-Bruce-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3662255" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Elliott Bruce </strong>(4'11/SG/2033/Who Want Smoke) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: E3liteathleate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">TikTok: ej14_3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Few players attacked the basket with the aggressiveness and confidence that Elliott displayed throughout the day. The young scoring guard has a scorer's mentality and constantly hunted opportunities to get downhill. Whether in transition or within the half-court offense, Elliott consistently found ways to put pressure on the rim by attacking gaps and challenging defenders at the cup. Once he entered the paint, he showcased a budding finishing package that included floaters, runners, and crafty finishes around bigger defenders. His fearlessness stood out as he repeatedly attacked traffic. His ability to generate offense and put constant pressure on opposing defenses made him one of the most productive scorers I evaluated on Day 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662256,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Aiden-Isoje-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Aiden-Isoje-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3662256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Aiden Isoje </strong>(5'7/G|F/2032/Hardwood Academy) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: aideniso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @aidtooraw</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">TikTok: aidtooraww</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Aiden was one of the hardest-working prospects I saw on Day 1. He brings energy and effort on both ends of the floor, and his impact can be seen in numerous ways, particularly through his willingness to make hustle plays that do not always show up on the stat sheet. He is a versatile defender and is very aggressive when guarding the ball. Offensively, he is still developing, but he runs the floor well, scores in transition, and generates second-chance points through put-backs. His activity level on both ends of the floor and on the glass was outstanding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662257,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Ayeden-Sabr-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Ayeden-Sabr-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3662257" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ayeden Sabr </strong>(5'0/PG/2033/Cardinals) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: ace_hoops444</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">TikTok: acesotuff0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ayeden is a young talent who showed the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He plays both on and off the ball and is learning how to be productive in each role. He demonstrated the ability to score from multiple levels, serve as a secondary initiator, display court vision, and make plays off the dribble. There is plenty of room for growth in his overall game, which is expected at this age. One of the most common characteristics among young players is inconsistency, and Ayeden is no exception. As he continues to learn the game and recognize situations more quickly, he will limit turnovers and make more effective decisions as the game begins to slow down for him. What cannot be questioned is his competitiveness. He plays with passion and consistently makes plays on both ends that contribute to winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662258,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Ricky-Reese-Jr.-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Ricky-Reese-Jr.-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3662258" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ricky Reese Jr. </strong>(5'2/SG/2032/Trap N Train Legends) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Bigbucket21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">TikTok: Isrixky6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ricky is a confident young player who competes at a high level and is not afraid to let everyone know he is ready for the challenge. He plays with grit, toughness, and an edge that teammates love. He displayed a multi-level scoring arsenal while also showing his ability to create opportunities for teammates. As a secondary ball-handler and scorer, he demonstrated that he can shoulder the load when needed. His effort on both ends of the floor was evident, and his impact as a two-way player stood out throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662259,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Mason-Chesley-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/PHN-Mason-Chesley-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3662259" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mason Chesley </strong>(5'2/Wing/2033/Who Want Smoke) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: mason.chesley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Mason showed early on that he is a threat from beyond the arc. He knocked down a three-pointer early in the game, and the opposing team immediately began keying in on him defensively. He continued to get quality looks throughout the contest, and as he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a knock-down shooter that defenders cannot leave open. He already has solid shooting mechanics and gets into his shot quickly. His shooting ability forced defenders into rushed closeouts, which even resulted in a foul on a three-point attempt. He also showed flashes of putting the ball on the floor but must continue working on finishing at the rim when defenders run him off the three-point line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">#TerryTalks:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">The evaluations in this article are based on observations made during a specific event and are intended to highlight strengths, tendencies, and areas of impact displayed during competition. While certain skills and attributes may stand out, it is important to remember that all players at these ages are still developing. Regardless of current success, rankings, accolades, or identified strengths, every player should continue working to improve all aspects of their game. Basketball development is an ongoing process, and the most successful players are often those who remain committed to growth, skill development, basketball IQ, strength, athleticism, and overall versatility. These evaluations are not intended to define a player's ceiling or limitations, but rather to provide a snapshot of their current stage of development. Continued work, coaching, and experience will ultimately shape each player's long-term trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->