#NEXTMidwestKickoff: 2026 Most Outstanding Playmakers

Devontae Cobb March 25, 2021 @ 10:00 PM

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Kansas City, Missouri — The Prep Hoops NEXT Midwest Kickoff was the start of grassroots basketball for most teams in attendance. This two-day tournament consisted of teams coming from Oklahoma, Kansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, and all over Missouri, from age groups of 11U all the way up to 14U. Several players stood out from each class due to their scoring, dribbling, and defensive abilities. Here we’ll take a look at some of those high-performing prospects that made major impacts on the floor for their respective teams.

Lamont Hamilton | Racine, WI | Class of 2026

Electrifying, super quick, super-fast, ultra-talented point guard, Lamont Hamilton shined bright like a diamond the entire tournament. This pure playmaker played with a great feel for the game, he did an outstanding job of penetrating the lane and drawing the defense in before kicking out, dumping it off, or finishing with a crafty layup. Hamilton was such an elite ball handler that he looked unguardable at times, showing the ability to get to any spot on the floor effortlessly. Lamont displayed a great understanding of the point guard position, he controlled the pace and kept everything flowing. High basketball IQ, unselfish, always looking for the open man, and a great nose for the ball on the defensive end. There was no stopping this kid, teams tried everything even attempting to double-team him all the way up the court but they had no luck, his speed, footwork, and natural ability to wiggle through tight spaces were uncanny and unlike anything, I saw from one else all weekend. Lamont Hamilton is a pleasure to watch and a standout player that you just can’t help but notice.

Nick Hankins | St. Louis, MO | Class of 2026

The lefty, Nick Hankins was an extremely tough shot maker with a pure knack for drawing the foul, which led him to receive countless and-one calls and free-throw attempts. Every time Hankins rose up and had a clear view of the rim he knocked down the shot, even when being contested or fouled he kept his concentration and displayed great focus. He’s a three-level scorer, with a multidimensional game, Nick beat guys off the dribble and got into the teeth of the defense on a consistent basis, he made teams pay for leaving him open from deep, and he facilitated the well, always looking for open teammates on the perimeter or cutting to the basket. Hankins showed some dominance when he put on a show on championship day when he dropped 22 points against a strong ODE team.

Logan Hillman | Jefferson City, MO | Class of 2026

Hillman played with a great feel for the game both offensively and defensively. Logan’s terrific anticipation and use of his hands on the defensive end led to several steals and fast break opportunities, once he got a grasp on the ball he was taking it the other way for a layup. His impact on the glass was impressive as well, Hillman controlled the boards and consistently beat everyone to the ball, pulling it down at its highest point. 6-foot, Logan Hillman proved to be a very skilled, well-rounded player. He was in the zone all weekend, his teammates knew it and they continued to feed him each time up the court.

Jayden Hopkins | Oklahoma City, OK | Class of 2026

Jayden Hopkins was one of the toughest to keep out of the lane, he has good body control and was so slippery and shifty that he couldn’t be contained. Hopkins showed a knack for rocking his man to sleep and getting them off balance before blowing right by them. Good sense of urgency, anytime his team needed a bucket, despite the situation, Jayden stepped up and made it happen. Hopkins even had a spectacular play where he managed the clock well enough to get a layup right at the buzzer, keeping the score tight to end the first half of their Final Four game.

Myles Jelks | St. Louis, MO | Class of 2026

Myles Jelks is a little man with big range. Team RFG consistently looked for open three-point opportunities for Jelks as he floated around the perimeter, and more times than not Myles Jelks made his shot attempts count, even nailing 4 three-pointers in a game against ODE. The kid was money in the bank, particularly at the top of the key where he often cashed in. Myles Jelks had an effortless and consistent shot release even when shooting from college range. His form was great and his elevation was perfect.

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