We are halfway through the Hustle Region Circuit, with 6 stops already under our belt. The Hustle Region Circuit consists of Programs from California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico. The circuit features 10 stops including the Hustle Region Final in Irvine July 15th – 17th. In addition to being a terrific exposure platform for high school players. The Circuit is also the perfect proving ground for talented middle school prospects. Here’s a look at our top Middle School Sleepers from the mid-way point of the Hustle Region Circuit.
Liam Hodgkinson 6’2 PF Gamepoint IE 2026 – Has a sneaky good low post-game. Hodgkinson has terrific footwork for a player of any age to go along with a nice touch around the rim. He will have to either grow or transition down to more of a wing, but he flashed a solid face-up game when I saw him in Kansas City, showing that he’s more than capable.
Jaizahn Lewis 5’8 PG IE FIre Elite 2027 – Lewis is really out here competing with older kids night in and night out. The jitterbug PG is a blur who has more than held his own on the circuit this season. He first caught my eye in Cali playing in the Hustle SZN Kickoff, and I’ve been watching him along the way in other stops like Phoenix. The 7th grader has a good IQ and quickness, making him a player you don’t want to sleep on.
Curtis Coleman 6’1 SG Hard 2 Guard 2026 (featured image) – The first time I saw Coleman in California I thought he was ok. He has a good frame, with long arms so he looks the part. The second time I saw him in California, he had started to put it together. He has one of the more advanced 1 v 1 games of any player in his class. The rangy wing shows good footwork when using Euro steps to attack the rim, as well as when using side and step-backs to create space on the perimeter.
Jayden Gray 6’0 SG California Select Gold 2026 – Gray has already made himself into one of the hardest playing players on the Circuit. His effort and energy are palpable and can be felt throughout his team. His best skill is currently his willingness and ability to defend. Watching him during the Hustle SZN kickoff, Gray showed the lateral quickness to defend PGs and the upper body strength to be physical with wing players.
Rocco Cali 6’1 CG Elevation Green 2026 – Keep an eye out for Cali, he’s a positionless guy with a ton of skills. He does a good job of using angles and plays with good fundamentals. The combo can beat opponents off the dribble, or pick them apart with his passing. Love his toughness and competitiveness, which impact games in a variety of ways.
Lincoln Grayson 6’1 SG California Select Gold 2026 – There’s always a market for Shooters so Grayson easily makes the Sleeper list. He was money from the corners when I saw him in California at the Hustle SZN Kickoff. On a talented California Select team, he played his role in spacing the floor and making his shots. He did flash some driving ability, getting to the cup off the bounce. It is because of the talent around him that Grayson is such a sleeper.
