Ain’t No Stoppin’ Him 

Class of 2027, Peyton Howell, from New York is unlike any first grade basketball player that we’ve seen in years. We’re sure other kids are probably just as talented, but not many.

Howell is a point-guard, who comfortably scores the ball. He’s a good decision maker on fast breaks and half-court settings. He looks for easy passes but has no problem scoring with floaters or three pointers. He has a natural feel for the game.

College coaches will appreciate Howell’s style of play because it’s fast pace. He uses a quick in-and-out and crossover dribble to get where he wants on the court. If not a few passes to break the full-court-press, he dribbles against a taller defender who is slower than him.

Howell is even a lock-down defender. On a defensive play, he got a passing lane steal and quickly laid the ball up. He puts pressure on players and teams. It’s interesting to find out how much Howell develops his talent over the years.

The Future Is Now

The following Middle School Elite rankings are based on performances at high level tournaments and camps, overall team success, players ability to impact games and players long term potential and upside

Rank, Name, State 

#1 Cody Jordan, Texas

#2 Jordan Frazier, Missouri

#3 Neiko Primus, Washington DC

#4 Logan McDonough, Virginia

#5 Kain McCaskill, Missouri

#6 Gregory Dunson Jr., Georgia

#7 Doni Burkett, Washington

#8 Tricey Collins, Missouri

#9 Josh Goodwin Jr, Texas

#10 Adam Grier, North Carolina

#11 Jaden Spears, California

#12 Judah Bontemps, New York

#13 Marcus Johnson, Ohio

#14 Peyton Kemp, Michigan

#15 Camarion Bead, Arkansas

#16 Chauncey Shelton, Michigan

#17 Joc Mitchell, Oklahoma

#18 Kevin Savage, Georgia

#19 Jaden Reed, Missouri

#20 King Riley, California

#21 Emory Smittick, Oklahoma

#22 Josiah Johnson, California

#23 Johnny Magna, New York

#24 Royal Mayfied, California

#25 Kiyen Alexander Baltimore, MD

#26 Chauncey Shelton, Michigan

#27 Isaiah Trelles, Florida

#28 Toriano Adams, Michigan

#29 Jahi Martin, Missouri

#30 Quinn Wilkins Indiana

Spates is the Truth

Class-of-2023, Jacary Spates from South Bend, Indiana is a gritty and tough guard from the city. He’s a 3.5 GPA student-athlete at Marshal Intermediate.

After studying his game, here’s what we’ve learned about the rising sixth-grade player.

With the ball in his hands, Spates is a strong running back on fast breaks. In transition he shoots three pointers or layups. Imagine some of his points are breakaway dunks. He has good court vision and IQ to make passes or shoot.

Defenders are reluctant to play Spates closely because nervous they might get hurt or injured. But not Spates, he relishes intense physicality, understanding the only things existing are just him and the rim. He’s a skilled, bully player who relishes hard body contact. Check out Jacary Spates boogie with strength in his highlight video below.

Stay tuned to our website for exclusive updates on his progress.

Nash’s Shot is Cash

Class-of-2023, Bryson Jaye Nash of the Team Payne War Eagles in Memphis, TN, is easily one of the best point guards nationally. Because of his upbeat character as well as good academics and talent, he may automatically move up in rankings. Nash is an honor roll student, looking forward to sixth-grade middle school this upcoming school year.

Last year, the classic floor-general dazzled spectators at the MSE Tennessee camp. And recently Nash performed well at prestigious events. With nonstop energy, he dominates games on both offense and defense. He’s a shifty, quick point guard with a superb handle, and excellent passing and shooting ability. What’s even more impressive is him guarding the basket and shouting, “ball, ball, ball!”

Nash talks on defense and has quick footwork to slide or sprint. If he continues developing his game and body — sky’s the limit. Coaches hoping to keep winning will need Nash’s dependable point guard services. Keep an eye on him.

It’s All About Brown

Class-of-2021, guard, Jayden Brown, from New Jersey is an elite student-athlete attending Dawn Treader Christian Academy. His personal trainer is Marcelle Williams, and he practices 3-4 times weekly with Izod Sports-U team. He enjoys school as his dream college is the University of North Carolina. He could be there one day. Who knows?

Brown vastly matures by studying footage of NBA players to improve his game. “I watch old school basketball game videos to study other great players so I can learn, work and keep getting better,” a humble Brown told us after he finished a gym workout.

While Brown has no particular player for a target, he says “I’m just ready to compete at all times.” But don’t put your defense down yet. He’s able to score on all three levels: layup, midrange and perimeter. He’s a pit pull on defense, fighting for steals. In conclusion, Brown makes the right decisions when playing unselfishly and sharing the ball. The name Brown will ring bells now and in the future.

All-Ohio Nino

Class-of-2024, Nino Nesbitt from Columbus, Ohio, is known for competing against some of the best youth basketball players in the country. “I’ve faced Lebron James Jr. & Khoi Thurman,” a cheerful and unassuming young Nesbitt said.

Adding to the list of tough athletes that rising 5th grade Nesbitt has already challenged is John Mobley Jr., Jadien Arnold, Jerry Easter II, Juwan Turner and Durrall Brooks.

Playing for All-Ohio Red’s team, Nesbitt encountered Gulf Coast Blue Chip’s fourth-grade squad; but also played up with fifth-grade in Akron to beat the older GCBC featuring Bronny, by 3 points. He’s experienced battling stacked teams, such as ASAP Blazers, New World & Team loaded.

But, before we delve further into Nesbitt’s hoop gifts, here’s academic good news about him. He attends Berwick Alternative K-8 school in Ohio, and he’s an honor-roll student. On downtime, he enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, bike riding and swimming.

Here’s more review of Nesbitt’s talent on the court. He has wicked handles and an elite jump shot along with tenacious defense. He attributes his advanced skill-set and muscle growth to practicing four days a week, Veritmax machine, shooting gun and tennis ball drills.

Nesbitt’s know-how might explain his high IQ and leverage to play the 1 & 2 position. He’s a pass first player with killer-instinct to score. He needs to get a little stronger, which comes with age & strength training. Hopefully Nesbitt gains an offer from his dream college — Ohio State.

Meet Young Cov 

Class-of-2023, Jacovey Campbell aka Young Cov From McKinney, Texas, is one of the best true point guards in the nation. His vision, quickness and scoring can break down any defense for easy baskets. The eleven year old has a high basketball IQ, and plus he’s an amazing two-way player. Campbell brings toughness and energy on defense. He creates intense pressure when “clapping it up” in his opponent’s face. “I do it to get into their mind,” a heartless and competitive Campbell said.

At October’s 2015 MSE Texas camp, he was awarded 5th grade co-MVP with Wesley Yates from Texas. In a team setting, Jacovey helped catapult elite organizations such as Texas Heat and Nike D1 Shooters. Not to mention, he’s currently playing with Nike Pro-skills program.

If you haven’t watched Campbell play, you’re missing out on a show.

MSE Texas Camp

Action Jaskson

Straight-A scholar, Jackson Shelstad, is a top fifth-grade basketball player from Athey Creek in West Linn, Oregon. He’s a special talent since almost everyone falls in love with his game. He’s even adored by his AAU coach who has him as starting guard on the 6th grade Fast team, which is ranked No.19 in country.

He goes 110% in practices and games, and plays under control on both sides of the ball. You might describe his game as “smooth”. However, he’s super scary in transition, putting weary defenders on roller skates.

Shelstad is very quick and plays lock down defense. He’s deadly from the perimeter and quick to get to the rack if he wants to. He has good court vision and passes the ball extremely well. Shelstad’s biggest weakness is rebounding but he’s leaned it’s done to gain possession for the fast break.

Shelstad was MVP of the EBC camp in Washington. He was also top 10 player at the John Lucas Camp in Las Vegas. And when not playing basketball he excels in football as a quarterback and safety.

Shelstad keeps his game sharp with lessons from his trainer, Terry Pritchard of Fast Basketball. “Terry is in my opinion the best coach and trainer around,” said Mr. Shelstad, who is confident and laid back.

Why does young Shelstad refuse to give up pursuing hoop?

His future goal is to become the best student-athlete possible. With good luck and perseverance, Shelstad might get a scholarship to compete for the D1 Oregon Ducks.

Courtney is a Baller   

Class-of-2020, 6-0, Jared Courtney is from Kentucky and a student-athlete at Elkhorn middle school, where he was a productive asset on the team. He scored just under 600 points his eighth grade season. He’s also book smart…a 4.0 student through sixth and eighth grade. Courtney is gearing up to play varsity at Franklin County high school next year.

Courtney is fundamentally sound after strenuous training. He’s advanced compared to kids in the same position at his age. Importantly, his jump shot form is good right now.

While Courtney improves his athleticism and physicality, he has the intangibles to compete on the next levels. Sky’s the limit as he grows stronger, quicker and tougher. He’s a good person with a recommendable character. Again, team player Courtney’s IQ and skill set is past most of his peers.

Burroughs is Thorough

Class-of-2023, Karl Burroughs from Toledo, Ohio, attends Grove Patterson Academy where he’s a 3.5 GPA student-athlete. As a result, he received an honor roll certificate and citizenship award. His AAU team is the Springfield Bombers.

Burroughs, a true point guard, has an extremely high basketball IQ, great ball handling, and finishes well around the basket with both hands. He’s a consistent shooter from the perimeter and midrange area. He changes speed to dictate pace of games. And defensively, Burroughs has no problem sitting low so ball handlers can not easily bypass him.

However, Burroughs must add size and height to his wiry, frame; and begin moving without the ball after passing to teammates. He needs to -at least – screen away, v-cut, back cut, or shallow cut etc…

Here are some of Burroughs’ noticeable accolades. He made the All-Star team at the Middle School Elite Michigan Camp, and went undefeated to win the Basketball Spotlight camp in Maryland. The rising sixth grader then made the All-Star team at the Neo Youth Elite camp this past weekend in Cleveland.

Burroughs isn’t only basketball. Amongst his hobbies are riding a hover board, playing call of duty and NBA 2k16 on his Playstation 4, and driving the range to line-drive golf balls.

Burroughs’ high school goal is to play varsity as a freshman and win a state championship. Then play division 1 college basketball on a free sports scholarship and eventually be drafted to the NBA.

“I want people to know that he deserves any and every honor that he receives because he works hard an he plays the game the right way, he passes the ball when he sees his teammates open, he is a gym rat and a true student of the game,” exhaled Mr. Burroughs when asked is early internet basketball exposure all that useful.

Anyhow, Burroughs’ college hope is to attend either Ohio State, Michigan or North Carolina University. Where will he end up?

Grier has no Fear

Class of 2026, point guard/forward, Adam Grier from North Carolina is a leader on-and-off the court. He displayed how good he is at the MSE Tennessee Camp last year. And to get more exposure, Grier might be at the MSE Kentucky camp August 20th, 2016. Furthermore, he’s received numerous awards for his academic achievements in the classroom.

Rising third grader Grier plays three strong positions as he goes from point guard, shooting guard to posting up. He holds his own against some of the top players and teams. He’s confident with swag and plays having a big chip on his shoulders. Hopefully his toughness pays dividends. In the future he wants to attend Duke University for basketball and major in Engineering. After college, Grier aspires to play for the OKC Thunder’s NBA team.

Only time will tell.

Point Guard Guidry

Class of 2020, guard, Deuce Guidry from Texas is now big nationally, but his hoop record is even larger. The honor roll student’s marathon started in the classroom where he’s a high academic achiever.

Also, Guidry takes pride playing for McAdams Junior High School. They went undefeated two seasons in a row and Guidry was part of their success.

“I have been preparing myself for my four year Journey at Dickinson High School where I plan on competing for Varsity,” a hungry Guidry said.

Guidry loves facing any competition that’ll make him a better player. “I dont wake up saying hopefully I play this person or that person, I just lace up and play ball.” If not showcasing at camps, he’s on the circuit with Fam Elite based out of Houston, Texas.

His strengths are ball handling, passing and stretching the defense with college range three pointers.

“I also love playing defense and being a team player. I do my part on being the floor general and keeping my team poised for the moment.”

Guidry works hard on his craft for hours, days and nights. He even goes to the gym 2-3 times everyday.

“My Summer coaches/Trainers (The Basketball Family) is great on teaching me the right fundamentals of the game versus just playing the game. Its more mental then anything, they keep me motivated,” the young hooper raved.

Guidry is no stranger to the national scene; he’s been featured on Future 150, Coast 2 Coast Preps, and Lone Star Prep Spotlight. He also caught the eyes of John Lucas Enterprise Staff at Camp Right Way in Houston. He was also invited to the International Middle School Combine, and played in the ScoutsFocus Elite 80 camp.

“My Dad always tells me being a shorter player makes the advantage look easier for bigger kids. Once the ball is up we all the same size in between the lines.”

If things go according to plans, Guidry could land at Texas, LSU, Duke or North Carolina.

Cameron is Showtime

Class-of-2025, point guard, Cameron Zeigler from Houston, Texas, plays for the Gulf Coast Blue Chips. His school grades reflect the brightness of his personality. He wants to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout middle, high school and college.

Zeigler has a pass first mentality, which doesn’t mean he can’t score in bunches. Even though he’s only nine years old, we have plenty to say about him off-and-on the court. Zeigler played in five AAU Nationals, grabbing three trophies in the process. He averaged 6 points, 15 assists, 10 steals and 8 rebounds per game.

If he isn’t performing highlight moves for his yet released mix-tape, he’s shooting highly anticapated blockbuster movies. Zeigler is also a seasoned Academy Award Cast member of the movie 12 Years a Slave. He’ll feature on our website’s exclusive homepage this week.

No Dreamin’

A national top rising seventh grader, Skyy Clark form California attends Heritage Christian School. He’s a straight-A honor roll student. He recently got invited to several of the top showcases in America.

Clark is a premier player on the west coast and steadily reaching the east seaboard. He’s a lights out shooter and an elite dribbler so he gets to the basket at will. As a guard, he’s a phenomenal rebounder and lockdown defender. Since seventh graders are recruitable, he can get a college offer.

When Clark isn’t playing basketball he hangs out with his friends and family.

Ask around: you’ll find out he’s a good kid and baller. Two years ago, people didn’t want Clark on their team. Now coaches want his presence to grace the program. But his academics nor talent earned him respect from critics. It was his character and that he’s a child of God.

While the NCAA is a distant reality, Clark might wake up to compete at Duke or USC. (His career goal is to be a Hall-of-Fame NBA player.)

Elite Tyson 

Class-of-2027, Tyson Forrest from Texas, is only seven years old and a top player in the country. He attends Snyder Elementary and is a straight – A student.

“This summer he will work on all aspects of his game,” said Mr. Forrest who’s serious about his son’s AAU development.

Forrest has the genetics to fall back on because his sister played AAU basketball, and now college. “Tyson been around basketball since before he could walk.”

Forrest is an excellent ball handler, attacks the basket very well, and is fundamentally sound. He’s working on a hesitation dribble and head fake to improve spacing.

Forrest is an aggressive player on offensive and defensive. He loves to attack the basket, has nice jump shot form and an eye for accurately passing the rock.

He played up with the 2nd grade Gulf Coast Blue Chips (GCBC) this AAU season, winning several out of state tournaments that gave him experience. In August, he’ll play on 1st grade GCBC at the AAU Nationals in Wichita, Kansas.

There’s balance in Forrest’s busy hoop life. Besides organized sports, he burns energy playing video games and shooting Nerf guns.

“It’s great to be recognized for the hard work you put in, but that all in all isn’t the goal.” The end goal is, however, to be “a great player that does what it takes to help his team win.” Stay tuned for monthly updates of his game.

Mind Over Matter   

Rising third grader, Isaiah Trelles from Florida, turned up at the Middle School Elite Ohio Camp this year. The elite student athlete turns eight years old in July, which makes him young for the class-of-2026.

Trelles could reclassify to class of 2027, but his parents are reluctant to leave him back because he’s advanced academically. He’s functioning on a fifth- grade reading and math level.

Plus Trelles is rather tall for his age, 4-8 — thanks to his mom who stands 5-10. The child’s height typically depends on the biological mother.

Rationalizing his youth and talent, Trelles feels being the youngest just means he’ll have to work that much harder.

Team Player

Class of 2020, Jonte’ Akers from Indiana, attended Tindley Prep where he maintained a B grade. He’ll attend Tinley Accelerated high School as a freshman.

Akers can play the one through four. He’s a tough athlete on the offensive and defensive end. Thirty points is the most he’s scored in games. Nevertheless, he must improve his strength, rebounding and shooting.

If humble Akers isn’t playing basketball, he’s home watching college and NBA basketball games. His favorite universities are Kentucky and Duke. Akers desires to become a NBA player or Engineer.

Akers is respectful to his mother and family, and takes care of his great-grandmother. He’ll definitely be successful, whether on or off the court.

Young & Restless 

Kindergarten baller, six-year-old, Justin Lamisere, from Brooklyn, NY, is a prodigy student-athlete. Regarding talent, he flourishes on offense and is a lock down defender. He’s also a good jump shooter, but must work on absorbing rough body contact.

After LeBron James’ tournament in Ohio, he’s helped his travel team win a major event in New York City.

Lamisere is on his AAU organization’s second grade team as a first grader. And when he isn’t hooping, he with his family, riding dirt bikes or playing video games. At this stage, he’s a natural point grade with a pass first mentality. He gets teammates involved by feeding paint slashers, bigs down-low or spot-up shooters.

While Lamisere is too young to take college seriously, he’s a big fan of Kentucky and North Carolina University. Like almost every kid, he dreams of playing for the NBA, on his hometown Knicks team. Justin has a professional work ethic, and understands nothing comes easy so he’s willing to go the extra mile to reach the next level.

D1 Intentions

Class-of-2024, Donny Yeager aka D1 is from Saginaw, Michigan, and will be playing on the 7th and 8th grade team at Peace Luthern school next year.

The aggressive ball handler gives stubborn defenses a fit. When defenders close out, he blows by them. And if they sag off, he nails a three pointer. This season — Yeager shot 91 percent from the free throw line.

The deadeye sharpshooter won an open competition 3 point shooting contest with over 400 contestants at a tournament. He was forced to beat a college basketball player in the finals.

In conclusion, Yeager has a knack for always being in the right place at the right time. He demonstrates good court presence and instinct. He’s fond of rebounding to touch the ball first in transition.

In terms of ball distribution, he must improve his passing angles. Sometimes he’s off target; however, his court vision and decision making ability is intact.