The 2026 MADE Hoops Midwest Shootout in Hamilton, OH showcased a deep pool of talent across multiple teams and grade levels. High-energy defensive units like Midwest Basketball Club caught attention, while skilled guard play stood out across the board.
Saturday highlighted several prospects making clear progress. Continued development could put many in the spotlight on the grassroots circuit.
After Day 1, there’s a sharper sense of the teams and players to follow heading into Day 2.
Midwest Basketball Club 2030 Sets the Tone with Defense
One of the more impressive groups throughout the day was the Midwest Basketball Club 2030 squad. Their identity is clear: a defensive-minded, pressing team built around toughness and relentless energy. Simply put, it’s a roster full of dawgs.
J’vion Teague anchors the defense with a high motor and athleticism, running the floor, rebounding hard, and protecting the rim using strong hands and instincts.
Amile Wimzie impressed in transition, pushing the ball, covering ground quickly, and using his length to impact defense.
Vaughn Ashby Jr. brought energy, toughness, and finished well in traffic with a soft touch around the rim.
When the Midwest Basketball Club faced the Mustangs, their ability to turn defense into offense was on full display. MWBC created turnovers at a high rate and quickly converted them into fast-break opportunities.
Colton Richmond gave Midwest a stretch-four option, hitting threes and finishing inside.
For the Mustangs, the point guard ran the offense with patience, while the off guard attacked the rim as a powerful, quick scorer.
Phenom United Charging Edges Underdawgs in Competitive 2032 Matchup
PUC and the Underdawgs squared off in one of the most competitive 2032 matchups of the day. The game featured strong defensive stretches, physical play, and momentum swings throughout, with neither team able to create much separation for long. Possessions were contested on nearly every trip down the floor, but in the end, PUC executed a bit better down the stretch to secure a hard-fought 52-46 victory.
For the Underdawgs, Kamden Johnson set the tone as the team’s floor general. Johnson did an excellent job controlling the tempo and keeping the offense organized, showing patience and poise with the ball in his hands. He consistently made the right reads, creating opportunities for teammates while also picking his spots to score. His leadership and steady playmaking helped keep the Underdawgs within striking distance throughout the game, especially during key stretches when the offense needed to settle down.
On the other side, Jermontae Rankins gave PUC a major boost with his impact off the bench. Rankins brought instant energy and offensive production the moment he stepped on the floor, attacking defenders with confidence and creating scoring chances off the dribble. His ability to break down defenses and get into the paint helped open the floor for PUC’s offense and provided a spark in critical moments. Whether finishing at the rim or creating off penetration, Rankins played a key role in helping PUC maintain control late in the game.
In a matchup defined by toughness and effort on both sides, PUC’s timely scoring and depth ultimately made the difference. The Underdawgs battled until the final buzzer, but PUC’s ability to capitalize on key possessions down the stretch allowed them to pull away and close out the six-point win.
Blessed Sacrament 2030 Backcourt Leads the Way
In a Blessed Sacrament vs. Hustle Elite 2030 matchup, Blessed Sacrament leaned heavily on its talented backcourt and guard play to secure a convincing double-digit victory. From the opening minutes, their perimeter duo controlled the pace of the game, applying constant pressure on both ends of the floor and consistently creating advantages in transition and in the half court.
Christian Dane Hall carried much of the scoring load for Blessed Sacrament. The dynamic guard showed the ability to create offense in a variety of ways, confidently attacking defenders off the dribble and finishing through contact. Hall displayed strong body control around the rim and a natural scoring instinct, repeatedly finding ways to get downhill and put pressure on the defense. When the offense needed a bucket, Hall stepped up and delivered, setting the tone for Blessed Sacrament throughout the game.
Alongside Hall, Ryder McGilvery provided an athletic spark that helped keep Hustle Elite on its heels. McGilvery made several explosive plays, finishing above the rim in transition and converting difficult scoring opportunities in traffic. His activity and athleticism stood out, but he also contributed as a secondary playmaker, helping initiate offense and keeping the ball moving. McGilvery’s ability to both finish plays and create opportunities for teammates added another dimension to Blessed Sacrament’s attack.
Together, the backcourt duo proved difficult to contain. Their combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and playmaking allowed Blessed Sacrament to control the tempo and steadily build separation, ultimately powering the team to a comfortable win over Hustle Elite.
Sam Cannon Elite Dominates
In the day’s most lopsided game, Sam Cannon Elite set the tone early against Together on 3 and showcased their overwhelming talent.
Braylan Davis led Sam Cannon Elite, scoring, distributing, and controlling tempo as a creative lead guard.
Jason Tunes Jr. offered rebounding, defense, and scoring as both a slasher and a shooter.
Cooper Doliboa handled the ball, created offense, and projects as a future scoring threat with added strength.
Day 1 Superlatives
Best Defensive Team – Midwest Basketball Club 2030
Coach Johnson’s group set the tone all weekend with relentless pressure and a clear defensive identity. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into transition offense made them one of the toughest teams to play.
Defensive Anchor – J’vion Teague, Midwest Basketball Club 2030
Teague’s motor, athleticism, and defensive instincts stood out. He ran the floor, protected the rim, and controlled the paint with strong hands and physical rebounding.
Best Transition Threat – Amil Wimzie, Midwest Basketball Club 2030
Explosive on the open floor, Wimzie consistently turned rebounds into fast-break opportunities. His length and speed made him a major factor in transition on both ends.
High-Motor Forward – Vaughn Ashby Jr., Midwest Basketball Club 2030
Ashby brought relentless energy and toughness. He battled inside, finished around the rim in traffic, and provided consistent effort throughout the game.
Best Floor General – Kamdyn Johnson, Underdawgs 2032
Johnson controlled the pace and directed the offense with composure, showing leadership and strong decision-making as the team’s point guard.
Best Instant Offense – Jermontae Rankins, PUC 2032
Rankins made a major impact off the bench, bringing quickness and scoring ability while breaking down defenders with dribble penetration.
Flashiest Finisher – Ryder McGilvery, Blessed Sacrament 2030
McGilvery’s bounce stood out as he finished plays above the rim while also contributing as a secondary playmaker.
Best Lead Guard Performance – Braylan Davis, Sam Cannon Elite 2030
Davis orchestrated the offense with creativity and pace. His pick-and-roll play, passing vision, and scoring ability made him one of the weekend’s most dynamic guards. Easily the most gifted player in this tournament.
Pablo Cong is in his first year with MADE. Based in Tennessee, he focuses on the southeast, with an emphasis on Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, and Georgia. Pablo has been scouting and creating written content for 7 years. He can be contacted on X at @scoutpcong or via email at [email protected]
