Joshua Smith and Taylor C. Young Lead MVP Honors at Grassroots 365 King of the South in Arlington, Texas Arlington, Texas | May 30-31, 2026 The Grassroots 365 King of the South brought together top youth and high school programs from across Texas and beyond for a highly competitive weekend of championship basketball. Several title games came down to the final possessions, while standout performers emerged across every division to earn MVP and All-Tournament honors. Recap provided by Scope Scouting 14U Championship Result 🏆 Militant Elite Jr 3SSB 52, Code Red 42 MVP Joshua Smith (Militant Elite Jr 3SSB)13.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG Joshua Smith helped lead Militant Elite to the championship with a consistent two-way impact throughout the weekend. His ability to score efficiently while contributing on the glass made him one of the division’s most productive players. Outstanding Performers Acelin Robinson (Code Red)16.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.8 SPG Harper Thompson Hall (TXHE Jr 3SSB 2030)16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG Jakobe Harper (Warriors Black 2031)17.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.0 SPG Jayden Ekhator (Hard Hoops 2030 Jr 3SSB)17.0 PPG 13U Championship Result 🏆 Esby Elite 2031 Gold 53, Hard Hoops 2031 Jr 3SSB 50 MVP Taylor C. Young (Esby Elite 2031 Gold)11.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 2.0 SPG Young plays with a toughness that stands out. He embraces contact, competes on every possession, and consistently impacts the game on both ends. The 2032 guard creates offense in isolation, gets downhill when defenders give him space, and has the strength to finish through traffic. He also shows strong court awareness, making the extra pass and finding teammates when defenses collapse. Outstanding Performers Clarence Moore (Cool Hoops)16.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.3 SPG Damari D. Smith (Hard Hoops 2031 Jr 3SSB)19.2 PPG Joshua Almas (Prime Hoops)14.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3.3 SPG McKinnon Harris (Militant Elite)16.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG 12U/13U Bronze Championship Result 🏆 AB Elite 2033 Black 12U 44, Hard Hoops 2032 Jr 3SSB 30 MVP Kingston Wyatt (AB Elite 2033 Black)16.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG Wyatt impacts the game in multiple ways. He pressures defenses with his ability to get downhill, absorb contact, and finish in the paint, while also showing the touch and mechanics to score from the perimeter. His combination of strength, athleticism, and instincts allows him to rebound well above his position and create extra possessions. As a ball handler, he plays with poise under pressure and consistently makes quality reads to create opportunities for teammates. Outstanding Performers Julian A. Bolden (Esby Elite 2031 Black)14.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG Major Riley (Hard Hoops 2032 Jr 3SSB)10.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG Michael Scott (Texas Monarchs)10.0 PPG Ore Aluko (AB Elite 2033 Black)11.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG 11U/10U Championship Result 🏆 AB Elite 2034 58, TXHE Jr 3SSB 2033 25 MVP Brandon Fields Jr (AB Elite 2034)19.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 SPG Outstanding Performers Ayden Buerck (AB Elite 2034)8.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 3.7 SPG De’Vontae Cobb Jr (99OVR 2K34)10.3 PPG Isaac Martin (Hard Hoops 2033 Jr 3SSB)9.7 PPG Myles Greer (TXHE Jr 3SSB 2033)9.5 PPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 SPG 9U/8U Alijah Brazile Championship Result 🏆 AB Elite 2035 40, AB Elite 2036 33 MVP Brian Thornton (AB Elite 2035)11.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.5 SPG Outstanding Performers A’Den Williams (Anointed Ballers)6.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 SPG A’Lijah Brazile (AB Elite 2035)7.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 3.8 SPG Aiden Scott (AB Elite 2036)10.5 PPG, 3.8 SPG Xander Rose (DC Kings Blue 2035) 17U/16U Championship Result 🏆 The Squad 63, TXHE 2028 adidas PG 33 MVP Comorian Singletary (The Squad)11.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG Singletary is a versatile perimeter guard with good size, length, and control. He uses his left hand well to create driving angles, can make shots off the dribble, and plays with patience as a decision-maker. Defensively, he uses his length to bother ball handlers, contest shots, and make plays in passing lanes. Outstanding Performers Webster McLemore (TXHE 2028 adidas PG)12.3 PPG Ronald Wheeler (Texas Monarchs) Kaiden Johnson (The Squad)10.3 PPG Herman Easter IV (The Squad)9.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, 1.7 SPG 15U Championship Result 🏆 Hard Hoops Black 52, 99OVR 2K30 Jr 3SSB 45 MVP Zy’Deair Hill (Hard Hoops Black)14.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.3 APG Hill is a true lead guard who controls the pace, makes quality decisions, and creates for teammates. The lefty also scores it well, showing range on his jumper and the ability to get downhill and finish through contact. Outstanding Performers Cole Stauffer (TXHE 2029)11.0 PPG Ola Ajayi (TXHE 2029 adidas PG)9.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG Preston Harris-Johnson (Hard Hoops Black)14.0 PPG, 4.0 APG Riel Carpenter (99OVR 2K30 Jr 3SSB)12.5 PPG, 3.0 SPG Carpenter plays with the poise and confidence of a lead guard. He changes speeds well, stays under control against pressure, and consistently creates quality shots for himself. His quick pull-up and ability to create separation make him a scoring threat from anywhere on the floor. Defensively, he competes with energy, jumps passing lanes, and turns turnovers into transition opportunities. Riel Carpenter Final Thoughts The 2026 Grassroots 365 King of the South showcased outstanding talent across every age group, from rising youth standouts to high school prospects preparing for the summer travel season. Militant Elite Jr 3SSB, Esby Elite 2031 Gold, AB Elite, Hard Hoops Black, and The Squad captured championships, while MVPs Joshua Smith, Taylor C. Young, Kingston Wyatt, Brandon Fields Jr., Brian Thornton, Zy’Deair Hill, and Comorian Singletary delivered standout performances throughout the weekend. As the summer grassroots season continues, many of these players and programs established themselves as teams and prospects to watch across the Grassroots 365 circuit.
