One of the biggest breakout stars from the NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Tournament was unquestionably Isaiah Mellock of MTXE Premiere. The 6’1” guard had multiple big games for his team helping them advance all the way to the 15U platinum semifinals before falling to the eventual champions in Team Herro. 

While he did show promise this season as a sophomore, playing for one of the top teams in the state with 23-5 Wisconsin Lutheran, Mellock was behind a strong and veteran backcourt. Throughout the tournament with MTXE, he continued to show that his game has come a long way since last year. While he had a solid season last year with MTXE at the 15U level, he now showed the ability to be one of the top 2025 guards on the NY2LA Association. “The difference between this year and last year is being surrounded by great players and coaches that encourage me,” Mellock said. 

“I think it surprised a lot of people but not me,” he said about MTXE’s run to the semifinals at Swish N’ Dish. Adding in, “We are a smart and aggressive team that has a lot of talented players, everyone has improved and contributes.” They had some big victories defeating MidPro Academy and Illinois Wolves along the way going 4-1 in the tournament. 

“Intense and aggressive defensively but controlled yet fearless offensively. I’ll go up against anyone,” Mellock said describing his own game. He showed the ability to take over games at points with his scoring ability. A tough playmaker with the ball in his hands who aggressively attacks the basket but can also create his own shot. 

While Mellock may not be as well-known as some guards in Wisconsin’s 2025 class, he has shown he can compete with any of them. With Mellock, Ross Robertson, Karson Osterman, among a few others, the 16U MTXE team will be a highly competitive group on the NY2LA Association this season.