NFL
By: Melo Williams
Brock Hodges
C/O 2026
6’0 PG
Beloit Memorial HS
Wisconsin Dynasty AAU
It’s a new day for Beloit Memorial athletics with the Southern Lakes Conference now being its new home.
As the Purple Knights establish their identity in the Southern Lakes Conference, I believe guard Brock Hodges will play a major role in establishing the identity of the Purple Knights due to his all-around basketball skillset and his ball-hawking defense.
Hodges was labeled as a “Gamechanger” by numerous coaches on the AAU circuit.
Over the summer, Hodges was committed to improving as a basketball player preparing for the upcoming 2023-24 basketball season at Beloit Memorial.
While training all summer, Hodges also played AAU basketball playing at an elite level amongst his peers in the state of Wisconsin, midwest, and nationally earning all tournament and game honors.
Brock sat down with Melo for a Q&A timeout.
1. Melo Williams: Beloit Memorial Purple Knights basketball history is legendary. What does it mean to you to be a Purple Knight playing in the famous Barkin Arena?
Brock Hodges: It meant a lot. I remember when I was young, my papa used to take my brother and me to the games. Being in those moments, made me realize this is what I wanted to do and this is where I wanted to play.
2. MW: Experience is instrumental for growth. You played JV basketball as a freshman, how has that experience prepared you for now, playing varsity as a sophomore for Beloit Memorial Purple Knights?
BH: It prepared me by letting me know what I had to do in the off-season/summer to get ready for varsity.
3. MW: After Beloit Memorial basketball season ended, you played AAU ball on the Prep Hoops circuit in regional/national tournaments and Mark Miller’s WBY Tournament, attended UW-Milwaukee Elite Basketball Camp and the WSN Showcase earning Top Performer honors and write-ups at all these events. What was your biggest takeaway from competing against and standing out amongst other top HS players from around the state and country?
BH: That I can play with them, and I belong. But most importantly I have to keep working!
4. MW: A lot of HS players don’t like committing to playing defense, but you love defense and that separates you from most of your peers, what is it about being an elite defender that motivates you?
BH: It motivates me because I know most HS players don’t like playing defense, which I love to do and I know most coaches love players that play defense and are aggressive.
5. MW: You dedicated your summer to getting better as a basketball player by putting in countless hours of work, would you describe what a typical workday in the gym consisted of for you?
BH: A typical day when I didn’t have Summer league games or Aau practice during the offseason/summer for me consists of getting up in the morning going to the gym with my dad lifting weights, pushing and pulling a sled, and making 150 to 200 shots. Later that evening I would go get drill work with my trainer T.
6. MW: What are you looking forward to the most this season competing with your Purple Knights teammates in the Southern Lakes Conference?
BH: I’m looking the most forward to my teammates and me having a new start and making new history in the SLC.
7. MW: What are the best attributes that you bring to your team?
BH: I bring my game-changing mentality, the knowing of how to get my teammates involved with good passes. my elite defense, my big shot-making capabilities, and my not wanting to lose personality.
8. MW: What do you love most about the game of basketball?
BH: I love the competitiveness, I love that it’s an outlet. I feel that when I’m playing basketball I don’t have a care in the world.
9. MW: What is your ultimate goal with basketball?
BH: That’s Simple. My ultimate goal is to get better every day. If I can do that, I feel everything else will take care of itself.
10. MW: Favorite NBA player to watch?
BH: LeBron
The Beloit Memorial Purple Knights will begin a new life in the Southern Lakes Conference under second-year head coach Todd Marks.
The Purple Knights is set to kick off its season hosting Milwaukee Pulaski at 7 PM CST at the Barkin Arena.
