Grassroots: Some Fresh New Faces (Guards)
During the final week of the July Evaluation Period, I made it a point to see many kids from around the state that I have not seen before. While at the KC Hardwood Classic, Jayhawk Summer Finale and Sunflower Classic,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingDuring the final week of the July Evaluation Period, I made it a point to see many kids from around the state that I have not seen before. While at the KC Hardwood Classic, Jayhawk Summer Finale and Sunflower Classic, I got a chance to see some talented kids for the first time. Some of them may play for small schools that are off the beaten path. Others may play for lower profile grassroots clubs and a few other good ones who I just hadn’t the opportunity to see. Here is a look at some of those guards:
William Rogers 6’3″ Rainmakers Premier 17U (Saxony Lutheran, ’17): A big point guard who was impressive at the Hardwood Classic. Rogers used his size well to see over smaller defenders or back them down into the post when needed. A strong lefty who was always under control on the dribble. Never rushed. He also displayed excellent 3-point range.
Jake Allen 6’3″ Missouri Mavericks Silver 17U (Otterville ’18): A talented wing who has put up big numbers at Class 1 Otterville during the season. Watched him at the Jayhawk and see why he puts up such numbers. He has a quick first step which gets him to the bucket and he can finish. He can create separation off the dribble to shoot jumpers and he can also shoot the deep ball. He is also a good passer with a nice feel for the game.
Ronnie Bell 6’1″ Team Rush 16U (Park Hill ’18): Watched him at the Jayhawk and he had a big performance in the first game against rival KC Run GMC. He is a very athletic combo guard who can knock down 3-point shots. He hit four in the game against Run GMC. He moves well without the ball and he gets good elevation on his jumper. He has plenty of bounce in his game.
Latroy Harper 6’1″ MoKan Select 16U (Penney ’18): A dynamic athlete who plays above the rim, Harper is an excellent slashing wing player. Also a standout football player who is known for his acrobatic catches as a wide receiver, Harper displays similar athleticism on the basketball court. He is strong with the basketball and can play through contact with his physical build. An excellent finisher at the rim.
Jacob Meinershagen 6’2″ Missouri Mavericks Silver 17U (West County ’17): Watched him at the Jayhawk and was impressed with his ability to score in many different ways. He hit 51 points in a high school game during the season. He scored on drives to the basket and also got buckets off of hard cuts off the ball. He works off screens well and can shoot the 3-pointers. Very resourceful offensive player.
Jordan Bynum 6’3″ KC Elite 17U (Lee’s Summit North ’17): An athletic wing guard who did an excellent job at the Hardwood this weekend. He is an excellent 3-point shooter with a high-arching jumper from the perimeter. He saved some of his best shooting for clutch situations in close games. Bynum made one of his 3-pointers to send a game into overtime. Nice smooth release.
General Williams 6’1″ KC Oz Elite 17U (Lee’s Summit Christian ’17): A thin point guard who impressed at the Sunflower Classic. He is a smooth ball handler who got to the basket and played under control. He has a nice float game and could keep you honest with a couple of 3-pointer shooters. He also flashed some athleticism with a baseline drive and tomahawk dunk. That was nice.
Semaj Brewer 6’2″ KC Premier 16U (Lee’s Summit ’18): A strong, physical wing guard who put up some impressive scoring numbers at the Hardwood over the weekend. To say he can play through contact is an understatement. Brewer simply punished defenders who tried to impede his progress to the basket. He did a great job of finishing and get a lot of conventional 3-point plays. He also dropped a few nice no-look dimes.
Tavon DiPalma 6’3″ Missouri Mavericks Silver (Waynesville, ’17): A long lefty who has a little shake and bake in his game, especially when he got the ball in the open court. He was pretty good at the Jayhawk last weekend. I liked his size on the wing and his ability to hit pull up jumpers.
Keyshawn Jackson 6’2″ MBA Flight 16U (Kickapoo ’19): Caught this young man’s act at the Hardwood and was very impressed. The kid just gets mad buckets. He shoots this high-arching jumper from behind his right ear that was cash money throughout the weekend. He could also attack the bucket and score off the bounce. He could really score.