Jayhawk Summer Finale Recap (Class of 2018 Point/Combo Guards)
Here is a look at some of the top Missouri Class of 2018 point guards/combo guards from last weekend’s Jayhawk Summer Finale in Overland Park, KS
Damien Daniels 5’8″ KC Run GMC: The tough little floor general was instrumental in helping his team winning the 17U championship. He can score in bunches, but I was impressed with his defensive intensity. He can pick up ball handlers in a full court and he had a number of strips and deflections. He is a blur in the open court as he darts coast to coast for layups in transition.
Ronnie Bell 6’1″ Team Rush: The talented combo guard concluded an excellent grassroots season with a strong performance at the Jayhawk. He stayed in attack mode as much as any guard I watched throughout the entire spring and summer, which put constant pressure on the defense. His ability to finish strong in traffic at the rim and make 3-pointers has made him a consistent offensive weapon with a number of new Division I offers.
Jalen Lewis 5’10” Team Rush: The small point guard did an excellent job shooting the ball and earned himself a couple of scholarships, including his first Division I offer from SEMO. He was tremendous in an overtime win over Oklahoma Run PwP as he scored a team-high 18 points and made four 3-pointers.
Diego Bernard 6’0″ KC Pacers Blue: The dynamic point guard was very good on both ends of the floor throughout the tournament. He attacks the basket in a relentless manner, but he now as the ability to knock down open 3-pointers, which makes him an offensive weapon.
Jordan Walton 6’0″ Yanders Law: A very talented offensive player who was very comfortable at the point or off the ball as a shooting guard. He is an excellent 3-point shooter who can make open jumpers off the catch or can come off screens with a quick release. He is a nifty ball handler who can create space and drop dimes as a facilitator.
R.J. Lawrence 5’11” Team Rush: After joining the team in mid-July, Lawrence became a valuable piece to the team with his ability to score and facilitate. He provided instant offense with his 3-point shooting and ability to penetrate and score on twisting drives to the basket. He also delivered several nice passes throughout the weekend.
Xavier Rhodes 6’1″ Oklahoma Run PwP: A thin, athletic combo guard who has the uncanny ability to score around the basket in the land of the giants. He has the ability to slash to the basket and get into the gaps, plus he will get his share of offensive rebounders when folks aren’t paying attention. He will also pick your pocket on defense.
Deron McDaniel 6’0″ NdaGym: One of the more impressive revelations during the summer, I was once again impressed with his ability to beat defenders off the dribble with his speed and quickness, yet knock down 3-pointers on a consistent basis. He will score a lot this season at O’Hara. He also gives a strong effort on the defensive end.
Kenny Chambers 6’1″ MBA Flight: An energetic point guard who enjoys playing the game at a fast pace. He is always looking to push the ball at every opportunity to make things happen at the basket.