Top Distributors in the State – player notes
A point guard, like other player positions in basketball, specializes in certain skills. A point guard’s primary job is to facilitate scoring opportunities for his/her team, or sometimes for themselves. A point guard as a coach on the floor, who can handle and distribute the ball to teammates. This involves setting up plays on the court, getting the ball to the teammate in the best position to score, and controlling the tempo of the game. A point guard should know when and how to instigate a fast break and when and how to initiate the more deliberate sets. Point guards are expected to be vocal floor leaders. A point guard needs always to have in mind the times on the shot clock and the game clock, the score, the numbers of remaining timeouts for both teams, etc.
Along with leadership and a general basketball acumen, ball-handling is a skill of great importance to a point guard. Generally speaking, the point guard is the player in possession of the ball for the most time during a game and is responsible for maintaining possession of the ball for his team in the face of any pressure from the opponents. Point guards must be able to maintain possession of the ball in crowded spaces and in traffic and be able to advance the ball quickly. A point guard that has enough ball-handling skill and quickness to be able to drive to the basket in a half-court set is also very valuable and considered by some to be a must for a successful offense.
After ball-handling, passing and scoring are the most important areas of the game for a point guard. As the primary decision-maker for a team, a point guard’s passing ability determines how well a point guard is able to put his decision into play. It is one thing to be able to recognize the player that is in a tactically advantageous position, but it is another thing entirely to be able to deliver the ball to that player. For this reason, a point guard is usually, but not always, more skilled and focused on passing than shooting. However, a good jump shot and the ability to score off a drive to the basket are still valuable skills. A point guard will often use his ability to score in order to augment his effectiveness as a decision maker and play maker.
Casey Jones 5’6″ Arsenal Hoops: One of the smallest players in the tournament, yet also one of the toughest players as well. He is physically built and he stays low on the dribble, which made it difficult for defenders to keep him out of the lane. He finished his share of shots in the land of the giants and he also located open teammates throughout the weekend. He can also make an open shot. Plays with relentless energy.
Isiah Hart, Chief Sealth – 6’1Hart is a solid guard, who plays at his own pace. He’s good at getting past his defender and drawing contact. He has a nice jump shot and is a true competitor.
Carson Tuttle, Kamaikin – 5’10. Tuttle is a smaller guard but plays with a lot of heart. He is very shifty with a nice handle and has a quick pull up jump shot. Tuttle plays the game with a lot of passion.
More than two years ago, Lincoln point guard Trevante Anderson received his first Division I offer from Montana University, and has been waiting for his second offer since. Several schools though have been recruiting the 6-foot-2 senior-to-be of late, and with a summer on the Under Armour Circuit ahead of him, it seems just a matter of time before some additional offers come in.
Rainier Beach’s combo guard Freddie Roberson is a true athlete. Roberson excels not only in the classroom, but also on the basketball. Roberson is bringing in college looks.. Roberson is a quick guard with a lot of speed. He works hard on both ends of the floor, but is really known for his intense defensive presence, causing havoc towards opposing guards.