Midwest Live: a look at standout point guards
10Point Guards
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Midwest Live tournament in Lawrence, Kan. featured several standout performances. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several guards who stood out this weekend.
Michael Armstrong, 6’0, PG, 2020, Speed 2020
A smooth point guard who plays under control, Armstrong brings good speed and quickness to the floor and helped his team get into its offense. He knocked down a 3 and did a good job getting to the basket at times. He also had some good moments at the defensive end, blocking a shot and coming up with several steals.
Kobe Bonner, 5’10, PG, 2019, Seaman, Kansas Hoggs
A true point guard, Bonner has the ability to lead a team at the offensive end, and pressure the ball at the defensive end. He can knock down outside shots and score when needed, but he is at his best leading a team as a true point.
Jake Branham, 6’1, PG, 2019, Catholic, Missouri Team Carroll
One of the state’s biggest risers over the past year, Branham has developed into one of the state’s top point guards in the 2019 class. He is crafty with the ball, is able to change speed and pace and carve out paths to the basket where he can finish around bigger players. Mix in a terrific outside shot and good leadership qualities and Branham is a player college coaches should be paying attention to this spring.
Jordan Jermain, 5’10, PG, 2020, Raymore-Peculiar, KC Spurs Black
Kid isn’t very big, but he can play. Scored eight quick points on consecutive possessions in a contest on Friday, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers, then adding a tough pull-up jumper. He is quick and shifty off the dribble, has a natural feel for the game and shows consistent form and balance on his perimeter shot.
Sean Pleimann, 6’1, G, 2020, Blue Valley, KC Spurs Black
A crafty ball handler, Pleimann showed the ability to handle the point guard duties on Friday against Speed 2020 16U. He has good court vision, a feel for playing the position and the ability to get into the lane and find open teammates. Pleimann knocked down a pair of clutch free throws to send a contest against Speed 2020 into overtime after being fouled on a 3-point attempt.
Elijas Watson, 5’9, PG, 2020, Topeka (Kan.), Kansas Hoggs
Kid can really play. Is lightning quick off the dribble, can change directions quickly and can get to the basket. He made several tough chances around the basket and also created easy opportunities for teammates as he drove the lane and dumped off passes for layups. He’s a player to watch going forward due to his quickness and ability to handle the ball.