Maranatha Summer Block Party: Saturday Top Wings/Guards
During the month of June, high school basketball players regroup with their high school teams and take a little break from AAU ball. That will start up again in July, but for now, high school coaches get a little more…
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Continue ReadingDuring the month of June, high school basketball players regroup with their high school teams and take a little break from AAU ball. That will start up again in July, but for now, high school coaches get a little more clarity on how their team will look like next season, and players get back into the swing of playing with each other again.
The LA are plays host to multiple high school basketball tournaments this time of year, and one of the bigger ones is the Maranatha Summer Block Party hosted by Maranatha High School. I attended the tournament this past weekend on the last day. Strong guard/wing play is very important in today’s game, and there were plenty of them on display.
Here’s a look at some of the top guard/wings I saw at the tournament.
1. Keith Dinwidde – Fairfax 2020
The incoming senior is poised to lead the Lions this upcoming season. He’s a scorer in every sense of the word. There isn’t a spot in the court he can’t shoot from. His range extends to NBA three-point range. He’s instant offense and incredibly difficult to guard once he gets it going. He’s strong too and can get to the rim with ease where he can finish with contact. He’s a playmaker too. He can facilitate for his teammates and get them easy shots.
2. Colby Brooks – Loyola 2020
Brooks is more of a combo player, he can switch between guard and forward. If he’s playing guard, he has a size advantage over most other players. He’s a good shooter from the perimeter and he can play in the post. When he’s in the post, he has good patience when looking to score. He attacks the glass well and gets putbacks. Defensively, he can cover guards on the perimeter and he can switch onto bigs in the post.
3. Bryce Whitaker – Providence 2020
An incoming senior, he’s set to be Providence’s floor general. He’s a solid point guard with great court instincts. His court vision is solid, he’s able to find his teammates for easy baskets. When it comes to scoring, he can score in a variety of ways. He can’t be left open on the perimeter, he’s too good a shooter. He can also get into the lane and attack the rim.
4. Eric Peacock Jr. – King/Drew 2020
A solid scoring guard, he provides a good outside compliment big man Fidelis Okereke. He sees the floor well in the halfcourt. He’s a solid shooter from both the midrange and from the three-point line. When it comes to running the break in transition, he’s looking to facilitate. He’s a great passer in the open court. Defensively, he contests shots well on the perimeter.
5. Devin Lewis – Pasadena 2020
One of the key elements in being a scorer, is moving without the ball, and Lewis definitely can do that. When the basketball is in his hands, he’s good a finding his teammates. He can also get himself to the free-throw line by attack the rim and drawing contact. He creates his own shot in the perimeter. He tries hard on the defensive end.
6. Justin Gladney – Fairfax 2020
Gladney is the type of scoring guard that constantly keeps the defense on their feet. His motor is constantly running, he’s looking to attack on every single play. With the basketball in his hands, he’s looking at nothing but the rim. He attacks defenders off the dribble and is a smart player in keeping the defense off balance when he gets in the lane. He’s a combo guard though, while he can score, he can also be a playmaker and find his open teammates.