Program Preview: Nevada Hard 2 Guard

<p>Grassroots is back! As the state slowly starts to re-open, AAU teams throughout Nevada are ramping  up and getting ready to compete on a condensed summer schedule. Recently I had a chance t<em>o </em>check in on Nevada Hard 2 Guard and their Program Director Darius Banks. Under his guidance H2G has established itself as one of the premiere grassroots program in the state, producing several college and pro stars such as, Gary Payton II, (Oregon St) Kevin Olekaibe (Fresno St), and Milos Kneskovic", (Bradley). "My main goal is to have your son or daughter leave here and play as a freshman" - Darius Banks. This years roster features several players capable of doing just that. In this article PH takes a look at some of the key players for Nevada Hard 2 Guard.</p> <p><em>Returners:</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="927141" first="Victavion" last="Conway - Fox"] 6’6 PF (#45PHN2021) - VCF is a long athletic post, that rebounds and protects the rim well. The two sport athlete is also one of the most talented Volleyball players in the state.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/miles-mitchell/">[player_tooltip player_id="859654" first="Miles" last="Mitchell"] </a><em>5’11 SG 2022 (#26PHN 2022)</em> - Mitchell is a sharpshooting guard. He’s good in transition and loves to snipe from the corner. He serves as the perfect compliment to many of the drive oriented guards on the team. He was named MVP of a recent event in Arizona. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emanuel-austin/">[player_tooltip player_id="927122" first="Emanuel" last="Austin"] </a><em>6’0 SG 2021 (#22PHN 2021)</em> - Austin looks fully recovered from a season ending knee injury. He has really started to fill out and is sporting a new powerful physique. That’s not good news for opponents as he was already one of the strongest driving guards in the city.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="927135" first="Mason" last="Mich’l"] <em>6’7 PF  2021 (#42PHN 2021)</em> - Mich’l possess the size and skill to be a big time player. He needs to stay healthy, he was battling a slight leg injury when I caught up with him at practice, but his game fits the style of play that is currently popular. A good frame with a nice outside touch and good athletic ability, Mich’l should open quite a few eyes this summer.</p> <p><em>New Additions</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859644" first="Dontrell" last="Johnson"] <em>6’5 PF 2022 (#11PHN 2022) </em>- Johnson is an athletic 4 man that can put the ball on the ground and get to the rim. He’s not a traditional big, Johnson is a fast, fluid athlete that prefers to do his damage with his slashing ability.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859646" first="Tavionte" last="Jackson"] <em>6’1 PG 2022 (#5PHN 2022)</em> - Jackson is one of the rising players in his class. The shifty guard has a great floor game and is effective playing either backcourt position. Jackson’s long arms have helped make him one of the top rebounding guards in the state.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1014871" first="Marquise" last="Johnson"] <em>6’2 SG 2022</em> - Johnson is another slasher and driver for the squad. He’s an above average run and jump athlete, currently working tirelessly to improve his outside shooting. He was recently named MVP of the Masterpiece tournament in Arizona.</p> <p><em>Sleepers</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="996632" first="Amar" last="Smith"] <em>6’0 PG 2021</em> - Smith sat out his high school season after transferring to Legacy from Democracy Prep. He is a player that can make some noise for himself, with his frame and dynamic point guard skills.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1044822" first="Naurese" last="Meno"] Blackshear <em>6’2 SG 2021</em> - NMB is one of the more underated 3 and D players in the state. He is one of the top wing defenders in the state, but what gets overlooked is his outside shooting ability. He knocked down over 35% of his 3’s last season.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops Nevada</a></p>