17U Guards who stood out at the Midwest Grind Session

<p>Prep Hoops highlighted several of the top 17U guards at the Midwest Grind Session, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889463" first="Max" last="Alexander"], Tre Alexander, Daron Davis, [player_tooltip player_id="962478" first="Jayden" last="Garrison"], [player_tooltip player_id="730622" first="Jack" last="Johnson"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889475" first="Dawson" last="Zenger"]</strong>.</p> <p>But there were so many great guards at the tournament at Bel Aire that the Kansas guards deserve a second look.</p> <p>Here are a handful of top Kansas guards to compete in the 17U Division of the Midwest Grind Session (in alphabetical order and with club and high school listed):</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946197" first="Devin" last="Araujo-McKendrick"], TBB Hays, Derby:</strong></p> <p>The consummate point guard, the 6-foot-1Araujo is a steady ball handler and leader on the floor. He is constantly probing the defense for cracks to set up teammates. He can drive and kick or direct the offense from the perimeter. His well-timed drives end in scores or fouls.</p> <p><strong>Eliazar Carrasco, WKE Eddy, Pratt-Skyline:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-3 Carrasco is a physical mismatch for most guards. He’s smooth and heady, but also strong and can elevate. He’s a gritty player, defending on inbounds, swiping passes and crashing the boards. He can guard bigs and guards alike.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946204" first="Blake" last="Chadwick"], Wichita Padres, Derby:</strong></p> <p>Araujo’s teammate at Derby, the 6-foot Chadwick is also leader and elite ball handler. He has the kind of quickness and slick ball trickery to break down a defender and wreak havoc. One of the highlights of his weekend was the step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer against WKE Eddy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889486" first="Jack" last="Hutchinson"], SSA Black, Washburn Rural:</strong></p> <p>Hutchinson has a wealth of experience as a key contributor on one of the state’s top high school programs. He patiently facilitates the offense until he finds a crack in the defense. Left alone for a millisecond, he will drill a 3-pointer from anywhere. As he’s matured physically, his game has expanded beyond that of just a shooter. He aggressively pushes the ball in the open court and plays the game at a breakneck pace.</p> <p><strong>Josh Jordan, Kansas Pray N Play, Salina South:</strong></p> <p>A thick and strong guard, Jordan is an unselfish and heady leader. When left alone, he can knock down the 3-pointer, and when he spots a seam, he can break down a defense on the drive. But he’s patient and makes good decisions. An honorable mention 5A player at Salina South, one of his strengths is on the boards.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946176" first="Carter" last="Reid"], Pray and Play, Kansas Pray N Play, Bishop Carroll:</strong></p> <p>Reid’s athleticism and toughness make him a handful for opponents. He is in constant high-speed motion and when the ball is in his hands, he’s making something happen. He can shoot from deep, or he can drive and destroy a defense. Without the ball, he can be found on athletic drives through the lane for quick scores.</p> <p><strong>Vacarrio Triplett, SSA Black, Hayden:</strong></p> <p>Triplett is a versatile guard. At 6-foot-2 he has the height to create mismatches, and his long arms are perfect for his cross-over maneuvers. He looks to find open teammates when he drives, creating opportunities and breakdowns in a defense. He is a smooth athlete with surprising athleticism.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="868128" first="Christian" last="Williams"], Perry Ellis 34, Trinity Academy (Wichita): </strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-2 Williams is another smooth operator who never looks like he’s playing at full speed, yet gets by defenders with ease. He stays under control and thus keeps the offense moving at the right tempo. He sees the floor and is a pass-first orchestrator. He is a big and strong guard who can do what he wants against smaller opponents.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>