Floor Generals of the Southwest Slam

The Southwest Slam presented by Prep Hoops brought out some outstanding talent from Oklahoma, Kansas, and all over Texas. The tournament consisted of every type of basketball prospect from floor generals to dominant big men. Here we take a look at the top floor generals that really stood out and made a huge impact on their teams and the game. [player_tooltip player_id="745358" first="Dalante" last="Shannon"] – Guard – Team Buddy Buckets – Edmond North High School – C/o 2021<img class="size-medium wp-image-1030315 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/DS-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />[player_tooltip player_id="745358" first="Dalante" last="Shannon"] looked like one of the most natural on-court leaders out there, he communicated, always encouraged his teammates, and he took full responsibility when things weren’t going right. One of the most electrifying players in the gym, he consistently ripped defenses apart with his ability to get into the paint. Shannon was great when it came to attacking the hole, not only does he have quick handles, but his first step is super explosive. The lightning burst or quickness along with his length helped him get to the rack whenever he wanted. He even showed good scoring and passing instincts inside, if the defense closed in on him he made quick decisions on who and where to kick the ball out to. Shannon came into the championship game a bit injured, but it didn’t slow him down too much, he continued to find a way to be effective without the ball and without scoring. [player_tooltip player_id="745358" first="Dalante" last="Shannon"]’s energy and feel for the game stood out and rubbed off on the rest of his teammates. Hudson Johnson – Point Guard – Austin Defenders – Stony Point High School – C/o 2022<img class="size-medium wp-image-1030319 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3033-1-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />This 2022 kid, Hudson Johnson, played up and showed out. Hudson is a crafty lefty with good court vision, a lethal jumpshot, and slick handles, he consistently got around his man by getting them off balance with his shiftiness. Seems ambidextrous, used both hands very well, and more often than not he would beat the defense off the dribble with his right hand and find a way to finish with the left. Hudson understands the game and has a good eye for what the defense is doing on the court. He led his team in assist with the way he found guys off the drive. Once Johnson realized what the defense was running he began to penetrate the lane, draw attention, and find his open man whether they were beyond the arc or cutting to the basket. Hudson Johnson’s game is something you can’t help but notice, he displays high offensive skills and has an explosive first step. Derrick Talton – Point Guard – PB Nation – Arlington Martin High School – C/o 2021<img class="size-medium wp-image-1030321 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3050-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Derrick Talton is one of the biggest stock risers from the Southwest Slam tournament this past weekend. He looked like one of the best players in each game he played, showing elite point guard skills. The way he changed his speed and direction on a dime were second to none, very under control ball-handler that could dribble all day if he had to. Phenomenal blow-by speed, Derrick can break a press and get up the court in a blink of an eye. He excelled when attacking the basket, he showed an ability to bounce off defenders and still get to the rim where he had crafty ways of scoring off either hand; Talton displayed excellent body control and hang time while finishing inside. A verbal point guard with high awareness, he did a superb job at directing and navigating his teammates to set them up for scoring opportunities. Derrick Talton will be someone to watch and keep track of during his senior season at Arlington Martin High School. [player_tooltip player_id="959418" first="Donovan" last="Hernandez"] – Point Guard – Team F.O.E. Elite 17U – Frisco Independence High School – C/o 2021<img class="size-medium wp-image-1030322 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/her-300x195.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="195" />This pure point guard proved to be an incredibly talented passer with unbelievable court vision, Donovan sees plays well before they even develop. Extremely unselfish, a pass-first guard that thrives off creating offense for the guys around him, anytime Hernandez stepped on the floor he immediately got his teammates involved and changed the pace of the game. His very high basketball IQ kept the defense off balance and guessing, he used the fundamentals like head fakes, pass fakes, and shot fakes to make plays for F.O.E. The quickness he displayed goes unmatched, he can turn a corner, change speed and direction, and get to any spot on the floor with no issue. On the defensive end, he played solid defense for a smaller guy, Hernandez caused offensive fouls by getting low and forcing his opponent to lower their shoulder or drive into him. [player_tooltip player_id="959418" first="Donovan" last="Hernandez"] looked like one of the more complete point guards in the tournament, there’s not many limitations to his game, he can shoot it, he can pass it, he can defend, and he’s willing to go inside for rebounds.