Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest- Saturday Standout Guards (Part 1)
Yesterday I attended Hoop Group’s Summer Jam Fest event held at Spooky Nook Sports. After a long hiatus, getting back in the gym to see player I knew an didn’t know was refreshing as ever. It was well ran as…
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Continue ReadingYesterday I attended Hoop Group’s Summer Jam Fest event held at Spooky Nook Sports. After a long hiatus, getting back in the gym to see player I knew an didn’t know was refreshing as ever. It was well ran as always and took all of the safety precautions necessary to provide players a platform for exposure. Many of which have garnered new college interest or offers over the last 24 hours. I arrived for the 8:30AM games and stayed throughout the day.
In my first ’standouts’ article for this event, we’ll take a look at part one from the guard position.
Jacob Cooper Jacob Cooper 5'9" | PG Green Run | 2021 State VA | 5’11 | Boo Williams ‘21
Cooper produced in a steady manner for the two games that I saw him play. The 5-foot-11 floor general facilitated his team effectively while being aggressive getting downhill, attacking the rim and embracing contact. When he wasn’t scoring he was setting the table for others delivering sound passes to his bigs in the dunker’s spot or shooters on the perimeter. Defensively he was a communicator both on and off the ball and showed a willingness to sacrifice his body by drawing multiple charges as the weakside deep hole defender.
Elijah Kennedy | 6’4 | Boo Williams ‘21
Kennedy was one of the smoothest scorers I saw on Saturday. He poses solid size as an off-ball guard at 6-foot-4 and has a smooth, lefty release that he can get off in many ways. Often times in these setting players are constantly forcing shots, but Kennedy stayed patient, read the defense and took advantage when he had an inch of daylight. He gets good lift on his jumper and stayed under control when pulling up after beating his defender.
Nate Grcyka | 6’4 | House We Built ‘21
Grcyka did a little bit of everything for his team in the game against Boo. The 6-foot-4 off-ball guard has solid size combined with an endless motor. Offensively he mixed it up by scoring at all three levels, however he made his presence felt most with his three-point shooting. He showed nice instincts on how to move without the ball and make himself available as the defense rotated. Defensively he competed at a high-level making plays off the ball and rebounded with determination.
Cam Schainfield | 6’2 | House We Built ’21
Schainfield showed great poise going up against a tough Boo Williams team who applied mass pressure to the ball. He used his change-of-pace dribbles to keep his defender guessing and eventually would take advantage with a quick first step to work himself into the lane. He’s a heady point guard with good feel and anticipates rotations from weakside defenders where he can quickly locate the open teammate. He finished through contact and displayed solid body control. While he isn’t the best athlete in the gym, he uses his IQ to his advantage and it played in his favor yesterday.
Jordan Pennick Jordan Pennick 6'1" | CG Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD | 6’0 | Team Choo ’22
Pennick was critical in Team Choo’s double overtime victory against L&L Running Rebels yesterday. The 6-foot combo guard, who also excels on the football field, brings a high motor and immense toughness to the backcourt. He was determined to finish through contact at the basket, but also controls his strength as shown by the soft touch on his jumper. He took advantage of open three’s off the catch and knocked down a couple of pull-up jumpers from 15 feet in the overtimes periods to help give his team the win.