Philly Summer Hoops: Class of 2024 Guards Are Turning Heads
In this article:
To say the Covid 19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the 2020 summer grassroots basketball scene is an understatement. The Nike EYBL, adidas Gauntlet and Under Armour Association circuits were all canceled. Locally, a number of key tournaments and elite camps…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTo say the Covid 19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the 2020 summer grassroots basketball scene is an understatement. The Nike EYBL, adidas Gauntlet and Under Armour Association circuits were all canceled. Locally, a number of key tournaments and elite camps fell victim to government restrictions placed on team sports during this current pandemic. What’s left of the summer basketball season is a patchwork schedule of secondary tournaments, scrimmages and small group workouts.
So I combined what little summer basketball run the government has permitted me to witness with the thoughts and analysis I gathered from area coaches, trainers and event organizers. With all of these notes, I was able to construct a list of Philly area guards in the Class of 2024 who have managed to turn some heads despite this unprecedented summer for grassroots basketball.
Here is a list of guards from the Class of 2024 to keep an eye on for the remainder of the summer; during fall hoops and then into the 2020-21 high school season.
Kevin Cotton – Penn Charter 6’0’’ Freshman Combo Guard: As an 8th grader at St. Genevieve’s (Flourtown, PA), Cotton’s ability to score the ball and high basketball IQ placed him on the Region 10 CYO All-Star team. His physical gifts — tall, long wingspan and ability to run the court in a flash — make him a joy to watch in the up tempo world of summer hoops. As part of East Coast Power’s (King of Prussia, PA) talented 15U backcourt, Cotton has also displayed a watery jumper out to 3-point land and excellent rebounding instincts.
Kaydin Ford – Abington Friends 5’5’’ Freshman Point Guard: Ford may be undersized, but his well-rounded, high level skill set has helped Philly Triple Threat 15U become a force on the summer basketball scene. The son of a basketball coach, Ford of course has a high basketball IQ and is crafty as hell. He is extremely quick, can handle the rock and owns a deep bag of head / ball fakes. All of that means Ford has no problem getting to the tin for lay-ins. Ford also shoots the ball well from the outside which means defenders cannot lay off him. As this youngster gets taller and adds muscle, he will be a real problem for opponents in the Friends School League.
Moses Hipps Moses Hipps 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ – Archbishop Carroll 5’11’’ Freshman Shooting Guard: An elite level 3-point shooter with unlimited range, Hipps provides the outside firepower for Team Final’s vaunted 15U team. He excels at moving without the ball which makes Hipps very difficult to guard. That’s especially true when he operates in a drive and kick to the perimeter system. Complimenting Hipps’ outside shooting is his ability fill the wings on the break and his solid ball handling skills.
Kirby Mooney – William Tennent 6’1’’ Freshman Shooting Guard: An elite slasher who is capable of getting to, and finishing at the rim with either hand, Mooney has been running with the Philly Heat 17U squad in workouts and will play with that older group this summer. As a scorer, he can kill you via the floater and / or layups off the glass from different angles. As a distributor, Mooney can carve up a foe with his slick handles and terrific passing instincts. He is still developing as a shooter, will but will knock down multiple three balls if a defender gives him space in order to protect against the dribble-drive. Mooney has a reputation as a tireless worker and someone who owns a competitive streak that is second to none.
Ahmad Nowell – Conwell-Egan 6’0’’ Freshman Combo Guard: One of the top players in the state and a nationally ranked player in the Class of 2024, Nowell is going to take the Philadelphia Catholic League by storm next winter. The star of Team Final’s 15U squad, Nowell can rain in threes and attack the rim off the dribble. A physical guard with outstanding handles and footwork, Nowell is also a willing passer who when defenses collapse on him, can kick out to open shooters along the arc. Still, Nowell is probably at his best when pushing Team Final’s transition game where he excels at scoring the ball and dropping dimes. As a bonus to all of his ridiculous offensive skills, Nowell is a solid defender and shot blocker.
Toby Ojukwu – Roman Catholic 6’0’’ Freshman Point Guard: Ojukwu is a strong, physical athlete who is very quick for his size. Offensively, he is a floor general who can get into the paint and make the right decisions with the ball. Unless you have been living without internet access for some time, you have seen his ridiculous MSHTV Camp highlight reel. So you already know this kid can score the ball in a variety of ways. Still, this rising 9th grader has become known for playing hard on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his physical presence allows him to body up opposing guards and be an absolute menace as the on-ball defender. Ojukwu’s quickness also allows him to slice through the passing lanes for steals. Back in July he was selected as one of the 2024 All-Stars at the Hoops Group Future All-American Camp.
Ryan Williams Ryan Williams 6'3" | SG Malvern Prep | 2024 State PA – Malvern Prep 6’0’’ Freshman Point Guard: Williams is an exceptional floor general who played on Malvern’s JV team as an 8th grader. If you have seen him at Malvern or running with K-Low Elite on the grassroots circuit, then you know Williams is a super quick guard with circus handles. That combination means Williams can get to the tin for a bucket whenever he wants. He can also shoot the J from any spot on the floor. Basically, Williams is a nearly complete player and thus a real problem for opposing defenses.
Other Notables:
Owen McCabe – Lower Merion 5’7’’ Freshman Point Guard
Will Barber – Haverford School 5’11’’ Freshman Shooting Guard