The Finale: Top 17U Guards
The Finale tournament in Kansas City featured some Kansas guards who have already made big names for themselves. The Finale gave them one more chance this summer to show their stuff to colleges, as well as to earn bragging rights…
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Continue ReadingThe Finale tournament in Kansas City featured some Kansas guards who have already made big names for themselves. The Finale gave them one more chance this summer to show their stuff to colleges, as well as to earn bragging rights going into their senior seasons.
Here are some of the top 17U guards from The Finale (in alphabetical order and with club and high school listed):
Harrison Braudis Harrison Braudis 6'1" | PG Stillwell | 2021 State KS , MoKan Select 17U, Miege:
A heady 6-foot-1 stat stuffer, Braudis is the steady point guard who glues a team together. He is an elite ball handler under pressure and always keeps his wits about him. He can push the ball up the floor and get all the way to the rim. He held his own against elite athletes all weekend, scoring a ton of points and creating opportunities for others. He’s strong and collects a lot of rebounds from the guard spot.
Javon Grant Javon Grant 5'11" | PG Pittsburg | 2021 State KS , CarrolGoL1ve 17U, Pittsburg:
A second team 5A star last year, Grant has got an extra gear when he decides to go. He’s not big and doesn’t look physically imposing. But the 5-foot-11 can turn on the jets, and he has the elite ball handling skills to make a play when there doesn’t appear one to be made. He’s an elite creator and facilitator. He finds shooters by looking ahead, or by driving full court and creating an opening. His behind-the-head dish in the 17 championship was pure highlight reel stuff.
Jack Johnson Jack Johnson 6'2" | CG Andover | 2021 State KS , TBB KS 17U, Andover:
Johnson has incredible strength and leaping ability for a 6-foot-1 guard. The first team 5A returner can shoot from anywhere on the court, but his ability to drive the lane and create opportunities is where he makes his greatest impact. He can rebound, play defense and he’s a good quarterback of an offense.
Nate Johnson, Team KC Pip 17U, KC Washington:
At 6-foot-3, Johnson has some elite physical tools for a point guard. He’s shifty and can handle the ball under any type of pressure. He shows a lot of patience, but can create at the right time. With his size, he can follow up missed shots in the lane, as well as get in the lane on the drive and create scores for himself or a teammate. He’s got a great crossover and spin dribble, and he can shoot it from deep too.
Alston Mason Alston Mason 6'2" | CG Blue Valley Northwest | 2021 State KS , MoKan Select 17U, Blue Valley Northwest:
Maybe the best guard of the weekend, Mason creates a ridiculous number of opportunities for his teammates. He breaks down the defense with his deceptive quickness and is constantly penetrating. He can score from any angle, but most of the time he’s kicking to an open shooter, usually at point-blank range. He can shoot from anywhere, and is troublesome on defense. But his ability to break down a defender and drive the lane is off the charts.
Christian Williams Christian Williams 6'2" | CG Trinity Academy Wichita | 2021 State KS , Perry Ellis 34 17U, Trinity Academy (Wichita):
A rock-solid point guard, Williams is heady, creative and protects the ball. He can drive and score, or shoot from the perimeter. He’s a great quarterback who makes the offense run and makes his teammates better. His physical gifts make him a good rebounder and defender.
Dawson Zenger Dawson Zenger 6'1" | CG Rock Creek | 2021 State KS , SSA White 17U, Rock Creek:
An elite scorer. Zenger just has a knack for finding a way to the goal or into the lane for a pull up jumper. He shoots well from deep, but that’s not his forte. He just seems to always have the ball in his hands, and when he does, he’s aggressively penetrating the defense. He’s not a selfish shooter, just a gifted scorer. He has the size and quickness to be a good defender, and he’s willing to kick to an open shooter.