Guards to know from RI Elite vs. Team Spartans (17U)

<p>In the guard department there was a lot of talent in the building during Saturday’s 4/3/2021, RI Elite vs Team Spartans matchup. Who were the standout names? </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1081786" first="Sam" last="Kodi"] | 6’2" | Lead Initiator | Bradford Christian | RI Elite | 2022</p> <p><br /> Kodi stood out with his sheer, ’always in attack mode’ aggressiveness. His change of speed in the open floor made life difficult for the Spartans as Kodi has an eye for the basket. Constantly getting downhill and creating separation, he finished around the rim with finesse and failed to shy away from the contact and the moment. With the ball on the string, he created for himself and others at the helm and took turns operating off the ball. He converted on spot up triples and took the right shots within the flow of the offense. A three-level scorer, he showcased a fluid stroke with great mechanics. Capable of finishing above the rim, Kodi also did an excellent job of communicating with his teammates and staying engaged throughout the game. On defense, he tracked the ball with intent and constantly took on the point of attack challenge.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1081802" first="Matt" last="Curtis"] | 6’3" | High Gravity Combo Guard | Northwest Catholic | Team Spartans | 2022</p> <p><br /> This was my third time seeing Curtis play in person during the past year, as time after time, he continues to impress as one of the best movement shooters in New England. Cashing in on an early self-created pull-up jumper, Curtis found ways to beat his opponent off the ball and got to his scoring spots with ease. He capitalizes off the catch and can score at all three levels. During Saturday’s win, he showed with his shot-making with smooth mechanics and excellent elevation. He found ways to be effective in the midrange and took on secondary ball-handling responsibilities when called upon. A high effort defender capable of guarding shooters off the lock and trail action, Curtis impressed in way more than just the shooting department.</p> <p><br /> [player_tooltip player_id="1081797" first="Tony" last="Felder"] | 5’10" | Lead Initiator | Malden Catholic | Team Spartans | 2022</p> <p>Felder Jr. got downhill early and often. He constantly made the right reads and found open spaces with tight pocket passes. Likely leading the game in assists, Felder Jr. an extension of the coach as he’s constantly communicating with his teammates. Watching Felder Jr. for the second time in less than a year live in person, I can say that he’s one of the best live ball passers in New England as he’s got the ball constantly on a string. With great patience when setting up the offense, he has an explosive first step and got by his matchup at will on his drives to the rack. Capable of finishing above the rim, he made several dynamic finishes in tight spaces during Saturday’s victory. A pesky defender Felder applied the right amount of pressure without fouling, as I was impressed with efficient footwork on his defensive slides.</p> <p>Jaythan Bosch | 6’0" | Lead Initiator | Central High School Manchester | RI Elite | 2022 </p> <p>With the perfect blend of hard-nosed grit and skill, Jaythan Bosch was both diving on the floor and knocking down shots from deep. As a lead ball-handler, Bosch showed a fluid and controlled game as I was impressed with his patience and willingness to reset the offense. He knocked down shots from beyond the arc as he showcased both a fluid stroke and willingness to play make off a live dribble. A dogged defender at the point of attack, Bosch showed focus and efficient footwork with his screen navigation. An intense and fearless competitor, Bosch showed fight throughout the game’s entity and helped spark a late-game run to bring RI Elite back within single digits.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1081819" first="Torran" last="Bosworth"] | 6’0" | Lead Initiator capable of playing off the ball | Tilton School | Team Spartans | 2022</p> <p>Bosworth's controlled cadence and steadiness at the helm gave the Spartans another trusted ball handler who could set up the offense. He played with pace, was unselfish as a ball mover on the perimeter, and took the right shots within the flow of the offense. Bosworth has a fluid lefty stroke and can get his shot off in tight spaces. He converted on a catch-and-shoot corner triple, as Torran can also operate off the ball running off screens.He showed a calm demeanor but didn’t waver with his intensity on the floor. On defense, he got his hands in passing lanes and did an excellent job of not fouling. Bosworth is the type of player who will fit seamlessly into any system, as his awareness and ability to read the game will translate to the next level.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1081795" first="Sebastian" last="Thomas"] | 6’2" | Lead initiator with off ball capabilities | Bishop Hendricken | RI Elite | 2021</p> <p>Another lefty with a fluid stroke from deep, [player_tooltip player_id="1081795" first="Sebastian" last="Thomas"], showed a steady touch around the basket as he was money on his attempts from floater range. I would call him one of the more strategic guards in New England as he did a great job of carving out space with his handle. Capable of shooting off the dribble, Thomas gets great elevation on his shot, showcasing great mechanics on his release. He made a difficult step back contested look from way beyond the arc as he can also operate as an off-ball spacing threat next to a primary ball handler. A fluid mover in transition, I was also really impressed with his ability to create separation in the pick-and-roll setting. He also made a series of dazzling one-armed dimes out of this action. A strategic operator in tight spaces, he did an excellent job putting his defender in jail on his hip.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1081711" first="Justin" last="Perez"] | 6’3" | Combo-Guard with floor spacing abilities | Bishop Hendricken | RI Elite | 2021</p> <p>Perez also showcased a fluid stroke and high-level understanding of spacing when he was on the floor. Even without the ball, he commanded the defense’s attention and did an excellent job of passing and relocating to open space. Able of getting off his shot in limited space, Perez also took turns bringing the ball up and initiating the offense. He did a great job of moving the ball on the perimeter and showed his willingness to play within the offensive system. RI Elite also ran several three-guard lineups as Perez at times was forced to guard up a position at the three or four spots as he held his own against notable height mismatches, especially with his boxouts.</p>