Hustle in the Sun: 2024 guard standouts

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit was back in town this weekend for the <strong>Hustle in the Sun </strong>at Inspire Court in Gilbert, AZ. There were 65 teams from the 15-17U levels. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I am focusing a lot on the 2024 class this week, since it is obviously the class I know the least about due to COVID, and many didn’t play varsity yet or even have a season. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here were some of the top 2024 guards who stood out:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="992829" first="Gabe" last="Pickens"] <strong>(AZ Select 2024-1)</strong></p> <p>-The MOP of 15U did seemingly everything for his undefeated team. He was one of the top defensive guards at the event which normally led to scores. What impressed me was his passing skills. He is a rare pure PG keeping his head up looking to make a play. He is one of the stronger guards of his age and uses it to get into the lane. His 3pt shot was on this weekend as well during stretches. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="996166" first="Braeden" last="Speed"] <strong>(AZ Select 2024-1)</strong></p> <p>-Arguably the top defensive freshman guard at the event. He has great size, good length and quick hands and feet. He changes speeds to get into the lane and finishes off layups with good body control. He takes long strides with the ball and covers a lot of ground on defense to defend the 1-3.  He can pull-up off the dribble and gets into tight spaces. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1152187" first="Luke" last="Shaw"]<strong> (AZ Select 2024-3)</strong></p> <p>-A crafty scoring guard has a good feel for the game. The youngest of the Shaw three brothers has a chance to surpass his older brothers long term if he keeps makings subtle strides in height each year. He can shoot it off the dribble from mid to the 3pt line. He can make passes with his left or right hand.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="996167" first="Kendre" last="Pride"] <strong>(AZ Select 2024-1) (Pictured)</strong></p> <p>-One of the more physical guards at the event gets downhill with the best of them in the class. He seems to bounce off of defenders and score or get to the FT line in bunches with his thicker body/strong frame. He missed the second day with a small eye injury but he should be a focal point for Carl Hayden during their HS season.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1135514" first="Treyvion" last="Curry"]<strong> (AZ Select 2024-2)</strong></p> <p>-A fast and athletic guard flies in the open court. He is a true combo guard scoring when needed. He gets into the lane with his tight handle and scores versus the post players. He also is a good advanced passer and can drive it and find an open teammate.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1153901" first="Jesse" last="Graves"]<strong> (AZ Select 2024-4)</strong></p> <p>-A long defensive PG with good instincts. He gets into the lane seemingly at will with long strides and a nice handle. He sees the court well and is a plus rebounder for position. He has a polished floater and can make open perimeter jumpers.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1178336" first="Santino" last="Esquivel"]<strong> (AZ Select 2024-3)</strong></p> <p>-A two-way guard really defends with a high motor. He has good length and is not afraid to be physical. He makes open shots from the 3pt line and has a decent first step to get into the lane. He plays a smart floor game and is very competitive.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1196395" first="Elijah" last="Pablos"] (PAL Elite 2024)</strong></p> <p>-A highly skilled and crafty guard can play on or off the ball. He is one of their better shooters on the team and has a consistent approach. He can hit from mid to the 3pt line and also made some clutch FT’s to seal a win versus a talented Pluto Prospects.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2025</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1193887" first="Rhys" last="Walcott"] (<strong>Uptempo Elite 2024) </strong></p> <p>-A sturdy framed guard plays some PG and SG. He is probably best off the ball so he can come around screens and fire away off the catch but makes good reads with the ball. He has a pure stroke from the arc and can pull from mid-range. He will be a big addition for Eastmark next year. </p>