Team Final Day: Guards

<p>Guards are always in abundance in the Delaware Valley. [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Day was no different. This group was by far the deepest, featuring a ton of tough, versatile players.</p> <p><strong>Damien Edwards</strong> 6'0 2024 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Black</p> <p>Edwards is an off-ball guard who isn't afraid to pull the trigger from deep. He cashed in 3 treys and totaled 13pts versus [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] EYBL. Deploy a variety of footwork patterns, Damien was able to create just enough space to get his jumpers off. This ability to score without the ball is valuable for every player and team.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="991425" first="Moses" last="Hipps"] 6'3 2024 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']</span></p> <p>Known for his prowess as a shooter, Moses showed the potential to be a 3-level scorer. He averaged 11-12 pts over the two games. Of course he made 5 threes that day, but he also scored by slashing and cutting to the basket. And, when he's not scoring, he's a willing passer and defender too.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="1141983" first="Aaron" last="Goldstein"] 5'11 2023 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Black</span></p> <p>This kid played with a competitive edge on Saturday. Every time he had the ball, he felt like a threat to score, and consistently did so, with 16 pts in against [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] EYBL. Aaron knocked down 4 triples in one game. The offense he provided generated looks for others too. Furthermore, Goldstein's intensity carried over to the defense end where he pressured the ball and forced turnovers.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="991331" first="Davion" last="Hill"] 6'0 2023 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Red</span></p> <p>As soon as Hill opened their first game with pull-up three, he had everyone's attention. The St. John Neumann two-way combo guard put pressure on the rim with how he gets down-hill, which made sense given that he also stars as a running back for the Knights. The scoring ability he displayed Saturday wasn't a fluke because he's already netted 1,000 pts in just two years of high school hoops.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Ruben Rodriguez</strong> 6'1 2023 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']</span></p> <p>Ruben didn't put up huge numbers (approx. 19 pts in two games) but every single one had a major impact. Fresh off a state title at Reading High, he played like he was hungry as ever. He's a tough shot-maker who finished through contact and got after it on both ends. The combo guard will continue to get better because he isn't afraid to do the dirty work.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="991324" first="Luke" last="Boyd"] 6'2 2022 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Black</span></p> <p>Boyd has primarily been a floor spacer and glue guy at Archbishop Ryan. But based on his offensive performance on Saturday, he's due for an increased role. Luke averaged 21.5 pts on the day, including the top scoring output of the say with 27 against [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Red. His dynamic off-ball movement was a problem for defenses. Not only did he get buckets from deep, he slipped through and behind defenders for high percentage shots too.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="931022" first="Drew" last="Greene"] 5'10 2022 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Black</span></p> <p>Putting up 15 pts then 12 pts across their two games, Greene ran the point well for the 17u squad. He played with great pace and kept the ball moving. His knack for getting two feet in the paint stressed defenses and created quality looks for teammates, who he connected with using his passing chops. Drew's vision and quickness also translated to multiple steals on the other end.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="990971" first="Alex" last="Griggs"] 6'0 2022 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Red</span></p> <p>The First Love point guard is smart and has a strong build for his height. He often guarded taller players and wasn't out of place. When his team placed the bigs at the top of the key on offense, he exploited mismatches versus smaller guards by posting them up and getting easy buckets. And when he was on the perimeter, he was a willing and able shooter.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="991188" first="Jameel" last="Brown"] 6'4 2022 [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']</span></p> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] EYBL fell behind against Red and it was Jameel's defensive playmaking that propelled them to the comeback win. His quick hands and feet led to steals and arrant passes from opposing ball-handlers. A recent transfer to Westtown, he contributed 14 pts in the effort, including some crucial free throws down the stretch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>