Grit Region Finals: Point Guard Paradise
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As the all tournament teams showed there was abundance of talent at the Grit Region Finals in Indianapolis. Probably could have went six deep on the all tournament teams. Instead I’ll break up positionally between the backcourt and the bigs.…
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Continue ReadingAs the all tournament teams showed there was abundance of talent at the Grit Region Finals in Indianapolis. Probably could have went six deep on the all tournament teams. Instead I’ll break up positionally between the backcourt and the bigs. We’ll start with the point guards.
Luke Kinkade 5-10 Neuque Valley (IL) (pictured at top of article) Our first entrant in point guard paradise played for the aptly named Basketball Paradise. Led them to a quarterfinal appearance where they dropped a heartbreaker by two to Indy Rock Premier. Scored 21 points in that contest. The lefty is an excellent ball handler and scorer who plays bigger than his listed height.
Mark Zackery 5-11 2025 Ben Davis (IN) Might have been the best handler I saw all weekend regardless of class. Absolutely had the ball on string. Not just a flashy ball handler. Efficient scorer who balanced distribution with looking for his own shot. Seemed to rise to the moment. Scored 16 points in both the quarterfinal and semifinal victories. Both games were extremely close with the semi win coming in OT. As special as teammate Jalen Haralson is as a forward. Zackery might have just as much potential as a point guard.
Sean Sullivan 5-7 2025 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (MI) The other 2025 point guard who showed out on the weekend. Sullivan is small with a stocky build. As you could imagine is a bulldog on the defensive end. Also played well offensively for B3 Athletics. Patient and potent in the pick and roll. Next step will be added size which will help him finish at the rim.
Luke Williams Luke Williams 6'2" | PG Naperville North | 2024 State IL 6-0 Naperville North (IL) Powerfully built floor general had a big weekend for Breakaway. With a head of steam was difficult to stop in transition. Balances that with a pure outside shot. Scored 16 points in a Friday victory over B3 Athletics (see above). Then showed steady clutch play in Friday morning victory a good Chicago Demons unit. Physical profile could also provide a future at the two guard position.
Micah Davis 6-1 Homeschool (IN) Like Williams this lefty has some serious scoring instincts to go along with point guard capabilities. Had an excellent weekend leading EG10 to a quarterfinal appearance. Posted 29 points in a impressive victory over Capital City Teamwork. Notched 16 in the semi final loss to eventual champs Cincinnati Royals. All 16 were timely as the thriller came down the final shot. Program listed him as a home schooled player. But is planning on attending a public school in the coming season.
Dorien Beatty Dorien Beatty 5'10" | PG Lake Central | 2024 IN 5-10 Lake Central (IN) Led Indiana Game to a quarterfinal appearance. The close loss was a point guard showdown with Mark Zackery (see above) Physical point guard penetrated hard but kept defenses honest with a solid three point shot. Almost willed him team to the victory.
Malachi Hoosier 5-10 Grand Rapids Christian (MI) Left handed point guard had big weekend for a MBA National squad that was missing one of their top players with an injury. Standout performance was his final game of the weekend. Scored 19 points in a loss to Columbia Supreme (MO). In this game seemed to be getting a handle on balancing scoring and distribution. Not a natural scorer and looks for his teammates first. They will serve him him well in the regular season. As the Eagles have plethora of young talent coming up with him.