LV Summer Championships: Lead Guards

<p>On July 22nd-25th I attended the <strong>Las Vegas Summer Championships</strong> at the Las Vegas Basketball Center in Las Vegas/NV. </p> <p>There were 55 17U teams, 30 16U teams and 28 15U teams competing in pool play then eventually going into tournament play to crown a weekend champion of all 3 levels. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here were some local players that stood out.</p> <p>Lead guards:</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="590836" first="Justus" last="Jackson"] Eduprize (AZ Select Contreras)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Not many guards played better throughout the weekend then Jackson. He scored it all over the place efficiently. His best move is he rises up super high with amazing elevation and will shoot it from around the elbow off the dribble. He can post up defenders with his big time strength and has volleyball line range with his 3-ball. He never seems to be rushed or sped up and in control. He is a good passer when needed be and uses his speed and quicks to defend on the ball. The unsigned senior is currently undecided and may take a post grad year.</span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="809715" first="Kieran" last="Carr"] Arcadia (Firestorm Elite)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-A versatile combo lead guard who can play on or off the ball. He Is very crafty off the pick and roll and can shoot it with a super quick release. He has a nice pull-up from mid-range and he can burst into the lane. He has become stronger to rebound the ball better and defend on the ball. Carr is also currently undecided and may take a post grad year.</span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="787678" first="Lamar" last="Washington"] AZ Compass Prep (Dream Vision) (Pictured) </b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-A powerfully built combo guard loves getting into the paint and scoring through contact. He has that football body type to carve out space and takes bumps to score. He is a way better passer then he gets credited for and he can shoot it from mid to the 3pt line. He is a physical on-ball defender and he should compliment [player_tooltip player_id="954224" first="Dylan" last="Andrews"] and [player_tooltip player_id="701245" first="Mekhi" last="Mason"] well this season at AZC.  </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="701245" first="Mekhi" last="Mason"] AZ Compass Prep (AZ Supreme)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-A bigger combo guard can play multiple positions. He plays the game with a high IQ, he plays defense and can make shots. He put up incredible numbers over the weekend filling out the stat sheets with points, rebounds, assists and steals. His deep-3 was clicking and he is a smart passer. He takes care of the ball and doesn’t turn it over often. He can dribble in traffic, make a play and he is a menace on defense guarding the 1-3. His size, IQ and steady play will translate to the next level. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="701246" first="Nathan" last="Calmese"] Mesquite (AZ Select Contreras)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-One of the smoothest guards at the event. He has an uncanny burst to get passed his defenders then float it up or finish above the rim. He made a bunch of deep 3’s along the way and sliced up the defenses with dimes. He more then held his own on defense collecting steals and being active.   </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">  </span> </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1077598" first="Isaiah" last="Bronson"] Gilbert (Factory 16)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-A talented scoring lead guard who can go on runs by himself. He has a nasty pull-up from mid-range and got hot from the 3pt line. He has a quick burst into the lane and can thread the needle and make plays for others. He also created havoc defensively on the ball with his quick hands.  </span></p>