Prep Hoops Louisiana Top 250 Expo: 2023 Combo Guards (1/2)

<p>Check out my analysis from some of the standout combo guards of the 2023 class that were on full display during the 2021 Prep Hoops Louisiana Top 250 Expo. I got a hands-on look at all of these high-level athletes. Look for their stock to continue to rise after some very impressive performances!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1275295" first="De’Vion" last="Lavergne"] 2023- North Central High School</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Lavergne-De_Vion-4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269712" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Lavergne-De_Vion-4-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>De’Vion is a big combo guard with a great frame, he is a reliable shooter from beyond the arc and a dynamic playmaker when the ball. I was blown away by his ability to score at all three levels even off the dribble. He is great at getting to his spots in the midrange when the paint is filled. He can knock down James Harden like step-backs and is comfortable stepping into threes on the fast break. He is such a skilled and smooth playmaker after leaving his feet, and he makes tough one-handed passes in the air. I love his ability to still make things happen, even after he is leaping towards the rim. I would like to see him work on his ability to make better decisions before leaving his feet.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1275347" first="Darrius" last="Vaughn"] 2023- St. Thomas Aquinas High School</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Vaughn-Darrius-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269770" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Vaughn-Darrius-3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Darrius is an aggressive combo guard who is a very good finisher at the rim. He is very good at avoiding defenders and contorting his body around them. At times he also welcomes contact, he is good at utilizing his body to get in front of defenders on the fast break and forcing them to foul him. He hustles hard on both ends of the floor as well, never giving up on plays even after he is beat down the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1275326" first="Dekalen" last="Stipe"] 2023- West St. John High School</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Stipe-Dekalen-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269763" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Stipe-Dekalen-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Dekalen is an intelligent combo guard who is a sniper from beyond the arc. He plays off his teammates very well by moving without the basketball. His off-ball movement gave him a plethora of wide-open opportunities this weekend. He is a knock-down shooter on the wings and in the corners. He thrived off of his teammates driving and kicking. He has the potential to be a very effective floor spacer at the next level if he continues his development. I would like to see him more comfortable with a one-dribble pull-up, especially after a head fake that forces his opponent to fly by.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1275321" first="Cade" last="Dardar"] 2023- Ascension Episcopal High School</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Dardar-Cade-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269687" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Dardar-Cade-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Cade is a very good ball-handler for the knockdown shooter that he is. He plays basketball the right way, always looking for the extra pass to find the open teammate. His extra passes created a plethora of opportunities for his teammates. He is very comfortable with his jump shot off the catch and is very good with the one-dribble pull-up on the wings and corners. He looks like a very polished and refined scorer at a very young age is impressive. I would like to see him attack the paint harder and be fearless when he attacks the rim and takes on secondary defenders.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213564" first="Jonathan" last="Barron"] 2023- Northwood High School</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Barron-Jonathan-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269668" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Barron-Jonathan-3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Jonathan is a very aware player who thrives at moving without the basketball. His consistent motion always puts pressure on the defense and his ability to shoot the basketball forces the defense to always be aware of him. He is a crafty finisher in the paint, who is great at getting around defenders. He is also very skilled with a live dribble and can score very well off the bounce. I would like to see him work on his ability to defend in the full court and work on forcing his opponents to shift their hips and change direction.</p>