Scrimmage Week: Top Guards Pt. 1

<p><strong>2022 6-0 G [player_tooltip player_id="1326671" first="Kenny" last="Simpson"] – White County</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1326671" first="Kenny" last="Simpson"] caught my attention last year at the North Georgia Showcase and he impressed again Tuesday. First of all, I have to start by saying Simpson and [player_tooltip player_id="1131539" first="Jadon" last="Yeh"] finish incredibly well around the rim, diving in for acrobatic layups and reverses. Simpson set the tone early scoring 11 of his team-high 22 points in the first quarter. He drilled three threes on the night and was a threat to score from all three levels. Simpson is aggressive and uses his strong frame to get to his spots. Kenny also showed an ability to facilitate off the dribble. Simpson collected 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. He could be a sneaky good option at the NCCAA or D-III level. Toccoa Falls has already offered.</p> <p><strong>2023 5-11 G Dawson Bailey – White County </strong></p> <p>Missing Silas Mulligan due to football, Dawson Bailey stepped up in a big way with a trio of threes en route to finishing with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Bailey hit timely shots and alleviated pressure off Simpson and Yeh.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-1 G [player_tooltip player_id="1131539" first="Jadon" last="Yeh"] – White County</strong></p> <p>Tasked with trying to contain [player_tooltip player_id="1199594" first="Connor" last="McKay"], Yeh focused on expending much of his energy defensively. His willingness to accept the challenge and sacrifice some on offense is the sign of a true leader. He ended with 10 points, 2 steals and 3 impressive blocks. Yeh is a good athlete that has great footwork off the dribble. He looks closer to 6-foot-2 and will have a big year as one of north Georgia’s best guards.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-0 G Andrew Truelove – Rabun County</strong></p> <p>Outside of [player_tooltip player_id="1199594" first="Connor" last="McKay"], many of Rabun County’s guards may not pass the eye test, but Andrew Truelove was a perfect example of why you can’t underestimate anyone. Truelove, a spindly long-haired guard, provided great energy as one of the Wildcats’ primary ball handlers. Truelove hustled on both ends of the floor and made things happen with his effort. He hit a pair of threes and snuck in for a putback to finish with 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.</p> <p><strong>2022 5-11 PG Trey Hopf – River Ridge</strong></p> <p>The creative pass-first guard had his offense working, getting to his spots in the mid-range and pulling up off the dribble. Hopf hit three jumpers and netted a three-pointer as he finished with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Hopf will need to be mindful of not getting too deep into the defense as Kell’s quick hands forced too many turnovers in the first half, but Hopf’s perimeter shooting was able to help negate any miscues.</p>