Week 1 Top Point Guards

<p>As the first full week of the season concludes, I will be breaking down positionally some of the better performers I watched. Between live games (Miamisburg/Carroll and North Adams/Lynchburg) and livestreamed games (Chaney/Reynoldsburg, Dunbar/New Albany, and Northland/Canton McKinley) there was plenty of talent I watched. I start today with the Point Guards.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068243" first="Bransyn" last="Copas"]</strong> (2024) <em>North Adams</em></p> <p>Copas was the most impactful player for the Green Devils in their win against Lynchburg-Clay last Friday. The sophomore PG has great speed with the ball in his hands and has one of the quicker releases I’ve seen on his shot mechanics. Copas is the primary scoring option for this young Green Devils team and could see high scoring numbers throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>BJ Hatcher</strong> (2025) <em>Dunbar</em></p> <p>Hatcher came off the bench for the Wolverines and provides them with a good athletic option to run the point. Hatcher is a quick decision maker and has great footwork on both ends of the floor. His passing needs to be crisper and cleaner but overall he has a lot of talent and upside to his game.</p> <p><strong>Addison Bailey</strong> (2024) <em>New Albany</em></p> <p>Bailey handled the ball very well against a tough Dunbar defense. DIdn’t seem phased by on-ball pressure and utilized his space and dribble to keep defenders at bay. Defensively took a charge while I was watching and understands basic defensive mechanics. Promising prospect.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1219842" first="Jahlil" last="Graham"]</strong> (2023) <em>Canton McKinley</em></p> <p>Graham’s ability to turn defense into offense was one of my biggest takeaways watching their matchup with Northland. Great hands on the defensive end and moved well with the ball. Offensively utilized his speed and dribble drive to attack the rim. Finished well around the rim and impressed me with a nice floater in his arsenal. Graham could see his numbers continue to improve with the loss of so much talent for McKinley from a year ago.</p> <p><strong>Daryl Cooper</strong> (2023) <em>Miamisburg</em></p> <p>Cooper played an exceptional game against Carroll before getting into foul trouble in the 2nd half. Good size for a PG (6-foot-2) that utilized his speed and size to overpower the Patriots defense. Streaky shooting option and an athletic rebounder. Cooper has been under-the-radar for some time but now could emerge as one of the Vikings better two-way options.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045461" first="Julian" last="Heckman"]</strong> (2022) <em>Reynoldsburg</em></p> <p>Heckman’s athleticism and poise is what impressed me in their game against Chaney. Fundamentally sound in the backcourt. Competes for the rebounds and goes for boards with two hands. Defensive shifts and movement was superb. Heckman needs to work on his ball control as he faced some difficulties against the Cowboys and their defensive pressure. Nonetheless, his motor and fundamental focus is enough for college coaches to know his name.</p>