Standout Guards from Week13

<p>This week's edition of standout guards features some of the more prolific scorers in the state. These guys are getting buckets in bunches, leading their teams to victory, and making noise at the right time of the year. </p> <p><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="971994" first="Win" last="Miller"] 6’3 SG Vestavia Hill 2023</span></u></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Miller is one of the more polished scorers in the 2023 class and showed off an impressive bag in his 35 point performance against Charles Henderson High. He demonstrated an ability to hit shots with a high degree of difficulty when creating off the bounce from 3 point range. He has the side step, step back, and hang dribble, making it nearly impossible for defenders to anticipate his next move. His handles display this craftiness with his change of pace, and his use of misdirection makes him one of the tougher covers in the state. His wiry frame allows him to finish through contact or navigate a congested paint. Miller also understands the gravity he has as a scorer and uses it to his advantage by getting his teammates involved when he catches defenders ball watching. </span></p> <p>https://twitter.com/Pro1Basketball/status/1483839384420028432?s=20</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ja’Cari Lane 6’0 PG Lee (Huntsville) 2022 </span></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Lane exploded in a 33 point performance against Jemison and is looking to be at peak form as the state playoff approaches. Lane’s exceptional quickness, speed, and acceleration have made him one of the most respected players in the state. However, as the season comes to a close, Lane has developed a jumper that commands the respect of the defense and opens up his game offensively. His acrobatic layups, teardrop floaters, and ability to finish through contact is still his bread and butter, but his jumper creates space for his attack and makes him even more potent. As a distributor, he’s a willing passer who’s poised and will make the right play. Whenever he breaks a defense down, he’s able to give accurate and timely passes in all areas of the court. </span></p> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1FeRCiizUY</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1070704" first="Drake" last="James"] 6’2 PG/SG Halleyville 2023</strong></span><br /> With a 37 point performance against a solid Florence team, James has earned his spot on this week’s editions of standout guards. James couldn’t be stopped and dominated both sides of the floor by adding five steals to his impressive stat line. James’ impressive speed, outstanding acceleration, and endurance turned the game into a track meet. He assaulted the paint with a floater that’s simply unstoppable when he gets it going. He has touch, arch, and free throw range on his floater, making it accessible within 2-3 dribbles in the half-court. He also showed an ability to finish with finesse and efficiency at the rim. He also was able to make plays for others and showed an ability to hit  his teammates from anywhere on the court with accurate and timely passes. As a defender, James was just as impressive. He has a knack for timing dribbles and pickpocketing ball handlers. He also puts himself in good positions to take charges, cause deflections, and force opponents into tough shots. </p> <p>https://twitter.com/drakejames03/status/1485401022868688900?s=20</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jay Whalen 6’0 PG/ SG Colbert County 2022 </span></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Whalen is an offensive-minded combo guard who can get buckets in bunches. His ability to shoot with range from deep opens up his game and allows him to do damage as an efficient scorer. From an analytical perspective, Whalen’s games is perfect for the new wave of basketball. He can space the floor, finish at the rim, and has an elite ability to get to the free-throw line and covert. While he is excellent at these efficient shots, he can also knock down the mid-range jumper if the defense gives it to him. Though he is undersized, Whalen is one of the more underrated scorers in the state and could play himself into some scholarships if he can light it up in the playoffs. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> </span><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="1261468" first="Jaden" last="Stephens"] 6’3 SG/SF Brew Tech 2022</span></u></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Stephens is an athletic D and three off-guard who can take over both sides of the court. His jumper is smooth, and his high release point allows him to be unaffected by late closeout and contest. He worked well as a stationary shooter but showed skill in the mid-range and explosive finishes at the basket. As a defender, Stephens is rangy, tenacious, and has an uncanny ability to block shots as a guard. He’s also menace as a weak side helper and always is involved when protecting the rim.   </span></p>