Longhorn 5-Star Classic Top Guards Pt. 1

<p><strong>Longhorn 5-Star Classic Top Guards Pt. 1</strong></p> <p><strong>2023 6-1 PG [player_tooltip player_id="1042849" first="Brandon" last="Rechsteiner"] – Etowah</strong></p> <p>In a star-studded event that featured the very best 2023 guards Georgia has to offer, [player_tooltip player_id="1042849" first="Brandon" last="Rechsteiner"] cemented himself as one of the upper echelon playmakers in an uber-talented class. Rechsteiner had media row buzzing, crafting his way to tough baskets off the dribble, using clean footwork and a tight handle to manipulate the defense. He scored at all three levels and took over in the second half, scoring 19 of his game-high 28 points to race past Buford 67-58. Rechsteiner caught fire with his jumper, going 12-18 from the floor and 4-8 from deep. His court vision, ball handling, scoring touch and confidence give him a stranglehold over games. Rechsteiner should be a priority for Mid-Major programs and could ascend even higher on recruiting boards.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-4 PG [player_tooltip player_id="820278" first="Isaiah" last="Collier"] – Wheeler</strong></p> <p>Wheeler outlasted Newton in overtime 74-69 in a battle of number one ranked teams. Whenever the Wildcats needed a bucket, they turned to Collier’s five-star services. Isaiah used his quick first step and strength to rush his way to the rim. He located the basket in mid-air and could score through contact. Collier drew 10 fouls and finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. He went 7-11 from within the arc.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-6 G [player_tooltip player_id="820274" first="Stephon" last="Castle"] – Newton </strong></p> <p>The UConn-commit nearly carried the Rams to a gutsy win without backcourt partner [player_tooltip player_id="1059025" first="Jakai" last="Newton"] (Indiana). With the Rams trailing nearly the entire fourth quarter, it was Castle that kept Newton within striking distance, putting his head down and drawing foul after foul on slashes to the rim. Castle in total drew 12 fouls and went 15-16 from the line including sinking three free throws with 6 seconds left to send the game to overtime. Stephon converted three And-1s and finished with 30 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals. His jump shot was a bit off but he showed a nice post turnaround and drilled a three off the dribble in overtime.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-4 CG [player_tooltip player_id="820272" first="Kanaan" last="Carlyle"] – Milton</strong></p> <p>K9 was in full effect, providing tenacious on-ball defense fighting through screens and scoring in a variety of ways on offense. Carlyle posted 22 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. He scored with his pull-up jumper, floater and netted two threes. He gave great effort on defense, not giving up on plays and coming away with chase down steals. The Stanford-commit is a two-way star.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-2 PG [player_tooltip player_id="870146" first="Bruce" last="Thornton"] – Milton</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="870146" first="Bruce" last="Thornton"] stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. The Ohio State-signee is a bowling ball that can overpower defenders when exploding to the rim. He plays off two feet and has patient moves after jump stopping in traffic. Thornton really impressed with his court vision. When he got the ball in transition he immediately looked to pitch ahead and would hit teammates in stride with precise precision. </p>