PH Easter Classic: Top 16U Texas Point Guards

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit rolled on this past weekend at the Easter Classic in Fort Worth. Nineteen teams competed in the 16U division, and I had the opportunity to see each of them at least once. There was a lot of talent in the building. So, I will be highlighting standout prospects from the event throughout the week.</p> <p>With that in mind, here is a quick look at nine standout point guards from the event:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1417098" first="Kasen" last="Hastings"] | 2024 | 6’0’’ Point Guard | DC Kings Denton 2024 | Krum HS</strong> - Hastings is an outstanding all-around floor general. He has a balanced game and does a nice job producing as a scorer and playmaker. The Krum guard reads the defense and attacks accordingly, showing off excellent vision in the process. He enjoyed tremendous success on dribble drives and was consistent when finishing with floaters or runners once he got into the lane. He was also a solid shooter from behind the arc. He has a really well-rounded offensive game. </p> <p><strong>Royal Watson Jr | 2025 | 5’11’’ Point Guard | Mansfield Power Elite 2024 | Cedar Hill HS</strong> - Watson Jr put together one of the best scoring performances of the tournament with his 30-point outing on Saturday. He was fantastic as an isolation scorer, absolutely torching defenders with blow-by finishes and making them pay for sagging off with his ability to knock down the three ball both from the catch and off the dribble. His aggression also landed him on the foul line often. Beyond that, Watson Jr had a real knack for delivering accurate pocket passers to divers in pick-and-roll scenarios. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1274790" first="Kaden" last="Jackson"] | 2024 | 6’0’’ Point Guard | Belief Basketball SharpShooters 2024 | L.D. Bell HS</strong> - Jackson is a shifty ball handler who plays under control and comfortably against on-ball pressure. As a passer, he was unselfish and showed that he can make accurate passes when blitzed by a second defender. As a scorer, he converted in traffic and with a body on him at the basket from difficult angles. As a defender, he plays with an edge and gets into whoever he is tasked with guarding. This is a two-way lead guard that can give you a lot when he steps on the floor. </p> <p><strong>Carson McRae | 2023 | Point Guard | Hard Hoops 2024 | Sachse HS</strong> - McRae handles the ball well vs. pressure and is solid at navigating the floor with his dribble. He showed the ability to create his own shot and knows how to get to his spots on offense. He can get himself into the teeth of the defense too. At the other end, the Sachse guard really got after it on defense, getting down in stance and showing good effort and engagement. </p> <p><strong> Kobe Jackson | 2025 | 5’8’’ Point Guard | CyFair Elite HTX 2024 | Paetow HS</strong> - Jackson plays fast and likes to push the tempo on offense. The 2025 floor general was a willing passer and good decision maker when I saw him on the opening night of the event. He used his quickness to get into the lane for some smooth Euro step lay ins on multiple occasions. Additionally, he displayed capability as a three-point shooter from the catch and was great about staying in front of his man on D. </p> <p><strong>Damarion Arnold | 2024 | 5’6’’ Point Guard | Team ESBY 2024 | Plano Senior HS</strong> - Arnold was great at finding gaps in the defense and getting himself into scoring position. He had a variety of different ways to finish when attacking the basket off the dribble and did so effectively despite being undersized. Furthermore, he was continuously able to get around defenders. The 2024 prospect is a savvy offensive player who competes on every possession. </p> <p><strong>Jayden Miller | 2026 | 5’6’’ Point Guard | Mansfield Power Elite 2024 | Kennedale Middle School</strong> - Miller gained some great experience this weekend by playing up a couple of grade levels. He was able to produce too. He displayed the ability to create his own shot from mid to long range, as well as the ability to hit jumpers off the dribble. The 2026 point guard dopped in some giant killers as well when driving to the basket vs. much taller defenders. </p> <p><strong>Aaron Lira | 2024 | 5’9’’ Point Guard | DC Kings Denton 2024 | Krum HS</strong> - Lira showed that he is a polished ball handler and a sneaky good playmaker. He threaded the needle for some terrific assists, displaying good vision and accuracy as a passer. Beyond that, he was able to use some flashy dribbling to get all the way to the basket and showed capability as a spot up shooter from the outside. </p> <p><strong>Mason Saad | 2024 | 5’11’’ Point Guard | Victory Academy 2024 White | McKinney Boyd HS</strong> - Saad was one of the most determined on-ball defenders I saw this weekend. You could tell he takes pride in his defense. He gets up into his man, moves his feet, and has active hands. He came up with numerous steals and deflections, as well as a block in the paint when I saw him on Sunday. The McKinney Boyd guard is gritty player. </p>