Hot Summer Series: Five 2024 Guards Light it Up

<p>The "Hot Summer 5" series looking at different categories of players and age groups and break down the 5 guys who to look for in that category!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 2024 class is loaded with a versatile and talented forward pool of players. Today we are going to combine the rankings coverage for the 2024 class with our Hot Summer 5 series and look at 5 guards who lit it up this past high school season and/or spring and will be looking to tear it up this summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>5 Guards Who Can Light Up the Nets</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>#1 [player_tooltip player_id="1270090" first="TJ" last="Williams"]<strong>, 6’4 G, Sunrise Academy, Run GMC:</strong> Williams announced not too long ago he is making the jump to Sunrise after capping off an elite season with Heights where he helped lead his squad to a state title. Williams has continued that momentum this spring, highlighting his top tier shot making ability from multiple locations on the floor that he gets to off the bounce and with his length and spring, shoots it with ease over contests. The Run guard continues to impress with his size, athleticism, and scoring ability that will translate onto the national stage as the guard looks to continue to elevate his stock.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>#3 [player_tooltip player_id="1172929" first="Michael" last="Kates"]<strong>, 5’10 PG, Maize South, Buddy Buckets 2024 (Pictured):</strong> One of the top shooters in the entire 2024 class, Kates is a walking shot maker as soon as he enters the gym. An extremely quick release, great balance, and creates space for himself off the ball or on the dribble to get great looks. Really versatile guard position wise being able to move off the ball, or be a maestro with the ball in his hands. Kates can bombard and change games from behind the three point line in a hurry.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>#15 [player_tooltip player_id="1371482" first="Brennon" last="Dodge"]<strong>, 6’1 CG, Shawnee Heights, SSA Elite 2024 Black:</strong> Scored it at over 18 a game this high school season as a sophomore helping lead a surprising Heights team. Can get it going in a hurry and is a guy who once he gets into a rhythm is hard to knock out of it in games. Had a great spring scoring the basketball from the perimeter on the grassroots scene, and incorporated a more consistent float game in the mid range to bury hard closeouts. His long arms and strides off the dribble get him some wiggle room to operate and rise up over defenders and he almost shoots it better when contested. Should have a big June back with his high school.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>#16 [player_tooltip player_id="1270291" first="Carter" last="Coombs"]<strong>, 6’ G, Great Bend:</strong> Took the spring off and focused on baseball, but Coombs is a name to keep tabs on this June and summer, as he is an electric playmaking guard both as a passer and especially as a scorer. Has a strong base and balance on the attack and continues to get better at playing through and against contact. Coombs is a big time shot maker and will be looking to take a big leap in his second season as a back court leader for Great Bend.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>#33 [player_tooltip player_id="1390595" first="Kalen" last="Streit"]<strong>, 6’1 G, Bonner Springs, Phenom: </strong>Another young guard who helped elevate his high school team with a terrific season scoring the ball who took that momentum and rode it into a big spring running with Team Phenom. Streit has shot the ball exceptionally well from the 3 point line and is a big time athlete who can get by the first defender and attack the help with force and finish at the rim. The Bonner Springs guard had multiple outings this spring where he took over in mini spurts hitting a couple of dagger 3’s in a row or momentum changing or clinching buckets. Another guard to watch take a big leap this June.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>