Downhill Scorers from The Finale

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295674" first="Davieon" last="Clinton"] - Oklahoma Swift<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0798.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1502052 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0798-e1656977834746-172x300.jpg" alt="" width="124" height="216" /></a></p> <p>Clinton was smooth scoring the rock, especially with the right hand. At six feet tall, Clinton was elite getting downhill due to his plus first step and above average wingspan. Multiple times, Clinton demonstrated his deep bag through step backs out to the three point line. When the Swift needed a bucket, he was dependable scoring the rock either off the catch or dribble. While I would classify Clinton as a combo guard, he showed excellent vision once help defense arrived. He is not just an offensive talent either, consistently using his length to poke the ball away or crowd them on a double team. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0760.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1502047 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0760-e1656977764583-213x300.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="225" /></a>Jawan Mukes - 405BadBoyz</p> <p>Mukes was one of the shiftiest guards this tournament, given his ability to dramatically change directions. His quickness at 5’10 allowed him to blow by opponents, especially given his low center of gravity. His instincts were tremendous, lulling defenders to sleep before using a cross or another move to get them off balance. Being such a laterally quick athlete, Mukes was influential grabbing steals, 5+ on multiple instances. While he mainly gets his looks as a finisher around the rim, Mukes proved to be capable shooter with space, either off the catch or bounce.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1372133" first="Chase" last="Sucharda"] - Buddy Buckets</p> <p>Sucharda is an intriguing combo guard with a lot of length and excellent touch around the rim at 6’3. Like many others on this list, he was never sped up but uniquely did great changing speeds to adapt with defenders’ aggression. The combo guard was especially nimble in the paint, using dynamic moves to create space inside. Sucharda is an incredibly complete guard, capable pulling up in transition and rising up above size. Of all the athletes in they gym, Sucharda was on of the best navigating the baseline as a rim scorer or passer. </p> <p>Zyire Allen - Enid Elite 2024 - 2025<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0821.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1502044 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0821-e1656977678719-196x300.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="245" /></a></p> <p>Allen has some of best ballhandling instincts of any guard in the gym, along with one of the deepest bags. He used advanced moves to free himself up attacking the rim downhill, such as misdirection crossovers. When combined with his long arms and wiry frame, he was nearly unstoppable attacking the rim. A lanky individual, Allen can quickly accelerate and get downhill due to his long strides. Even though I did not see him attempt many jump shots, he had no trouble creating opportunities by dominating as a driver. Given his age, schools should be keeping tabs on the young guard.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="981279" first="Evan" last="Barber"] - Rogue 2023 - 2023</p> <p>Barber was about as consistent as anyone this tournament, averaging 17 points per game on high efficiency. The 6’1 guard could score off the catch or from pullups, rarely being sped up by defenders. His strength created scoring opportunities as a driver and subsequently finishing around the rim. Once help defense approached, he used clever euro steps to dodge incoming rim protectors. Although a left handed shooter, he was ambidextrous as a ballhandler, showing no favoritism with direction to drive. Barber’s biggest imapact came on the perimeter as a shooter off the catch or while stepping into shots.</p>