Small Guards, Big Impact: The Finale

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="1441827" first="John" last="Paul Sumo"] – Servants – Norman – 2024<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0813-e1657052875485.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1502683 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0813-e1657052875485-213x300.jpg" alt="" width="167" height="235" /></a></p> <p>Although only about 5’8, Sumo played with such poise and aggression for a 2024 guard playing up a class. The ambidextrous guard was capable getting downhill with either hand, while displaying a high feel for pace in the halfcourt. He did well getting defenders on his hips and playing off of them to create layups or short floaters. While he prioritized scoring with the right hand on difficult finishes, Sumo showed no issues attacking the paint with the left hand. The guard has a quickly progressing jumper, showing pull up opportunities in transition or shooting it off the catch. Organizations looking for a sparkplug scorer should keep tabs on Sumo.</p> <p>Trevin Ezell – Wolfpack – Cushing - 2024<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0768-e1657052739126.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1502682 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0768-e1657052739126-242x300.jpg" alt="" width="173" height="215" /></a></p> <p>At 5’7, Ezell was electric in the fullcourt as the lead guard playmaker. He was one of the quicker guards within 17u, allowing him to dart around to create passing lanes. Ezell was especially comfortable in the fullcourt, where his confident handle allowed him to find open teammates in the corner and dunker spots. One unique area for Ezell has been his pullup shooting, where he had no fear stepping into shots within the mid-range.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Kamden-Snell.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1419116 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Kamden-Snell-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="185" /></a>Kamden Snell – Swift – Riverfield Country Day School – 2023</p> <p>Snell is an excellent combo guard who’s jump shot is deadly off the catch or dribble. On multiple occassions, Snell used the shoulder to bump the defender before stepping back from distance. Do not be fooled, Snell has an efficient playstyle where he needs no more than a couple dribbles to create the look he wants. One of the fun aspects of this Swift team is their comfort pushing the pace through outlet passes and long halfcourt skip passes. Multiple times, Snell connected with teammates on the break going nearly three quarter court.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4719-rotated-e1653512945815.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1465657 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4719-rotated-e1653512945815-204x300.jpg" alt="" width="154" height="226" /></a>Tony Ganther – Irish – Carl Albert - 2023</p> <p>My second time checking out Ganther, the 5’6 point guard demonstrated poise attacking the break and finding passing lanes in the half court. At his size, he has to make it up with consistent energy that the majority of athletes just do not have. A pure point guard, Ganther consistently looked to drive and kick or feed the post for teammates. One interesting aspect for him will be his progression as a pick and roll playmaker.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1170047" first="Ryan" last="Guerrero"] – Rogue – Southmoore - 2023<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/22-Ryan-Guerrero.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1422458 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/22-Ryan-Guerrero-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="141" /></a></p> <p>Mr. Fundamental is what comes to mind with Guerrero, due to his low turnover rate and excellent usage of the pivot foot. Standing at 5’11, he can be slotted into either guard spot due to his plus positional strength and moldable playstyle. Unlike many guards, he does not need the ball in his hands to make a positive impact. Perimeter defense, shooting off the catch, and passing vision are all key aspects. His jumper is quick, while being able to step into shots or hit them from the corner. Guerreros’s pivot foot put him over the edge, rarely turning the rock over when pressured and even baiting opponents away from the rim before taking a scoring opportunity. At times, his footwork was akin to Rocket’s forward Alperen Sengun where he twirled around before creating a lane.</p>