PH Nebraska 2023 Stock Risers : Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As grassroots season comes to an end and we updated 2023 rankings here is a look at players who balled out this summer and proved that they can run with anyone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1152113' first='Jacob' last='Martin'] | 6'2 G | Millard North </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martins ability to go get a bucket almost whenever he wanted this summer was second to none. His handle with his quickness makes it tough for defenses to contain. Very creative slasher but can knock down the midrange pull up and the three. Very high energy and gritty player. Will be very interesting to watch him at Millard North this year as they not only bring back but have brought in some talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1141525' first='Andrew' last='Gaines'] | 5'11 G | Lincoln High</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaines had a big role at the lead guard for the Links last winter and in some games I watched it seemed he could almost score at will. Other games he was on the distributing side getting his guys the ball in spots and racking on some assists. He handles the ball well and can be a scrappy on and off ball defender, getting in your face, or simply getting hands in passing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcellus McCulley | 6'3 G | Lincoln High</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCulley may be Lincoln High's best kept secret. He had a huge breakout summer with the Malone Fastbreakers. The 6'3 G was out last season due to injury but if he remains healthy I foresee him being a huge threat for the Links this upcoming winter. Big, athletic guard who can slash and elevate for a dunk or can pull back and knock down a mid range jumper. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1150945' first='JJ' last='Ferrin'] | 6'2 G | Skutt Catholic (pictured)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferrin is a green light shooter. When I watched him at Iowa West he shot it almost every time he touched it. He is one guy you can not let get hot or he will torch you. Very confident shooter with a fast catch and shoot, and will drop one off the bounch. He will attack you off catch if you closeout too hard and distributes to the open man. Very exciting shooting guard prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165691' first='AJ' last='Heffelfinger'] | 6'1 G | Waverly</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really like Heffelfinger's guard intangibles. He does a lot of things well. He can take you off the bounce, also a threat off the catch both shot and drive. He's got some athletic layups in his arsenal and maintains good body control. Creates contact well on drives. Defensively is a gritty on-ball defender and gets tips in passing lanes. AJ is definitely a sleeper in the 2023 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->