Mile High Hoops Showcase: Noteworthy Perimeter Playmakers
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Jaxyn Cruse – Lincoln Northeast, NE – 2026 Cruse was one of the most dominant athletes from this event, given his quick first step yet controlled pace within the halfcourt. Standing rights around 6’1 or 6’2, Cruse hails from Nebraska,…
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Continue ReadingJaxyn Cruse – Lincoln Northeast, NE – 2026
Cruse was one of the most dominant athletes from this event, given his quick first step yet controlled pace within the halfcourt. Standing rights around 6’1 or 6’2, Cruse hails from Nebraska, although he certainly caught our eyes out at the Mile High Hoops Showcase. There were a select ten or so players who were simply comfortable making decisions, Cruse was closer to 1 than 10 on that list. He proved dependable attacking downhill with either hand, where he had the verticality to punish opponents or hit kick out passes above contests. The combo guard was especially creative getting downhill, often utilizing gather steps to maneuver around opponents attempting to reach in. Simply put, Cruse was a step ahead of most opponents from an athleticism standpoint, allowing him to create optimal separation off the bounce. Although he scored a couple drives coming from the left hand, keep tabs on Cruse’s willingness to get downhill should defenders take away the right hand.
Johnny Rios – Centennial, AZ – 2026
Rios was arguably the most impactful passer from this event, given his north to south speed and willingness to give it up. The incoming freshman out of Centennial, Arizona made waves through his attention to detail as a live dribble passer. He proved to have vision that not many freshman guards have while threading the needle between multiple defenders. Rios was excellent making one handed passes to perimeter scoring threats, routinely maximizing the timing and velocity needed. As well, Rios was one of five athletes to win an individual skill-based award, winning the event’s top playmaker award.
Marquilos Mata Marquilos Mata 6'3" | SG Smoky Hill | 2026 State CO – Vista Peak – 2026
Mata will be a noteworthy name from this class given his highly impactful defensive fundamentals along with upside as a secondary creator. Standing right around 6′ tall, Mata proved to be a lockdown defender one on one versus some of the quicker perimeter creators. Already possessing a wiry strong frame, Mata is more than capable of taking hits on both ends. A secondary creator right now, the shooting guard was capable finishing tough shots through tight windows, largely thanks to his dependable pivot foot. Mata already brings shooting upside off the catch, regardless of a contest. The shooting guard is another one of those sneaky athletes, who was wiry strong and had enough hops to finish above the rim.
Preston Brunton Preston Brunton 6'4" | CG Mountain Range | 2026 State CO – Mountain Range – 2026
Brunton will be a memorable name among this guard class, given his high IQ and low risk decision making. The incoming point guard at Mountain Range stands right around 6′ tall and already has that sixth sense for reading opponent decisions. Notably, Brunton is capable leveraging his handle for a myriad of playmaking opportunities within the halfcourt. Passing was clearly his calling card, proving capable leveraging drives to hit open shooters. Brunton has a lot of craft within the arc thanks to his ability to control the pace. The point guard hit shots all around the mid-range, notably from floaters and stepping into pull-ups. There are few guards at his age possessing the IQ and handle to maximize the elite vision, keep tabs on the young one.