2023 “I Have a Dream” Classic Guards Round Up
This Martin Luther King Jr. day some of the best teams in the NYC PSAL came out to show off their amazing talents. After 6 games and about 8 hours of basketball, here are the 5 guards who had the…
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Continue ReadingThis Martin Luther King Jr. day some of the best teams in the NYC PSAL came out to show off their amazing talents. After 6 games and about 8 hours of basketball, here are the 5 guards who had the most impressive performances:
Kaelen Destin (Guard, Sophomore, Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School)- Despite being just a sophomore, Destin was the best player at the tournament and it was not particularly close. Destin had the ball on a string and knew how to make the defenders dance. Despite being the primary ball handler for his team, I don’t think Destin committed a single turnover the entire game. If I had to describe Destin in one word it would be trustworthy. Destin is more than just a scorer with some sick handles, he was making perfect no-look passes to his teammates and getting them wide open looks. On the defensive end, Destin had a handful of sneaky steals that managed to find the perfect goldilocks zone of taking a risk without completely cheating. Destin is only about 6 feet tall but he has excellent hops and decent strength for his size.
Leiton Woods (Guard, Senior, Queens High School of Teaching)- Woods plays the game with a high level of discipline. Woods is never caught dribbling the ball to check if there is still air in there, he always has a purpose. Woods has a big and strong frame for a guard which he uses to grab boards and finish drives at the basket.
Alex Atkinson (Guard, Senior, 6’7, Queens High School of Teaching)- Atkinson often found himself moonlighting as a forward for his undersized team but at the next level he will be a guard. Atkinson has a long wingspan which he uses to disrupt passing lanes and twist around defenders at the hoop. When Atkinson is in the game, his team settles down and every player gains a greater understanding of their own role.
Samuel Acevedo (Guard, Junior, Broome Street Academy)- Acevedo is instant offense for his team and comes up huge for them in big situations. Down 3 with just a few seconds left in the game, Acevedo got fouled shooting a 3 pointer and swished all three free throws to send the game into OT. Acevedo’s combination of quickness and ball handling allows him to get to the hoop. On the defensive end Acevedo is always hustling for loose balls, looking to get charges and generally bother the opposing team.
Diogo Rondon Perez (Guard, Senior, Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School)- Perez is a strong guard that won’t let anyone out muscle him or his team. Perez uses his strong and quick build to prevent opposing guards from getting to the rim. On the offensive end, Perez uses his strength to initiate contact at the rim and finish. Perez has a quick second jump which he uses to get easy putback points. Perez is a team first player that makes the right reads and knows how to get his teammates involved.