Spring Watch: 2024 Combo Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As crazy as it seems, we are right around the corner from AAU season tipping off. The first live period is officially less than a month away and while it's almost guaranteed that the AAU ‘transfer portal' opens up we will see a change of scenery for a bunch of the prospects that I'll highlight over the next week or so, it's still that time to shed light on who should be on folks' radar moving into spring. We move onto the 2024 combo guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127311' first='Ty' last='Bevins'] | New World</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17U New World squad will be an interesting group with plenty of talent and upside. Bevins fits that bill after a solid junior season for Gwynn Park. He has become more assertive in searching for his own shot while still being cognizant of making the right play based on how the defense reacts to his decisions. He possesses good size at 6'5-6'6, a smooth shooting stroke and the versatility to impact both sides of the ball when dialed in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1471095,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/Somerville-Martin-Head-Shot.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/Somerville-Martin-Head-Shot.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1471095" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Martin Somerville | Team Melo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Somerville made the switch to Team Melo and will be competing on the EYBL Circuit this spring after putting up impressive scoring numbers for Bishop McNamara this season. His ability off the bounce is still improving, but his knack for making three's off the catch at a high volume is what gives him value. He's stands 6'2 and is constantly moving off the ball where he can quickly get into his shot off the catch with an efficient clip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367745' first='Kris' last='Johnson'] | New World</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another skilled combo guard that can also be featured on the wing due to his size, strength and versatility is Johnson. He's 6'4 with a college-ready frame that is evident when he's muscling up against players outside of his position. He a multi-positional defender, an above average rebounder and a tenacious competitor. Offensively he's at his best when he gets downhill whether it be in quick driving lane scenarios in the half court or gaining a full head of steam in the open floor. He's athletic and will look to punch it on contesting defenders if he has his mind set to finishing above the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1682194,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IMG-1004-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IMG-1004-scaled.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1682194" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1413945' first='Justin' last='Bumbray'] | Team Takeover </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bumbray is one of the smoothest shooters in the local 2024 class. He still has areas in his game need improvement, but hanging his hat on being a specialist from outside carries plenty of value in today's game. Bumbray is a 6'4 with good length, is solid fundamentally and understands how to play to his strengths. His strengths should be highlighted further within his role on Team Takeover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1677202,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/IMG-0909-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/IMG-0909-scaled.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1677202" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1366890' first='Brendan' last='Johnson'] | Crusader Nation</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson had an explosive scoring season for Calvert Hall this winter and emerged as one of the premier shot-making guards in the Baltimore Metro area. His success caught the eye of LM programs and if he can transfer his scoring ways to the spring and summer, there's a chance the interest from those programs could turn into offers. Johnson should have the opportunity to be a primary option for Crusader Nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->