PH Spring Kick Off: 16U & 15U Gutsy Guards
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In the early AAU season, many kids are hungry to prove themselves as players and justify more touches, playing time, or attention from coaches. These players in the 16U and 15U were able to do just that, leaving me impressed…
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Continue ReadingIn the early AAU season, many kids are hungry to prove themselves as players and justify more touches, playing time, or attention from coaches. These players in the 16U and 15U were able to do just that, leaving me impressed with their ability to grind through the entirety of games and fight through tough competition to leave their mark on the game. Here are some of the gutsy guards on display in the younger divisions at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off.
Simmons is a promising prospect that has the ability to affect the game on just about every inch of the court. At 6-foot-4 he has the body to smother players on the perimeter and he showed off impressive quickness, getting up into ballhandlers and making them uncomfortable. Simmons also displayed a variety of finishes going to the hoop, floaters off of different gathers, and even hit a few 3-pointers. He’s an intriguing player that could be in store for a big AAU season.
Highlights
Cardoza not only showed up for his 16U team, but also got some big minutes with the BDH Elite 17U. He stepped up to the moment, sinking clutch shots from behind the arc against the Colorado Roughriders 2024 National squad, and handling pressure on-ball with relative ease while keeping the offense going. He showed great toughness against a much bigger team, conquering the mental side of playing the point.
Hurskin provided a unique skillset this weekend as a supremely athletic 6-foot-2 guard whose aggression in the paint and on the glass made a huge impact for his BDH team. He’s a hungry defender with burst and quickness. He puts a lock on the ball when it’s in his hands. And he made a concerted effort to outwork opponents for loose balls. He took the ball up strong on put backs and in transition, drawing a good number of fouls and converting at a high rate from the line.
Frank Psuate
Frank Psuate
Psuate was part of a balanced B&B Academy team that really shot the ball well from outside. The 6-foot-1 guard possessed one of the better outside shots on his team, but it was his complete profile that helped him stand out on the day. He played with great confidence and was a quick decision-maker, keeping defenses on their toes and forcing them to respect every option.
Canaan Kohler
Canaan Kohler
Kohler looked to be in full control when I watched his Colorado Anarchy squad play. He wasn’t intimidated by the defense at all, taking the ball down in transition right into defenders, absorbing contact and finishing with touch. He was able to bury shots from the mid-range and outside and set those shots up by making moves and keeping his feet underneath his body to stay on balance and rise up for the shot.