2025 Guards on the Rise: Intriguing Defensive Playmakers
In this article:
J’Twane Mike J’Twane Mike 6'0" | CG Palmer | 2025 State CO – Palmer Mike is the real deal on defense, possessing some of the best anticipation and timing of any perimeter defender in this 2025 class. The 6′ guard…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingJ’Twane Mike J’Twane Mike 6'0" | CG Palmer | 2025 State CO – Palmer
Mike is the real deal on defense, possessing some of the best anticipation and timing of any perimeter defender in this 2025 class. The 6′ guard is continuing to showcase his improved athleticisim in the full court, getting up a bit more often for one-handed dunks. Mike is adept utilizing his vertical pop on both ends, getting up for blocks or contests that put opponents into tough situations. Typically getting his shot attempts off of those secondary actions or backdoor cutters. Mike has the burst from his first step to get downhill off the catch, leaping up high above most contests. Continuing to develop his self creation ability with the ball will have a major impact on his offensive gravity, one area that will be worth tracking through the next couple years.
Harun Hamma Harun Hamma 5'10" | PG DSST: Montview | 2025 State CO – DSST: Montview
Hamma is an incredibly creative backcourt scorer, getting up quick jumpers and eye opening readjustments on layups. The 5’7 guard makes sure to put immediate pressure on the defense from the catch, either attacking downhill or pulling his quick jumper. On multiple occasions this past season, Hamma showcased mid-air readjustments on reverse finishes with the english. Not to mention the sophomore has won the 4A Frontier League Player of the Year award. Through his season with DSST Montview, Hamma posted 14.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Avantae Hood – Rocky Mountain
Hood shows notable upside as a gritty perimeter defender who already has an above average baseline of athleticism. The guard is already highly impactful for his position as a defensive rebounder, getting up higher than the vast majority of in-state opponents in the backcourt. His willingness to play physical translates to his perimeter defense, willing to take bumps one on one or dive for the loose ball. Hood possesses potential hitting shots along the perimeter, most often coming from kickouts, either stepping into the spot-up three or taking a dribble downhill for the mid-range pull-up. Through his season at Rocky Mountain, the guard has posted 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Isaiah Garcia Isaiah Garcia 5'10" | PG Eagle Ridge Academy | 2025 State CO – Eagle Ridge Academy
Garcia is a pesky defender who is adept at leveraging his low center of gravity to manipulate tight angles in traffic. At roughly 5’8, the guard tends to pick up his man nearly fullcourt, rarely allowing anything easy. Garcia is at his best making decisions on the break, looking like a natural while going full speed. He always keeps his head up, surveying the floor for baseline cutters or a post mismatch with one of Eagle Ridge Academy’s 6’5+ forwards. Through his season, the sophomore guard has posted 3.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.