Bluff City Blues: Top Point Guards

Several players excelled in the role of point guard during the Bluff City Blues. These are their stories.

[player_tooltip player_id='1947097' first='Jermaiah' last='McKinney'] (Memphis Blazers 17u)
In an early Saturday game, Jermaiah brought the energy. He attacked with purpose, but did not force shots. His urgency was exceptional. Unlike his Blazers, the opponents could not play effectively at high speeds.

[player_tooltip player_id='1901670' first='Jake' last='Harney'] (Shockers 15u)
Shockers 15u are a sound team replete with pass-first players. Though Jake fits this category he is an aggressive slasher too. Harvey attacks like the team depends upon him to score, and he often does. Harvey is prone to the occasional ill-advise three-pointer, but overall he is poised. In the long run, Harvey will be more vocal and more capable playing slow and methodically, if the moment calls for it. Harney played wonderful in the team's second Saturday game. He constantly blitzed by his man. On almost every other touch Harney surged past his man and into the danger zones. Harney made a layup or two in traffic. Long-term he is likely going to drop those off, as he showed on one play in the middle of the second half. Harney currently stands around 5-foot-11, but plays lower on the dribble. He has a hunched, lurking for with the ball and it is so tough for defenders to poke the ball loose.

Evan Lee (Tennessee Fever)
The Tennessee Fever are merely a decent offensive team, but a good amount of their offensive structure is provided by senior-to-be Evan Lee (Dickson County). Facing Hoop Dreams (WI), Evan was a bit of a dual-threat guard. He needs more strength. Defensively, Evan was below average. He needs to add weight, strength, and physical toughness. Quickness is relied upon, and it is a nice attribute, but top varsity guards are quick and strong both.

[player_tooltip player_id='1860311' first='Joshua' last='Whitt'] (TN Brigade 15u), a former @PrepHoopsTN JV Camp All-Star, played solid, not flashy against End Game Elite 15u Saturday afternoon. Whitt pushed the ball well in transition, finding a wing attacker in the process. When given the opportunity, Whitt attacked the rim. During another fastbreak Whitt burst into the lane as the defenders spread to cover corner shooters, and he drew a foul. He made free throws, though missed one that rightfully frustrated him. Surprisingly, Whitt finished through contact. He is not build like a hulking varsity player yet, but he showed some toughness after a turnover into an and-1.

Salmone Mitchell Jr. (IN) moved the basketball well. He did not really look at the rim, but his team featured plenty of guys willing to do so.

Cody McGee (Memphis Knights 16u) played wonderfully in his first half against the Panthers. McGee is quick with the basketball. He can get by solid defenders and even then keeps an eye open to pass instead of finish a layup. On one possession, McGee drove under the rim and then kicked it to the wing behind his drive. Thankfully, his teammate made the shot. McGee is pretty thin, and needs to bulk up to fend off defenders. He operated well in the pick'n'roll.

[player_tooltip player_id='1952238' first='Caleb' last='Carpenter'] (Memphis Knights 16u) was possibly the best on-ball defender Saturday. So active. He whacked two steals free during a fullcourt press in a row. A smooth 4-0 run was completely concocted by the feisty Carpenter.