Hustle Region Classic – 17U Top Point Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hustle Region Classic featured plenty of competition in the 17U division. Scores were on the high side and a lot had to do with the fact there were some talented point guards leading the charge. Here's a look at some of the top ones we watched on Saturday and Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Valencia-Alvarado, TC Elite 2024 (2023 Richland) </strong>- Valencia-Alvarado <em>(pictured)</em> was one of the most dynamic players on the weekend for any position, much less a point guard. He could flat out score the basketball, whether it was nailing contested threes or getting to the hoop and scoring over bigger players. You simply could not take a break in defending him as he was constantly looking to attack. Defensively he was a terror as well and despite playing almost every minute of every game, his motor never seemed to stop. Adding to the fun was he might have been the best inch-for-inch rebounder at the event. We were shocked when he told us that he has not garnered any college recruiting interest to date.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110575' first='Joey' last='Banry'], PA 17U (2024 North Eugene) </strong>- Banry is arguably the most slept-on player in the state of Oregon and we were sold on his game almost from the first time we watched him play. The rising senior point guard is explosive off the bounce and defenders had a hard time keeping up with him all weekend long. Banry could shake off his man for a quick three, or drive right past him on either side and finish in a variety of ways. While he lacks some size at 5-foot-9, he made up for it with a high motor, especially on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266107' first='KaMar' last='Benbo'], More Than Hoop 2024 (2024 Parkrose) </strong>- In previous viewings of Benbo we've classified him more as a wing and noticed more of his ability to score the basketball. He's been playing at the point for More Than Hoop this spring though and he's been able to showcase his ball-handling and underrated passing ability. He threw some pretty dimes to teammates for open scores while still utilizing his athleticism to get some of his own buckets this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268434' first='Jett' last='Birdsall'], Team Progress 2024 (2024 Sunset)</strong> - Birdsall did a tremendous job as a floor leader and played with pace. He methodically picked apart defenses with his passing and when given the opportunity to score himself, showed a great touch both from three and with the pull-up. A smart player, he consistently made good decisions and played turnover-free basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370665' first='Kai' last='Russell'], Players Only 16U (2025 Westview) </strong>- Russell was another smaller guard that set the table well for his team. He calmly handled pressure, kept the ball moving, and when given the opportunity knocked down open jumpers at a high percentage. The rising junior made plays without turning the ball over and played like a veteran.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1512858' first='Keetan' last='Eagle'], Pack 2024 (2024 Bismarck)</strong> - We caught Eagle on a good shooting day as for about a half, he simply could not miss from three-point range. The rising senior guard moved well without the ball to get into position for the catch-and-shoot, but also handled the rock well without turning it over as he played a nice complimentary role to teammate Andre Austin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kenneth Vo, Showtime 17U (2024 Oak Grove)</strong> - Despite being the smallest guy in the event at 5-foot-3, we were impressed with the confidence that Vo played with and how he backed down from no one. He capably ran the point for Showtime, showed he could knock down open threes, and was a total pest on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamierre Phillips, More Than Hoops 2024 (2024 Gresham) </strong>- Phillips has a strong build, in particular very muscular legs. This allowed him to physically hang with opposing guards, and helped him to get some scores underneath. He capably managed the offense when he was on the floor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110592' first='Donovan' last='Crowder'], Players Only 16U (2024 Liberty)</strong> - Crowder really makes an impact with his defense and that's what he did over the weekend. The rising senior locked down on his man and used his quick hands to disrupt and deflect balls in the passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gabe Welch, Starts With U (2024 Centennial) </strong>- An athletic lead guard, Welch was aggressive in trying to make plays off the dribble for himself and for others. He has a decent looking jumper and also possesses the quickness to get past defenders on the drive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->