PH Stomping Grounds: Max’s Guard Standouts
In this article:
Seven of the guards who stood out in the games I watched in Sioux Falls at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds! Yusuf Hussein HEIGHT 6'1" POS N/A CLASS 2025 View Profile Yusuf Hussein State: Minnesota School: Robbinsdale Cooper Not sure there…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSeven of the guards who stood out in the games I watched in Sioux Falls at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds!
Not sure there was a better isolation scorer at the 16u level than Yusuf. He started off the first half against MN Crossfire on fire, as defenders just couldn’t stay in front off him off the dribble. He was creating separation for mid-range and three point jumpers with ease, using a nasty hesitation move and change of speed to create space. Gets his shot off in a fluid motion off the dribble. After hitting a few jumpers he started to use his hesitation move to get guys in the air and then blow by them to get into the lane. Such a skilled shot creator for E1T1 2025.
Ben had some impressive moments helping lead Real Phenom to a 4-0 weekend. In the win over Sanford Sports UA I caught the end of the first half, where on consecutive possessions with under a minute in the half Ben picked up steals and turned them into lay-ups on the other end. That quick run helped send his team into the break with a comfortable double-digits lead. Was a threat from three off the catch, but against Starks Elite he had a nasty crossover that had his defender stumbling backwards before knocking down the three. Can excel as a scrappy defender who doesn’t need to take any shots to have an impact, but has also proven he can put points on the board when needed.
Highlights
Jacoby showed why he’s one of the top guards in South Dakota over the weekend. At 6’4 he can run the point while also having the size to play/defend off the ball. Against Bearstail Basketball he showcased impressive court vision as he was zipping around passes from the perimeter hitting his shooters right in the hands while also delivering accurate post entry passes to his two D1 bigs. Merhman has a strong frame that allows him to get in the paint and finish on balance in traffic as well. Had some productive games leading his team to a 3-1 record.
After going back through the film, Bo was getting to the rim even more than I imagined, and rarely was he missing once he got there. He has a strong frame as a guard, but is quicker than you’d expect allowing him to get a slight edge on his defender and just pin him on his hip as he works his way to the basket. Once at the rim you almost had to foul him if you wanted to stop him, as he’s just too strong for most guards to contain at the 16u level. Outside of the finishes I really liked how vocal he was both on the defensive end and encouraging his teammates throughout the game.
Alex Franson Alex Franson 6'0" | PG Marshall | 2025 State MN
Alex Franson Alex Franson 6'0" | PG Marshall | 2025 State MN
Alex was one of the best finishers I saw at the 16u level over the weekend. He’s just so crafty working his way to the basket, and once there he has the touch to finish at some difficult angles. Knows the perfect amount of spin to put on the ball when he went in for reverse lay-ups, and showed impressive body control coming in for a tip-in as he was falling away from the basket and still managed to finish. At 6′ he showed no fear attacking against the trees of Sanford Sports 2025.
Jevon Kiros
Jevon Kiros
Against a bigger Sanford Sports team, Jevon’s quickness was giving their defense issues. Rush was at their best getting out in the open floor, and Jevon was one of the catalysts as he was able to push the ball ahead with speed and get his team a numbers advantage going at the rim. He made excellent decisions when he was able to get into the paint, knowing when to dump it off or kick it out, while also showing the touch to put up a floater and finish over size. Played tough on-ball defense throughout the game as well.
Grayson keeps the game simple, and it allows him to produce efficiently just about every time he steps on to the floor for Real Phenom. When he gets around the rim he’s a tough finisher with both hands, and he creates his opportunities in a variety of ways. He’s very tough to guard off the ball as he cuts hard and is constantly moving, he can pick off passes and get out in transition, but he can also jab hard and then attack off the dribble. His consistent production was a big reason why Real Phenom went 4-0 including an impressive win over Sanford Sports UA.