NHR State Tournament: Standout Guards

Minneapolis, Minnesota – June 2nd – June 4th, programs across the great state of Minnesota and surrounding states faced off at Shakopee High School, and competed for championship honors!

Which team would get bragging rights for the year? Each game had highlight worthy plays, and players looking to prove their team was worthy of a Championship Title. Although there can only be one champion, there was no shortage of intensity and talent throughout the entire weekend in each division.

Below, I highlighted the “Standout Guards” that I was able to watch at the NHR State Tournament.

Jaylen Hynes – PJ Hoops 

Hynes shined bright at the combo guard position for a deep PJ Hoops team. The high IQ guard had his hands on impact plays on both ends of the floor. Pressuring his opponents best players and jumping passes, turning defense to offense was a major catalyst for a championship run.

Miles Braxton | Crossfire 

Braxton was a calming presence at the lead guard position for Minnesota Crossfire. The shifty guard consistently got down hill, making plays for himself and diming teammates made for fluid offense for Minnesota Crossfire. Along with his high level skills with the ball in his hands, he played with great heart and grit.

Matt Kachman | South Metro Elite 

Kachman’s tight handle and ability to create space were on full display at NHR State. The sniper from range spaced the floor for South Metro Elite. Kachman consistently made plays off the dribble, finding his spot and teammates at a high level. He weilds a great shot selection and the ability to knockdown tough shots.

Malachi Hill | PJ Hoops

Hill is a two-way prospect with great size at the lead guard position and made others better with high level court vision and precision passing. The lead guard provided great pace for the NHR State Champs, beating his man to the basket and making scoring plays for himself and teammates. Most impressive was his ability to pressure the ball in his defensive stance causing turnovers and costly mistakes.

Rider Majkrzak | ECI 

Majkrzak was a dual threat for ECI, and a reliable source of scoring throughout the weekend. Opponents paid the price when leaving him open, he needed to be located after crossing half court. When ran off the line he handled the ball well and dimed teammates after getting downhill. His high IQ was most apparent, making the right reads and exhibiting a great shot selection.