Passion Region Finals: GameChanger Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the youth level, guards and bigs control games. Today will focus on guys that man the paint. Below are five guys 6'6 and smaller that stood above the rest at the Passion Region Finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adrian Llamo- 5'9 Guard (Class of 2025) I was really impressed with Llamo's game this past weekend at the Prep Hoops Passion Region Finals, as the 5-9 rising junior guard has transitioned his game for the better. Llamo can score on all three levels and defend at a very high level. His ability to maintain both guard positions has really spoke volumes on the rise he has. Llamo has huge upside and could be a versatile prospect at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1972133' first='Calen' last='Wiggins']- 6'5 Forward (Class of 2024). Wiggins is a versatile wing who has the handles of a guard can create his own shot where he has a consistent mid-range game. He is a two-way player who can defend at a high level, as well as rebound against bigger defenders finishing strong around the rim. Wiggins is also an unselfish player who plays with a high IQ and a ton of confidence on the offensive end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rafe' Meriweather- 6'5 Wing (Class of 2024) Meriweather is a dynamic playmaker who plays multiple positions on the offensive end of the floor whether it's running the guard position or playing on the wing. He is strong when he plays with his back to the basket and does a great job at getting downhill and earning trips to the foul line. He is poised to have a strong senior season where college coaches should start attracting him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garrett James- 6'2 Guard (Class of 2025) The 6-2 rising junior guard continued to have an impressive weekend for Ballers Elite 2025 as he had the ability to takeover the offense as well as facilitate at a high level. James is a prolific shooter from beyond the arc as well as an above average defender where he was jumping into the passing lanes. Expect James' stock to rise as he is gearing up for his junior season as college coaches start peaking his interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter Turnbow- 5'9 Guard (Class of 2026) The 5-9 shooting guard displayed a great shooting touch all weekend for DAWGS Elite as he shot nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc in four games. His craftiness when he had the basketball in his hands also stood out as he can get to his spots and knock down tough, contested shots. His ability to get his teammates involved as well showed his maturity and high basketball IQ gain more confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->