Sportradar Show Down: Best Guards (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LAS VEGAS — Basketball analytics company Sportradar threw its inaugural grassroots event this weekend at Coronado high school in Las Vegas. The three-day event featured matchups between some of the top programs from the Adidas 3SSB and Under Armour Association circuits. Below is a breakdown of the top guard performers from Friday's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1157235' first='Cole' last='Certa'], [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves']</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Notre Dame commit had his versatile, high IQ and efficient offensive skill-set on display. At 6-feet-4, Certa has smooth shooting form off the catch with consistent range on his jump shot. He's not just a shooter either as the rising senior showed that he can attack closeouts and score at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1089572' first='Daquan' last='Davis'], Team Thrill</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis can fill up the scoring column in a hurry with his combination of quick-twitch athleticism and deep range shooting ability. The 6-foot-1 point guard opened Team Thrill's second game of the day with three straight three-point shots. He used his speed and quickness in transition to push the tempo of the game and help his team get transition buckets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1630623' first='Gavin' last='Hightower'], West Coast Elite</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hightower was key down the stretch in West Coast Elite's win over NBA Global Academy. The 2025 SoCal-based guard hit some crucial pull-up mid-range jumpers and his on-ball defense forced the opponent into multiple turnovers during crunch time. Hightower got downhill and used his speed to get into the lane whenever he wanted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1217873' first='Jazz' last='Henderson'], Southern Assault</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henderson made this list due to his ability to take over a game late and lead his team to a close victory. The 6-footer has great open court speed, good burst in the half-court setting and a strong frame and base that allow him to absorb bumps, stay on balance and get into the lane. Henderson made a number of smart reads and delivered timely passes to teammates for open jumpers or layups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1738844' first='Isaac' last='Williams'], Team Trae Young</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams combination of strength, speed and balance helped him to be an efficient scorer and playmaker and his ability to balance those attributes was even more impressive. The 6-foot-2 combo guard knocked down open three-point and mid-range jumpers off the bounce but was also a player who got consistent paint touches and made plays for teammates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->