The Last Dance: Guard Standouts Pt. 1
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Seven of the guards who impressed in the games I watched over the weekend at Prep Hoops The Last Dance! Derek Fairley OH #88 CG #8 HEIGHT 6'1" POS CG CLASS 2024 View Profile Derek Fairley State: Ohio School: Lutheran…
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Continue ReadingSeven of the guards who impressed in the games I watched over the weekend at Prep Hoops The Last Dance!
Derek just makes winning plays on the floor. In transition he was making smart decisions with the ball, able to read and react quickly to the defense on whether he can get all the way to the rim to score, or if he should dump it off to a sprinting teammate. In the half-court he knows how to utilize ball screens, can get a defender pinned on his hip before attacking the basket, and also showcased a nice mid-range game. Unselfish player who was constantly getting his teammates involved and wasn’t overdribbling the rock.
Jack Cherry Jack Cherry 6’1″ | PG Guerin Catholic | 2024 State IN was one of the best passers I saw all weekend. He has exceptional court awareness, seemingly knowing where every player is at all times. Did a great job of attacking, getting two feet in the paint, and recognizing immediately when an open teammate became available. Was able to deliver his passes in a variety of ways to a forward down low or a guard spotting up beyond the arc. Solid finisher as well with touch to score over the top of size when no one stepped up on him.
A reigning state champ in Minnesota, Ben knew exactly what to do with the ball in his hands late in the game against AUSA. He just took over for Real Phenom over the last few minutes of play, and after AUSA tied it up late, Ben calmly dribbled up the floor, got into the paint, and scored with a floater to give his team the 2 point win. All game long Ben was knocking down threes with confidence, handling the ball under pressure, and playing tough on-ball defense against bigger guards. One player who has really stood out over the spring/summer.
Highlights
Jaylen Pitman
Jaylen Pitman
The Australian prospect was one of the top point guards in attendance at The Last Dance. He stands at 6’2, has good speed in the open floor, and some explosive pop around the basket. Had some tough finishes out in transition, and on a couple occasions beat his man backdoor and converted on a crafty finish. Creates for his teammates with his ability to beat his initial defender off the dribble, get into the paint, and react as an extra defender stepped up on him. Can make the simple pass or dish it out with a bit of flair. All the tools to defend with his size at 6’2 and athleticism.
Eli was one of the top shooters from the weekend, and went on a stretch in the first half making three or four 3’s in a row against LA Broncos. Gets excellent lift on his shot, allowing him to get it off over the outstretched hand of a defender. Can pull up off the dribble, or run off a screen and quickly get his feet set before catching and elevating into his shot. Eli has in-the-gym range, and is the type of player you can’t afford to lose track of anywhere within the half-court.
Highlights
Kheiri Haynes
Kheiri Haynes
Kheiri was running circles around defenders at times, as he’s so quick with the ball in his hands. He was often the smallest player on the floor, but was fearless attacking the basket. Haynes wasn’t afraid to go right into shot blockers, while either drawing a foul or being able to extend with his outside hand and finish away from his body in impressive fashion. His ability to just hang in the air allowed him to adjust his body and finish in a variety of ways off the glass. Capable shooter as well who has to be accounted for beyond the arc. I like how he looks to push the ball up the floor, and it resulted in some easy dunks for his athletic wings/forwards.
Benjamin Tweedy
Benjamin Tweedy
After impressing the previous weekend in Chicago, Benjamin Tweedy was back again dishing out dimes for AUSA. He just seems to have eyes in the back of his head at times with the way he’ll pick out a teammate and lead them perfectly to the rim to finish. Has a bit of an unorthodox play style with how he’s able to change speeds/directions, and deliver these jump passes that you don’t often see. He’ll take off like he’s going in for a finish, hang in the air, and then at the last second lob it up to one of his 6’10+ teammates where only they can catch it. Not only is he an exciting player to watch, but he produces by constantly creating high percentage looks for his teammates.