PHI Top 250: Parham’s Top Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look back is the better guards from this weekend's Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250 Camp!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nico Micele 5'7 (Champaign Central) 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nlco is a slick guard who has dropped some tough dimes to guys slashing to the rim for layups. Micele was consistent at scoring in frantic situations always getting to his spot and finishing around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jalen Bealer 6'1 (East Aurora) 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bealer is strong scoring guard who gets in the lane and makes acrobatic plays around the rim. When there is no lane he hits deep threes often with hands in his face.&nbsp; Jalen has a knack to score the ball and could be on pace to be a 16 plus point guy this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kevin Cathey Jr. 5'11 (Bolingbrook) 2024&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cathey is quick guard who made some smart plays in the second half of the game I watched. On one play he made a strong baseline drive for a finish then the steal right back for a three similar to Reggie Miller play against the Knicks. Cathey is also a dependable on ball defender who had several steals on the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2815712' first='Ricky' last='Coleman'] 6'1 (Dyett) 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman is a bigger guard who has been tough on the boards playing outside of his familiar role. Ricky made solid mid-range buckets earlier in game two. He skilled enough to play on or off the ball in the half court.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598681' first='Daniel' last='Loza'] 5'9 (Lake View) 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loza is a smaller guard that has some sauce to his game. Daniel is a game ready PG that can also play off the ball in a spot-up shooter role. Loza looks up at the floor in transition and gets assist in bunches. Another prospect with deep range shooting capability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373448' first='Askia' last='Bullie'] 6'2 (Westinghouse)&nbsp; 2024&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bullie is a real floor general who sees the game two plays ahead.&nbsp; Doubling as a high school quarterback Bullie had several assists in the game I watched. Askia does a great job at attacking hard off the dribble and is able to get in tight areas of the court most players would have difficulty with. He shot the ball really well, making open shots look routine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DeAndre Bullock 5'11 Julian 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hard-nosed guard who puts his head down and to get layups in transition. Bullock has good defensive instincts that helps change the outcome of games. His agility and quick hands got several steals that he turned into easy points on the offensive side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1500289' first='Klaidas' last='Paskauskas'] 6'1 (Lemont) 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scoring guard who lit it up from all three levels on the court. Klaidas shoots the ball at a high rate hitting multiple threes from around the perimeter. What I liked at Paskauskas is his motor was always on making strong defensive plays with his effort. He has good vision and make textbooks passes most of the time. Expecting a big season from him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Niko Quarranta 6'0 (St. Francis) 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Niko was lighting up the nets from deep. Has hit at least 5 threes in this game. Quarranta is a shooting specialist and he showed that. His quick release and how he gets his feet set is a skill that translate to college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970448' first='Marty' last='Dempsey'] 6'0 (Michelle Clark)&nbsp; 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marty is a catch and shoot guard who has college to NBA range potential. Has made several from both corners. Dempsey has some swag to his game and it helps with his confidence when defenders close out on him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->