Holiday Tourney Season Outstanding Guard Play

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Here are some players who had standout performances at the guard spots during the holiday tourney season…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2311707,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Chanze-Allen-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Chanze-Allen-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2311707" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2313892' first='Chanze' last='Allen'] </strong>(6'4/CG/'26/Columbia) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: c.loadinggg_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Huntsville City Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Chanze is a combo guard with good positional size and was very efficient from the field. He scores from all levels and is a tough shot-maker off the bounce. He handles the ball well and does a good job getting to his spots where he gets good separation on his perimeter jumpers. He also showed the ability to rise up and shoot over smaller defenders. Even though I saw him make some tough shots, he does use his size to create easy, clean, high-value looks. He has good vision and often found teammates with good passes that led to easy buckets. I know Chanze is only a sophomore, but I challenge him to be more aggressive because he has the potential to take his game to another level just by looking for his offense more.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did not list offers in his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2311708,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Pedro-Lazaro-Valdecantos-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Pedro-Lazaro-Valdecantos-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2311708" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pedro Lázaro Valdecantos </strong>(5'9/PG/'24/Hazel Green) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: pedrolazarov</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @PLV_70</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Huntsville City Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">I had been hearing about this kid from Hazel Green from several people in the Huntsville area, and Coach Crutcher told me about a kid he had that I needed to look at. Well, let me say that Pedro did not disappoint as he showed why so much excitement surrounded him. He is a dynamic floor general with solid handles and the ability to break down his defender and get into the lane to create space for his own shot, spray to open shooters, or drop dimes to his bigs. Pedro is tough and fearless and takes on all challenges, as it was evident as he kept attacking Huntsville's guards despite Huntsville having a considerable lead.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did not list offers in his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Check out game footage at the following link:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/alabama/hazel-green/hazel-green-high-school/pedro-lzaro">https://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/alabama/hazel-green/hazel-green-high-school/pedro-lzaro</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2311709,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Cadariyus-Love-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Cadariyus-Love-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2311709" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421557' first='Cadariyus' last='Love'] </strong>(5'8/PG/'25/Andalusia) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: cadariyus_love</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @CadariyusLove</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Hoover Big Orange Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Cadariyus is small in size but reliable at the lead guard spot. He handles the ball extremely well under pressure and was rarely rattled or sped up in the match-up against Calhoun City (MS). His low center of gravity works to his advantage, as many defenders cannot win the shoulder battle against him. As reliable as he is running the show, Cadariyus can score the rock in a variety of ways at all levels. He is a sniper from behind the arc as he led his team with 16pts against Calhoun, with 12pts coming from behind the arc. He keeps defenders honest and on their heels.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did not list offers in his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2311711,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Caleb-Keller-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Caleb-Keller-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2311711" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Caleb Keller </strong>(5'9/PG/'24/Briarwood) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: calebkeller00</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Caleb_Keller_12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Hoover Big Orange Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Caleb is a solid, reliable lead guard with a brilliant floor game. He does a good job creating for his teammates off the bounce. He shares ball-handling and facilitating responsibilities with his dynamic backcourt mate, [player_tooltip player_id='1958759' first='Drew' last='Mears'], so Caleb finds himself on and off the ball throughout the game. His vision and passing cannot be overlooked because he sees plays developing before others and can make the right passes on time and on target. Caleb is a crafty creator off the bounce and keeps defenders off-balance.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did not list offers in his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2311715,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Michael-Johnson-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Michael-Johnson-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2311715" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Michael Johnson </strong>(5'8/PG/'24/Baker) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: 251mykey</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Mikeyjoh2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Homewood Metro Tournament</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Michael is a small downhill attacking guard who brings experience and leadership to the floor. He has a mature floor game and really knows how to set the table for his teammates and distribute the rock to his playmakers. He excels at running the show, but he does have the capacity to score from multiple levels. He's a crafty player, using screens well and able to capitalize on various runners and floaters. His 5'8 size might scare some off from the next level, but his size does not negate his PG IQ and hard-nosed play at the lead guard spot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did not list offers in his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2311717,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Samuel-Harris-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/PH-Samuel-Harris-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2311717" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Samuel Harris </strong>(5'11/PG/'25/Hueytown) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: tripball_3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Tr1pHarris</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Homewood Metro Tournament</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Samuel is a lead guard who is a reliable floor general and does a good job distributing the rock to his playmakers. He is surrounded by potent scorers, often making his job very easy. Even though Samuel isn't among the top two or maybe even top three scoring options, he is a player that opposing coaches cannot afford to overlook in the scout. Samuel is a lethal shooter from behind the arc, as he showed in the match-up against Hartselle. He finished with 14pts, with 12pts coming from behind the arc. You must respect his ability to make the open trey, which makes defenders vulnerable to his ability to create off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did not list offers in his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Check out game footage at the following link:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/xY9iewKKcig?si=CoDOQsCYNysyExO1","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/xY9iewKKcig?si=CoDOQsCYNysyExO1 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1936525' first='Eli' last='Stapler'] </strong>(6'1/PG/'25/Huntsville) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: eli_stapler4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @eli_stapler</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Evaluation Event: Huntsville City Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Huntsville Panthers continue to dominate, and they are really making those who picked them to win it all look very good thus far. When you look at this team, the usual names stand out, such as [player_tooltip player_id='1392153' first='Caleb' last='Harrison'], [player_tooltip player_id='1398759' first='Simon' last='Walker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1599946' first='Brayden' last='Rivers'], but there is one name that has to begin to get credit for the success of the Panthers so far, and that is [player_tooltip player_id='1936525' first='Eli' last='Stapler']. He is the head of the squad, has the keys to the team, and is definitely in the driver's seat. He has a high PG IQ, keeps the team in rhythm, understands everything that Coach Schweers wants on every possession, and is very unselfish. He does whatever the team needs, which is why his presence is vital night in and night out. When it was all said and done and the Panthers lifted the Huntsville Time Classic Championship, Eli walked away with 12 assists and 1-TO for the entire tourney. He values the ball, keeps it moving, and where it needs to go. He is the QB, and if the Panthers are the last team standing in Birmingham, as many are predicting, Eli's play will be a good reason they are the champs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->