Underrated Sophomore Guards to Watch this Summer

There's no overlooking the rising talents making waves in Maryland. Among these unsung heroes a few underrated sophomore guards have the potential to become the next breakout stars. Let's go through the hidden gems poised to leave their impact on the game.   Tanner Diehl   “Don't let Tanner Diehl get a clean look.” That was likely at the top of the scouting report for anyone Hereford Bulls played last season, but it didn't stop Tanner Diehl from establishing himself as one of the best shooters in the area. Diehl's left-handed stroke is a thing of beauty, with the ball seemingly floating effortlessly through the air before finding its mark at the bottom of the net.   With shooting range out o the college three-point line, he's become a master of off-ball movement, using quick and decisive action to free himself for open looks with little wasted motion. Being a threat from deep opens up driving lanes, and he's effective attacking closeouts and finishing with soft touch around the rim.   At 6'2", Diehl has the size and skill to shoot over defenders. He plays with control, at a pace suited to his game. His shooting ability has gravitational pull, forcing help defenders to overreact around screens and opening up opportunities for his teammates.   Defensively, Diehl can surprises opponents with his feistiness and physicality, showing a level of intensity on that end that's not typically associated with shooters. His basketball IQ and quick processing suggest potential as a secondary playmaker, capable of making easy reads out of ball screens or one on one action — facilitating offense in the half-court.   Andrew Otuyelu   Andrew Otuyelu's game is centered around aggressive downhill attacking. With the ball in his hands, Otuyelu becomes a wrecking ball with exceptional handles, capable of consistently delivering 15-20 points per game. Currently, his greatest strength is his ability to penetrate defenses and finish at the rim, where his combination of strength and athleticism shines.   While he's still adjusting to a role as a primary ball handler, this coming summer presents a real opportunity for his development as a true on-ball creator. He's still an above-average ball-handler, which allows him to navigate through tough ball pressure, executing counters with calm and control. He reads the game well, with keen awareness of defensive schemes, adjusting accordingly to how the defense plays him.   He's patient and doesn't force shots — equally impactful on defense, capable of turning defensive stops into offensive opportunities with his anticipation and quickness. His excellent open court ability adds another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset to a team with or without the ball.   Will Frost   Some of the threes Will Frost takes would make a coach pull his hair, right until the moment it swishes through the basket and he signs to the crowd, letting them know what everyone at Crofton HS already know, he's in range once he steps past half court.   Frost is a sharpshooting sensation who'll leave you in awe with audacious shot-making. His confidence in pulling up from long range, well beyond the college three, means despite his listed height of 5'11", there should be no concerns about his ability to play the point guard position effectively.   A 40% three-point shooter, Frost's skill in getting off clean looks irrespective of defender pressure is impressive. Still, he doesn't press, knocking down shots within the flow of the game. Combine his feel for the game with his agility and court awareness, and it looks almost effortlessly as he curls around back screens and pin downs to uncork his lethal shooting stroke.   While Frost is primarily a scorer, he's got evident potential as a playmaker. It'll be interesting to watch as he navigates the balance of finding scoring opportunities for himself vs. his teammates as a "shoot-first" point guard. He's already a a dynamic scorer with unlimited range, capable of changing the course of a game with his shooting. His development as a playmaker would increase his value, and it's one of the reasons he's a key player to watch out of the Anne Arundel area.   Tavares Vaughan-Cooper   Tavares “Boogie” Vaughan Cooper has the right nickname. It's a testament to the electrifying style of play thats captivated audiences in Montgomery County. With a crossover that tests the tensile strength of his defender's sneakers, Cooper has established himself as a hoops star in the making.   A gifted passer with grade A ball handling skills, Cooper's game harkens back to a different era of point guards. His on-court presence is a beautiful mix of flash and productivity, fueled by a rare second gear that few players can match, with a skill for passing that opens shot windows for teammates. While scoring isn't his primary focus, he's got the ability to take over games offensively when needed, with the versatility and explosiveness to score in bunches.   Defensively, Cooper's a pest. He uses his speed and agility to disrupt opponents all over the court. Despite his lack of positional size, his exceptional athleticism compensates for any shortcomings, allowing him to excel on both ends of the floor against bigger players. He's a smooth jump shooter, displaying good elevation and consistency out to the three-point line. His commitment on defense is equally impressive as his dazzling offense, forcing turnovers and pushing the break for scoring opportunities for his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='2453724' first='Jalen' last='Johnson']   [player_tooltip player_id='2453724' first='Jalen' last='Johnson']'s become a standout two-way player. A significant portion of his scoring comes from fast-break opportunities generated by exceptional defensive skills. He's a lockdown defender at his position, disrupting opponents' plays with an active presence and an excellent sense of timing for jumping passing lanes.   He consistently forces turnovers, blitzing unsuspecting ball handlers off screens or pressuring his man in the half court to commit an error. Offensively, the 6'1" Johnson's developed into a reliable spot-up shooter, consistently knocking down catch-and-shoot opportunities.and displaying strong finishing ability at the rim. He's gifted with coordination and athleticism, and he uses his talents to navigate through defenders and convert scoring chances.   He seamlessly transitioned from a complementary role alongside talented teammates to a viable shot creator and is now a bonafide prospect in his own right. His ability to adapt and contribute in various capacities underscores his value as a well-rounded player.   [player_tooltip player_id='2528172' first='Devonte' last='Mobley']   A rising talent from Suitland High School, [player_tooltip player_id='2528172' first='Devonte' last='Mobley'] is in the midst of his developmental journey as a basketball player. Still refining his skills, Mobley has the potential to become a three level scorer.   Standing at 6'3", Mobley's promising ball-handling abilities and improving jump shot suggest the makings of a dynamic offensive threat. He can operate effectively at both the point and shooting guard positions, although his current game better suits him as a shooting guard. Playing alongside limited high-level guards at Suitland, Mobley faced more responsibility than he was ready for, but with more experience, he can further develop his game. He needs more reps, but Mobley's confident as a shooter and a willing distributor.   There are areas for improvement in Mobley's game — particularly in handling defensive pressure and making better decisions in the face of traps — and his engagement on the defensive end can vary, showing intensity when on the ball but sometimes lacking focus off it. He's raw, but he has the tools to evolve into a versatile scoring threat and a more consistent defensive presence.   Cameron Alexander   Watching Cam Alexander you come away impressed with his skill set, his maturity and his polish beyond his years. With a natural feel for the point guard position, it's an excellent option to put the ball in his hands orchestrating the offense because you know he'll maintain composure in high-pressure situations.   Alexander's ball-handling ability, and agility navigating the court, makes him a reliable playmaker capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Offensively, he's a tough shot maker with deceptive quickness and athleticism that can catches defenders off guard.   With a beautiful float game and proficiency from all areas of the perimeter, Alexander's scoring gets most of the attention, but his defensive tenacity, court vision, and commitment to competing on both ends rounds out his impact.   With his inclusion on the watch list for the Filipino U16 team heading to the Olympics, Alexander is garnering attention as one of the emerging guards from the Baltimore area.   Korey Collins   Playing as an undersized forward for Towson High School, Korey Collins embraced a different role than his skill set may demand, but he still flashed enough perimeter skills while operating primarily in the paint.   Collins excels when attacking off the dribble, using a strong frame and decent ball-handling ability to drive past defenders and either create scoring opportunities for teammates or finish around the basket. His advanced footwork in the paint and intelligent use of backboard angles make him a consistent scoring option in the painted area.   He was solid in the mid-range, confident and in control when attacking the rim, and he rebounds extremely well for where he slots to play. He's a team-first player, shining as a secondary playmaker and finisher, especially in the open court. Defensively, he guards perimeter players effectively, staying in front of smaller guards and disrupting ball handlers rhythm.   Collins must focus on developing counters and improving his left hand. Additionally, extending his shooting range will be crucial as he continues to evolve as a player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588111' first='Princeton' last='Crump']   A promising prospect blending raw talent with developing perimeter skills, [player_tooltip player_id='1588111' first='Princeton' last='Crump'] has evolved into a well-rounded scorer for his high school team. Crump's a natural scorer and that's positioned him as a go-to option on the court.   A standout trait of his game is his ability to score with decisiveness and creativity when faced with one-on-one matchups. He demonstrates advanced moves to navigate through defenders and finish at the rim with finesse, showing poise and efficiency in his shot selection. While his three-point volume is low, his improving accuracy already demands respect from defenders.   Defensively, Crump is active and engaged, remaining committed to that end of the floor despite his growing offensive responsibilities. Continued focus on refining his ball-handling skills and enhancing his decision-making abilities in on-ball situations are the next step in his evolution. His trajectory as a scorer suggests that he is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the top players in the region.

There's no overlooking the rising talents making waves in Maryland. Among these unsung heroes a few underrated sophomore guards have the potential to become the next breakout stars. Let's go through the hidden gems poised to leave their impact on the game.