EYBL/EYCL Session One Notes: 17U Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continuing with some notes from the opening EYBL/EYCL session in Memphis, here are some of the standouts from the 17U division suiting up for local teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1631540' first='Nirvaan' last='Misra'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2076260' first='FOH' last=''] | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a gifted shot-maker but he showed a lot else to like about his game in Memphis. He made heady plays with the ball, reading and reacting to the defense really well on both ends. He made several extra passes to turn good shots into great shots, was able to find teammates after drawing multiple defenders on drives, and played with a great combo of decisiveness and patience at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derek Griffin</strong> | [program_tooltip program_id='2076260' first='FOH' last='']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Griffin's an athletic wing/guard who has good size, shot the 3-ball well, and had a knack for converting tough jumpers in the midrange. He showed some impressive bounce on a big transition dunk and has the length and handle to really give defenses trouble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953756' first='Quincy' last='Byas']</strong> | [program_tooltip program_id='2076260' first='FOH' last=''] | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long scorer, Byas was a standout in the midrange and behind the arc, showcasing a smooth jumper and the ability to stop and turn, hit contested turnarounds and pull-ups, and be a catalyst to the offense at times. He's a talented wing who was able to create off the bounce and find room at all levels to score the rock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'] | NW Rotary Rebels | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powers had a solid showing in the opening session, going for 12 points (6-9 FG) against Team Herro, and dropping 20 points (8-22 FG) versus Oakland Soldiers. In his big game against Oakland Soldiers, he got the one-to-two dribble pull-up going early and continued to knock down shots from the midrange. He's got the body and size to shrug defenders off and does a great job getting his feet under him to rise up. He was ultra smooth with the jumper but also showed he can bully his way to the rim and finish through or over defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450985' first='Legend' last='Smiley'] | NW Rotary Rebels | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smiley dropped 15 points against Oakland Soldiers and did it early on by spotting up to hit a couple of 3s with the defense up on him, and throughout the game did a great job converting off the catch or after sizing up his man. He got some more tough jumpers to fall later on with turnarounds and displayed some of that laser focus we saw throughout the high school season to ignore tight defense and hit shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1685488' first='Katrelle' last='Harmon'] | NW Rotary Rebels | 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harmon's big game came against Team Herro in a close loss, going for 20 points on 6-10 FGs and converting 7-9 FTs. His length and athleticism make him a tough matchup at the point and it was clear to see as he continually got down the lane and to the rim. He's got a long first step, showed a big burst out of hesi's, and was crafty with the ball in the air to scoop shots around outstretched defenders. Harmon's impact also showed up on the defensive end where he blocked numerous shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->