Prep Hoops Live: Max’s Guard Standouts
![Prep Hoops Live: Max’s Guard Standouts](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/user-uploads/Cooper-Carlson-Profile-crop-3648x2396-1716409214.jpg?w=800)
In this article:
Seven guard prospects who made an impact over the weekend at Prep Hoops Live! Carter Evanson ND #3 CG #1 HEIGHT 6'2" POS CG CLASS 2026 View Player Boost Profile Download Image Carter Evanson Class 2026 Position CG Height…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSeven guard prospects who made an impact over the weekend at Prep Hoops Live!
Switching between either guard spot, Carter was extremely productive all weekend long for North Dakota Phenom. He excelled at getting into the lane to create for his teammates, where he found success dumping it off to his forwards or kicking it out for an open three. Played off two feet and was patient to pivot and go through his options. Carter is very quick on the ball and comfortable navigating through tight gaps to get to his spots off the dribble. Capable shooter who did some scoring at all three levels in the two games I watched.
Highlights
Not sure I saw a more productive player all weekend at the 16u level than Tre. He had a big game against North Dakota Phenom on Saturday, and followed that up with a 32 point outburst against Chicago Demons on Sunday. Defensively he’s a scrappy on-ball defender with good lateral quickness to consistently cut his man off and to fight over screens. Was an aggressive rebounder as a guard who would hunt down missed shots and quickly transition to get up the floor. He just never seemed to run out of energy as he was constantly attacking the basket, and still had the legs in the second half to hang in the air for some tough finishes. Threw down two dunks in the game I saw, while mixing in some mid-range jumpers to his offensive arsenal.
Highlights
Cooper Carlson continues to produce at a high level this spring for Minnesota Heat Academic. He’s not going to immediately stand out with size or explosive athleticism, but just plays with a good feel for the game and knows how to change his speed to get to dangerous spots on the floor. Cooper does a great job of utilizing shot fakes to get defenders in the air, both from three and around the basket, and is a composed finisher in traffic. In the game I watched he showed the ability to get to the rim off the drive or by staying active with some hard cuts off the ball. Overall he does a great job of not overcomplicating things, which allows him to be both productive and efficient.
Highlights
This was my first time seeing J.T. running with Wisconsin Crusaders , and I thought he brought another dimension to their team. He provided a dynamic playmaking guard who could beat his man off the dribble to create for himself and his teammates. Has a quick first step to beat his man off the dribble, and plays off two feet in the paint allowing him to go up balanced to finish, or stop and pivot to find a kickout pass when needed. Schlaefer gets after it on the defensive end sitting deep in a stance to pressure the ball, and fighting to get over screens on the perimeter. Was someone who could be relied upon to provide a spark off the bench all weekend long.
Zach Orr Zach Orr 5’11” Rice Lake | 2025 WI put together some nice moments for his Playmakers team throughout the weekend. He’s lighting quick with the ball in his hands, and effortlessly weaves in-and-out of defenders. From watching him since he was a freshman, he’s done a nice job of developing into more than just a three point shooter. He’s become a crafty finisher inside who does a nice job of using the rim to shield off shot blockers with reverse lay-ups, and can also drive and dish to his shooters on the perimeter.
Brooks is one of the top prospects in North Dakota regardless of class for a reason. At 6’4 he already has exceptional size as a guard, with the skillset to play the 1 or the 2 spot. Playing up at the 16u level he was poised handling the ball under pressure, showed advanced court vision, and was one of the best defenders I saw over the weekend. When his man tried to drive to the basket Brooks was always in position to contest, and did a great job of walling up to force misses or even get a hand on a number of shots. Was constantly a threat to get to the rim off the drive, in transition, or with off-ball cuts. Already has above the rim athleticism as he showed with a backdoor cut leading to a two handed dunk on Saturday morning.
He may not always stand out in the box-score, but Jacob always makes winning plays for Wisconsin Crusaders . He’s a scrappy defender who just works hard and always seems to be in the right spots off the ball. As a guard he’s a strong rebounder as well, who’s not afraid to mix it up and box out bigger players around the basket. Doesn’t often make mistakes with the ball, and doesn’t let it stick in his hands either. Capable shooter when given too much space from three.