Grind Region Finals: 17U Standout Playmakers

[player_tooltip player_id='2428188' first='Chase' last='Hill'], a 6'5” point-forward, showcased his unique ability to handle the ball and initiate the offense like a true point guard. He served as the primary playmaker, demonstrating high basketball IQ, a relentless motor, and the intangibles necessary to play at the college level. Hill continuously improves his game, creating mismatches by drawing larger, slower defenders away from the basket or overpowering smaller, quicker guards. He displayed excellent footwork in various scenarios, whether posting up and playing with his back to the basket or facing up and driving for a shot or pass. His fantastic court vision enabled him to make smart plays, and he efficiently nailed pull-up or spot-up three-pointers, particularly from the top of the key. Defensively, Hill protected the rim with chase-down blocks and forced kick-outs, proving his effectiveness on both ends of the court. Consistently productive on the Prep Hoops circuit, Hill stands out as one of the most well-rounded and reliable prospects.     [player_tooltip player_id='2419441' first='Elijah' last='Boyd'] did some really impressive things as a lead guard, starting with his exceptional understanding of the game. Boyd played with an exceptional feel for playmaking and facilitation. His ability to see passing lanes before they develop allowed him to deliver pinpoint passes that set up his teammates for easy scoring opportunities. Whether executing no-look passes, threading the needle in traffic, or finding shooters on the perimeter, Boyd's passing repertoire is both diverse and highly effective. Boyd also manipulated the ball and deceived the defense with his high IQ passing and cutting ability, displaying a knack for the give-and-go and quick UCLA cuts that completely caught defenders off guard. His advanced court awareness and ability to create scoring opportunities made him a key playmaker and a dynamic offensive threat.     [player_tooltip player_id='1293620' first='Brayden' last='Cobb'] is an angle creator who can get to any spot on the floor with ease. With a tight handle and the ball on a string, he often got his defender off balance with a hard cuff push cross or in-and-out, showing tremendous shiftiness and quickness off the bounce. He was phenomenal at maintaining and creating space while orchestrating the offense or maneuvering around the floor. Cobb excelled at keeping everyone involved, getting his teammates the ball in spots where they could succeed, and consistently spotting or setting up mismatches. His ability to control the pace and flow of the game made him an invaluable asset on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2390481' first='Edgar' last='Gomez']'s all-around effect on the game was profound, making him one of the most impactful players in the Grind Region Finals. The 6'3” guard proved to be a heady playmaker who sees plays ahead of time and never let the ball stick, always looking to get it ahead or to a moving teammate. Gomez maintained his composure, staying cool, calm, and collected, unaffected by pressure. His poise and court vision made him a dual threat with the ball in his hands. A versatile guard, Gomez could score from beyond the arc, drive to the basket with strength and finesse, and utilize the mid-range game effectively. His rebounding prowess, especially for a guard, added another dimension to his game, allowing him to initiate fast breaks and control the tempo. He demonstrated incredible fundamentals and intangibles, showing the footwork, handles, and fakes to manipulate defenders. Gomez's combination of skills made him a significant contributor on both ends of the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2477608' first='Damyuis' last='Williams'] is a true traditional point guard with a mindset focused on controlling the game and keeping everyone involved. He excelled in his role, using his court vision to see and anticipate plays before they unfolded. His passing was vast and precise, showcasing everything from crisp chest passes and bounce passes to no-look dimes and lobs. Williams was adept at penetrating defenses, drawing defenders, and then making sharp drop-offs to his men in the dunker's spot, leading to high-percentage scoring opportunities. His ability to read the defense and make smart, timely decisions is paramount, ensuring minimal turnovers. His ball-handling was tight and controlled, allowing him to navigate through defensive pressure and maintain possession effectively.