Puma 2024-25 CG/SG Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On July 11th-14th I attended the&nbsp;<strong>Puma circuit</strong>&nbsp;at the big facility of the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa/AZ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were 5 local programs I watched with Apex Athletix, AZ Venom, Factory, Jump Athletics and Team Supreme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here were some of the standout 2024 and 2025 CG and SG's</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1446106' first='Jace' last='Olson'] Gilbert Christian (Apex Athletix) (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger scoring guard fills it up with pull-ups from mid-range and deep threes with range. He gets the ball out of his hands so quickly and will get hot very quickly. He has a tight handle in small spaces impressively for his size and can make a play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150852' first='DeNali' last='McNeal'] Canyon View (AZ Venom)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger combo guard can get to the basket, hits the three off the catch or pull-up from mid-range. He has good post footwork to score inside the paint. He is very patient to score and will kiss it off the glass and fall away from mid-range. He sees the court well and can turn it on when needed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2039505' first='Braylon' last='Haman'] Imagine Prep (AZ Venom)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A scoring guard is a bucket next to McNeal. He can pull-up and hit the three and is very quick to the basket. He shows good body control in the lane and can hit from mid-range and will get to the free throw line and cash in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256520' first='Ty' last='Virgil'] Hillcrest Prep (Team Supreme)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger guard is born to score. The lefty can shoot off the catch or bounce and his step back from the three is nearly impossible to defend. He is competitive inside to rebound and block shots with his size. He will drive and kick it as a true combo guard. He can get downhill and take contact well.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147278' first='Sam' last='O'Dowd'] Rincon (Apex Athletix)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A scoring guard can catch and shoot from the three point line and is always a threat from the perimeter. He uses his sturdy frame to score on put backs in the paint. He rebounds well in his area and makes good decisions in the ball.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Sowunmi SG 6'4 2024 Paradise Valley (AZ Factory)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger defensive guard is a twitchy athlete who dunks it and is an outstanding defender. He is super fast on the break and he can break down a defense with his tighter handle. He is a quick leaper to score around the basket and will hit the jumper. He is hearing from many schools from around the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damaraie Sawyer SG 6'0 2024 Skyline Prep&nbsp;(Apex Athletix)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical scoring guard is built like a running back. He shoots the gaps quickly and gets downhill. He can catch and shoot and hit the three. He rebounds well with his stronger frame and plays aggressively on both sides of the court.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->