Hoopfest Showcase (Shreveport) Stand Out Deep Dive: The Guards

The Hoopfest Showcase was full of high level guard play. Here is a deep dive on the their skill sets and performance at the talent packed event.    White would undoubtedly be my pick for MVP of the showcase. His athleticism is off the charts, especially given his 6'2" frame. White attacked the rim with authority, throwing down dunks at every opportunity and playing well above the rim. His skill set was on full display, as he handled the ball with poise, knocked down mid-range jumpers with precision, and showed deep range from beyond the arc. Defensively, he was a lockdown presence, staying glued to his assignments and constantly motivating his teammates throughout the games.   White plays the game the right way—high basketball IQ, unselfish, and always making winning plays. His court vision is next level, often resembling that of a seasoned point guard, as he consistently finds open teammates with crisp, timely passes. A player of his size who can dunk, defend, facilitate, and score from anywhere on the floor is impossible to ignore. The Airline guard is already ranked in the top 10 of his class, and he's going to put serious pressure on those ranked ahead of him. This kid is a rising star in Louisiana basketball, and with more hard work, it's only a matter of time before he climbs even higher in the rankings. There's already a lot of buzz around Airline's potential this upcoming season, and White is at the center of it all.     Keshun Malcolm is a rare talent among this group of guards, as his 6'4" frame is more typical of a wing player, yet he handles the ball like a seasoned point guard. His size combined with his guard skills makes him a matchup nightmare. Malcolm has outstanding court vision, threading passes like a player far beyond his 2027 class, and his ball-handling is tight and controlled, allowing him to navigate defensive pressure with ease. He uses his size to crash the boards and push the ball up the floor at breakneck speed, all while displaying a high basketball IQ that leaves coaches impressed with his decision-making in transition and half-court sets.   Offensively, he's a true three-level scorer. He can drain shots from beyond the arc, pull up in the mid-range, and finish strong at the rim with either hand. He has an explosive first step and moves laterally like a much smaller guard making him impossible to contain. His confidence and energy on the floor give him a magnetic personality, making him a player fans love to watch.Malcolm remains calm under pressure, playing with his head up and taking calculated risks with his passing—often resulting in easy buckets for his teammates.   Defensively, Malcolm is a menace. His long arms and high basketball IQ allow him to anticipate passes and jump into passing lanes for steals, constantly disrupting the opposing offense. In this showcase, with physical play allowed, he demonstrated a willingness to mix it up, showing off his toughness and defensive versatility.   Heading into his sophomore season at Ruston High School, expect to see his role expand significantly. Having added three inches and muscle to his frame, this underclassman is clearly on the rise. His unique blend of size, skill, and basketball intelligence will continue to elevate his stock as he emerges as a key player on a talented Ruston squad.     Spann put his offensive skill set on full display, dropping 30 points in his second game, going head-to-head with a top-12 ranked player in his class. He was lights out from beyond the arc, drained mid-range jumpers with precision, and finished at the rim with ease. Spann is a hidden gem in the class of 2026, largely due to the efficiency and simplicity in his game. He maximizes every possession, often taking minimal dribbles to create space. As an elite catch-and-shoot threat, he seamlessly moves into the triple-threat position, consistently finding his sweet spots in the mid-range. His game is defined by its simplicity and efficiency, but don't mistake that for limitation—Spann is versatile. When paired with a scoring teammate, he's more than comfortable playing a complementary role, yet he can effortlessly switch gears and score in bunches when called upon. His ability to adapt and contribute without dominating the ball makes him a complex, high-impact player. Spann was featured in the recent Prep Hoops Small School article. He showed up to play with big name players and showed that he can is definitely one to watch.     Nelson is a dynamic, elite-level basketball talent who stands out in any gym and thrives in every possible basketball scenario. His game is electric, showcasing an impressive array of skills in every facet of play. Nelson can score from anywhere on the court—draining deep threes, finishing through contact at the rim, and pulling up with finesse in the mid-range. Remarkably, the tougher the competition, the better he plays, rising to the occasion with a relentless edge. Currently ranked #12 in the state, Nelson is a true stock riser, and it's nearly impossible to quantify his impact with mere stats. He plays with swagger, combining style, flash, and flair in every move.   Nelson isn't just a player to watch; he's worth every bit of the price of admission and commands attention as the undisputed alpha in the gym. From warm-ups to skill drills, and in every single game, Nelson was elite. His recent physical growth—adding size and strength to his frame—only amplifies his dominance, making him an even more dangerous force on the floor. Whether it's his ball-handling, court vision, or ability to create his own shot, Nelson checks every box. The sky's the limit for this Louisiana hooper, and with his versatile skill set and competitive fire, he's on a trajectory that's impossible to ignore.     Austin has been on an absolute tear all summer, elevating his game and climbing the ranks. Having grown a few inches, combined with his enhanced skill set, it's only a matter of time before his current ranking of #64 gets a serious boost. Austin is a relentless slasher with a smooth handle and an obvious desire to put the ball in the hoop. He thrives in one-on-one situations, showcasing his ability to break down defenders, but he plays with a team-first mentality, never forcing bad shots.   When attacking the rim, Austin is fearless, often finishing with powerful dunks whenever he has a lane. His time spent in the gym is evident—his polished footwork, ball-handling, and shooting touch were all on full display. This kid is a winner through and through, and his upcoming sophomore season at Huntington is bound to be a breakout year. With more playing time on a young, talented roster, Austin is poised to make an even bigger impact, solidifying himself as a key piece to Huntington's success. Keep an eye on him—he's a rising star ready to take the next step.     Brown was easily the most polished and poised player on the court, standing out in every aspect of the game. With a strong, well-built basketball frame, he showcased his blazing speed and lightning-quick agility in both games I watched. As a playmaker, Brown has an innate ability to make the game look effortless for his teammates, threading the needle with pinpoint passes and setting them up for easy buckets. As a scorer, he's elite at all three levels—knocking down deep threes, pulling up in the mid-range, and finishing at the rim with power and finesse. His on-court confidence radiates through his teammates, empowering them and elevating their performance to new heights.   Brown is a must-watch player, known for always making the right play. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and his leadership is undeniable—he's a vocal leader, a true floor general who directs traffic like a coach on the hardwood. The Avoyelles guard is primed to reap the rewards of his hard work, and his team will undoubtedly thrive under his leadership and superior basketball skill set. Whether he's orchestrating the offense or taking over as a scorer, Brown's impact is undeniable—he was the heartbeat of his squad, and his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor makes him an invaluable asset.

The Hoopfest Showcase was full of high level guard play. Here is a deep dive on the their skill sets and performance at the talent packed event.