K-Low Elite vs. DMV Showcase: Backcourt eye-catchers

3SSB stalwart <a href="https://prephoops.com/program/k-low-elite/">[program_tooltip program_id='2078682' first='K-Low' last='Elite']</a> hosted a mini-jamboree on Saturday afternoon with DMV powers <a href="https://prephoops.com/program/team-takeover/">[program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']</a> of the EYBL and <a href="https://prephoops.com/program/team-thrill/">[program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill']</a> of the UAA heading up I-95 for a series of scrimmages across all three high school age groups. After taking in a few sets of action, we compiled the following standouts among a slew of talented guard prospects.    Making his debut with [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover'] after nearly winning the 15U 3SSB circuit last summer, Duran was quick to remind why he broke out on a national scale when we last saw him on the grassroots scene. Coming off a somewhat quiet season taking a back seat to a handful of high school teammates, he looks to have asserted himself already as Takeover's go-to perimeter option and offensive initiator. Rightfully known as one of the premier jump shooters in the region regardless of class, he displayed his textbook stroke from 3 both on and off the ball while also showcasing the balanced off-the-dribble game that was largely dormant throughout the winter. Playing as a lead guard or combo rather than an undersized '2', Duran made it easy to see why high-majors have already extended offers his way.     Just because dominant two-way performances are customary for Smith Jr. doesn't mean they don't deserve mention. The five-star guard and top-five national prospect was up to his usual tricks in his spring grassroots debut, returning after playing up last summer for Takeover on the 17U level. Perhaps the premier defensive guard in the country, Smith Jr. was a regular turning defense into offense with his ruthless ball pressure and instincts in the passing lanes. Continuing a consistent trend over the past year, he showed increasing polish in a more consistent on-ball role offensively while also displaying a steadily refining pullup stroke that's become a go-to for him, particularly in the midrange. There's very few in the country who consistently leave their mark on a game like the blue-chip DMV product.     Making the move to K-Low for his final grassroots season as part of a talented core in the backcourt, Matos had it going early and often across multiple games on Saturday morning. The southpaw, known for his long-range exploits as a shooter, had his jumper working across any number of scenarios off the catch and dribble. Matos showed his ability to thrive in a multi-pronged backcourt, relocating to spots to knock down shots off the ball but also showing some growth from the season in his ability to make plays out of ball screens against a rotating defense. The tough-nosed, defensive-minded culture that K-Low is known for should bode well for Matos in the long run this summer, with his shot-making sure to be a valued commodity among D1 coaches at various levels in the coming months.     Part of a talented nucleus for Thrill on the 15U level last summer, Browne is back to lead this year's version with stated plans to reclass back to 2028. He stands out immediately with his positional size and graceful athleticism, having added a couple inches to his wiry frame over the past year. As the featured perimeter scorer for Thrill's 15s, he spent time playing both on and off the ball, impressing most notably with his balanced footwork, polished mechanics, and soft touch on a handful of smooth midrange jumpers. He capably spaces the floor to the arc off the catch as well, and is able to use his length and quickness defensively to both opposing guards when he's locked in on that end of the floor. The talent really jumps off the page here when Browne gets going, with the potential to attract interest up to the high-major level in years to come.     While his playing time was scattered and his numbers didn't jump off the page in a lineup with 4 D1 seniors on the perimeter, Stewart is showing to have made good use of his repeat sophomore year from a developmental standpoint. Having tacked an inch or two onto his frame, the Delaware native has clearly built on the enticing outlines shown last summer while tightening all aspects of his game as a blossoming wing scorer. Stewart makes things easy for himself as a consistently dangerous shooter off the catch, taking advantage of the closeouts he draws for increasingly polished and explosive drives to the rim. He shines in transition with a steady ability to convert defense to offense by forcing turnovers. With strong bloodlines (his dad was a D3 All-American and his brother currently plays D1) and a blossoming game, look for Stewart to emerge himself onto the D1 radar as soon as this summer.     Gearing up for his sneaker circuit debut in a couple weeks after shining on the 16U HGSL circuit last summer with East Coast Power, Graham is looking increasingly comfortable as a lynchpin for K-Low's 16s. Known for his two-way IQ and versatile floor game with premier size for the backcourt, he had all of his customary traits on display in a tight battle with [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']. Perhaps most notable towards his long-term development are the valuable reps and experience Graham is getting having to create his own shot off the bounce, as his natural unselfishness and a stringent pass-and-cut high school system can sometimes limit his ability to develop and showcase those aspects of his game. The long-term indicators here are really promising as things continue to come together for Graham, a surefire D1 prospect at this point with a chance to rise through his play on the 3SSB scene.     Having long been forced to take a backseat in talent-laden situations in both high school and AAU, Hunter finally looks ripe for a breakout if his play on Saturday morning was any indication. Having reclassed to 2027 and running it back with Takeover again on the 16U level, he's always oozed talent when given the opportunity but was a consistent factor on Saturday with the chance to be a featured piece. Hunter shines with a dynamic handle and quick first step to punish defenders on the perimeter and touch the paint with regularity, where he finishes with a blend of dexterity and explosion. He has great tools for the defensive end with his length and quickness, and has shown the ability to be a reliable shooter off the catch from deep. The half-brother of Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons) and the son of an NFL player, Hunter's upside could prove to be really interesting as the game continues to slow down for him with increased reps.

3SSB stalwart K-Low Elite hosted a mini-jamboree on Saturday afternoon with DMV powers Team Takeover of the EYBL and Team Thrill of the UAA heading up I-95 for a series of scrimmages across all three high school age groups. After taking in a few sets of action, we compiled the following standouts among a slew of talented guard prospects.