Incoming Sophomore Guards at East Coast Invitational

This week we checked in at the East Coast Invitational team camp in Jacksonville, NC to watch some of the top high school teams from the east take the stage. Here's a look at some of the 2028 guards that played well under our watch.    An all conference performer as a freshman, during the majority of the event he was the steady piece for the young Falcon squad. He repeatedly got by his defender for tough finishes at the rim and he looks to have improved his jump shot, knocking down a few in the games I watched. I expect a solid sophomore jump with the departure of last year's starting PG.     Whether with the ball in his hands or when playing off ball he's a threat to score when he's on the court. Small in stature he makes up for it with a quick handle and quicker release that he uses to get his shots off over bigger defenders. The new transfer to Southern Wake Academy will be an important piece for them going forward.     Defensively you won't find many guards in the area that put pressure on opposing guards like he does. He's a solid built two sport athlete with quick hands and feet that he used to excel in the passing lanes and when he was guarding the ball. His offensive is evolving but his sticks to his strengths and doesn't over do it with the ball in his hands.     One of the top shooters in attendance will be a big part of Millbrook's success if the ECI is any indication of the season. He hit multiple three pointers in 7 of their 9 games and was the solid marksman when teams doubled the bigs. Going forward he'll have to produce solidly for this young Millbrook squad.     After spending last season on JV I expect him to be one of the better young guards in the conference for Croatan. Aviles played with a certain poise and swagger that you like that you like to see from your lead guard and he exceled at getting teammates involved.       Sam is a long wiry guard who gets after it on the defensive end with a solid offensive tool set. In the two games I was able to catch him he harassed ball handlers and forced a handful of turnovers. Swansboro is a team that graduated a lot and will be looking for production from the guard spots specifically.

This week we checked in at the East Coast Invitational team camp in Jacksonville, NC to watch some of the top high school teams from the east take the stage. Here's a look at some of the 2028 guards that played well under our watch.