Summer Slam 6 – Guards Making an Impression

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HSSE Summer Slam 6 gave the floor to prospects from smaller towns and under the radar grassroots groups ready to prove they belong. These guards came in with something to prove and left with something earned. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Guards to Watch</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>Upperclassmen</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2411202' first='Jordan' last='Rainey'] - G/F - 2027 - Fordyce</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic backcourt presence with wing versatility, Rainey excels at creating driving lanes and finishing with authority. His improved handle and willingness to make plays off the bounce hint at expanded guard responsibilities ahead. A developing outside shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2362658' first='Tyrell' last='Smith'] - G/F - 2027 - Hampton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith brings rugged hustle and effort. He makes quick decisions as a connector and flashes underrated athleticism in transition. With his size and instincts, he's developing into a two-way wing guard with real upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tristan Dunlap - PG - 2027 - White Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunlap commands the floor with poise and toughness, organizing his team while keeping defenders on their heels. His passing feel stands out, especially off live dribble drives where he hits windows most don't see. Add in a confident pull-up and he's building toward a true lead guard profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2762075' first='Sabian' last='Graham'] - PG - 2027 - Jonesboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A flash in the open floor, Graham makes defenses pay with pace and quick decision-making. He is a reliable shot maker from outside the arc, something he should dive deeper into showing. His ability to get two feet in the paint gives him value as a downhill playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>Underclassmen</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2820934' first='Jace' last='Gatlin'] - SG - 2028 - Benton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gatlin plays with fearless shot confidence, regularly knocking down perimeter looks and attacking closeouts. He runs the floor hard and competes defensively with energy beyond his age. As his strength develops, so will his ability to impact games consistently from the wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devon Walker - F - 2029 - Mountain Pine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker is still raw, but his blend of length and motor shows up in flashes, particularly as a rebounder and slasher. He moves well laterally on defense and has the tools to grow into a switchable guard-forward. With reps and refinement, he could emerge as a real mismatch piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2826474' first='Jabarie' last='Welch'] - PG - 2029 - Morrilton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welch already shows lead guard instincts, directing traffic and keeping the ball on a string under pressure. Even though he is undersized, he gets downhill with intent, using quick bursts to get by defenders and attack the basket. Still developing, but the confidence is ahead of schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->