Standout 17U Guards at the Alamo City Hoops Summer Hoopfest

As the summer select basketball circuit nears its close, the intensity ratchets up. The Alamo City Hoops Summer Hoopfest offered one of the final stages for high school talent to make a statement before attention shifts to the upcoming school season. College coaches are still on the lookout for hidden gems, and players know this is their last opportunity to leave an indelible impression.   This past weekend in [player_tooltip player_id='2854586' first='Austin' last=''], TX, the 17U division didn't disappoint. Guard play was especially sharp, fast-paced, fearless, and entertaining. These five guards, in particular, separated themselves with high-level performances, proving they're not just summer standouts but players ready to impact their varsity seasons and beyond.    Jose Martins plays with the polish of a future Division I guard. His shooting is pure, whether it's from deep, mid-range, or off the bounce. With a long frame and a quick, controlled handle, he gets to any spot he desires on the floor. In transition, Jose is dangerous—able to finish through contact, stop on a dime for a pull-up, or draw defenders to create easy looks for teammates. The SA Shooting Stars guard led his team to an undefeated weekend, serving as the centerpiece on both ends. What stood out most? His commitment to defense. Jose is as focused on locking down his man and jumping passing lanes as he is on filling up the stat sheet. His complete two-way game screams next-level potential.     Paul Mendoza is as tough as they come. He's a fearless competitor who thrives on physicality, playing much bigger than his listed size. His strong frame, smooth handle, and ability to change speeds allow him to get into the paint and finish through or even above contact. Offensively, Paul's mid-range game is steady, and defensively, he's a problem for both guards and wings, often overpowering smaller players or outmuscling bigger ones for steals. This is the kind of guard who can fill a roster spot at the next level and bring an edge that every coach loves.     [player_tooltip player_id='1560897' first='Eric' last='Johnson'] is a high-IQ, high-energy floor general who consistently makes the right play. Running the show for JWE Elite, Johnson blends tempo control with timely bursts of aggression. Whether threading a pass, making a hustle steal, or reading the pick-and-roll, he delivers. Though not the tallest guard, his finishing package is impressive, using angles, touch, and fearlessness to score at the rim. Johnson's mid-range shot and spot-up 3-ball are reliable weapons, but what separates him is his anticipation on defense. He doesn't gamble, he cuts off lanes, crowds dribblers, and anchors help-side rotations. He's peaking at the right time and should be a major impact player this coming high school season.     Sam Arrington has one of the highest motors in the gym. He plays every possession like it's his last, diving for loose balls, deflecting passes, and pressuring opponents 94 feet. His effort alone can swing momentum, but he's far from just a hustle guy. Offensively, Sam knocks down 3s in transition, attacks the rim with toughness, and has a smooth floater game. Even when mistakes happen an errant pass or a tough foul he bounces back immediately, focusing on the next play. That relentless approach, combined with a well-rounded offensive skillset, makes him a player to watch.     MacBright Njukang is a defensive disruptor with elite athleticism. His ability to pressure the ball and instantly turn steals into transition offense is game-changing. Multiple times this weekend, he single-handedly sparked fast breaks, either finishing himself or delivering the right pass to a teammate. Part of a strong SA Shooting Stars backcourt, MacBright's selflessness stands out. He embraces the dirty work, sacrifices his own shots to run the team, and brings a mature, team-first mentality. His athleticism and commitment to both ends of the floor make him a name college coaches should track closely.

As the summer select basketball circuit nears its close, the intensity ratchets up. The Alamo City Hoops Summer Hoopfest offered one of the final stages for high school talent to make a statement before attention shifts to the upcoming school season. College coaches are still on the lookout for hidden gems, and players know this is their last opportunity to leave an indelible impression.