Local Point Guards Make a National Splash

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer offers a prime opportunity for basketball players at every level to make a statement within the community overall. Over the past few months, several local point guards rose to the occasion, earning widespread recognition for their standout performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a47028c2ecd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A crafty left-handed point guard, who consistently uses his creativity and quickness to get downhill and break down defenses. He embodies classic NYC toughness and showcases a dynamic offensive skill set. This summer, Diaz earned MVP honors at the prestigious NY vs NY tournament and made history as the youngest MVP in Pro City Pro Am. Following an impressive campaign, he was selected to compete in the SLAM Summer Classic, further cementing his status as one of the nation's rising stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1595679"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a47028c2f31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Originally from Brooklyn, NY. He is one of the most explosive guards in the country, standing at 6'2" and finishing well above the rim with ease. His powerful lower body fuels an elite first step, exceptional quickness, and relentless downhill attack. A true three-level scorer, who demands honest defense at all times. As a junior, he was named the 2025 Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year and earned MVP honors at the Stephen Curry Camp. He also secured First Team selection at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, while being recognized as one of the standout performers at Donovan Mitchell's Spida Camp. Capping off a dominant summer, Rippey Jr. was selected to compete in the SLAM Summer Classic, solidifying his status as a rising star on the national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1729824"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a47b871bf6b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His stock continues to soar as he's widely regarded as the most versatile point guard in the country. Standing at an imposing 6'5”, he scores with precision and purpose, wasting no motion and maximizing every touch. According to multiple coaches, Mingo boasts a wingspan between 6'10” and 6'11”, a physical advantage that fuels his disruptive defensive presence and makes life difficult for opposing ball handlers. He earned MVP honors at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, where he averaged 24 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, showcasing his all-around dominance. A participant in the SLAM Summer Classic, Mingo continues to build his résumé against elite competition. He comes from a winning culture at Long Island Lutheran (LuHi), a powerhouse program competing in EYBL Scholastic. His older brother, Kayden Mingo, is set to begin his collegiate career at Penn State this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Local Points Guards to keep on your radar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234113"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a721542be8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He stands out as one of the craftiest guards in New York City. His blend of quickness and creativity makes him a nightmare to contain in the open court. With an advanced feel for the game and sharp court vision. Gio consistently makes smart reads and sets up teammates. He's especially dangerous downhill, where he finishes with finesse and touch over taller defenders using the floater.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194495"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a721542bf22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He plays with poise and control, rarely rushed and always composed. His vision allows him to read the floor effectively, leading to crisp, accurate passes that keep the offense flowing. Offensively, he takes smart, high-percentage shots and has grown increasingly confident in the midrange, where he's shown a soft touch. On the defensive end, he embraces the challenge, competing with intensity and a willingness to improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[2875236],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a721542bf96"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season at Murry Bergtraum, he earned a spot on the NYSSWA All-State Class AA Team. He averaged a staggering 26.31 points, 9.23 rebounds, and 13.23 assists per game, last season. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, he was named NYC 3A Manhattan Player of the Year. Now headed to The Lawrenceville School, his trajectory as a floor general, dynamic scorer, and high-IQ playmaker positions him to continue to be effective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2623870"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a721542c005"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He's emerged as one of the most explosive point guards this offseason, thanks to his shiftiness, lightning-quick first step, and ability to attack downhill with purpose. He plays with remarkable control and fearlessness, showing a maturity well beyond his years. His natural feel for the game complements his high basketball IQ, allowing him to make smart decisions under pressure. Consistently competing against older players, he not only holds his own, he stands out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->