Sycamore Holiday Tournament: Combo Guard Prospects

Wednesday marked the opening day tip off of the 62nd Annual Leland G. Strombom Holiday Basketball Tournament hosted by Sycamore. I was in attendance for all 4 games throughout Thanksgiving Eve. Here are scores by quarters from each contest. Harlem: 8, 17, 28, 39 Yorkville :15, 26, 38, 54 Rochelle: 15, 31, 42, 56, OT1-63, OT2-70 Dundee Crown: 13, 26, 42, 56, OT1-63, OT2-63 Burlington Central: 30, 52, 67, 75 Dixon: 7, 15, 23, 27 Sycamore: 19, 41, 62, 72 Sandwich: 9, 19, 28, 33   There was solid guard play throughout the first round games in this tournament. Let's take a look at a handful of guys who were skilled in the 1 or 2 slots.    Legit length at the guard spot for the next level. Initiated multiple turnovers throughout the game because of size and arm span. Liked his patience on the catch to let the play develop and see openings. In the 4th quarter had a handful of assists hitting guys on the fly during primary break action or in the half court setting. Offensively has the ability to stretch the floor and use wise court vision to see what's available. Sees overtop the defense because of mismatches. Looked smooth stopping and popping from mid range or getting to the cup in traffic.     Drew attention because of energy and effort defensively 1 pass away from the ball. Anticipated the next pass and picked it off multiple times to head the other way. Shares it accordingly via what the defense gives. Will pitch ahead on the break or hit the cutters in open areas of the floor. Hit the glass at times offensively to keep up team's momentum. Efficient in the guard spot with good feel.     Takes on point guard responsibilities majority of time for a team with other high level college prospects. Gets the job done effectively. Broke away from the defense on multiple occasions in second half for easy transition buckets. Has a shooter's touch hitting at least 3 3's all in rhythm off the catch. Knocked down a cool mid range jay off the bounce in the 1/2 court. Solid lefty point that is efficient with the ball in his hands finishing with a game high 22.     Scrappy quick guard that competed the entire game. Got on the floor for loose balls and will sacrifice for charges on drives at the bucket. Has a speedy first step to get by defender and then cause secondary to collapse. Comes with solid court vision. Dropped it off in traffic underneath to his big man for a couple dimes. On the opposite end of the floor defensively will make his mark guarding the ball with zero gap pressure.     Came off the bench for the Foxes and caught my attention from the git go because of his play on the defensive end. Moved feet really quick horizontally guarding on the ball presenting a significant challenge. Strong frame and agile. Drove it at times to make the defense turn their heads and then made smart reads for spray outs. Made a couple nice entry passes of EOB's seeing open guys for quick hitters. On a pretty skilled and talented team of individuals he fills his role well with disciplined IQ and knows how to utilize teammates advantages.

Wednesday marked the opening day tip off of the 62^nd Annual Leland G. Strombom Holiday Basketball Tournament hosted by Sycamore. I was in attendance for all 4 games throughout Thanksgiving Eve. Here are scores by quarters from each contest.

Harlem: 8, 17, 28, 39
Yorkville :15, 26, 38, 54

Rochelle: 15, 31, 42, 56, OT1-63, OT2-70
Dundee Crown: 13, 26, 42, 56, OT1-63, OT2-63

Burlington Central: 30, 52, 67, 75
Dixon: 7, 15, 23, 27

Sycamore: 19, 41, 62, 72
Sandwich: 9, 19, 28, 33

There was solid guard play throughout the first round games in this tournament. Let's take a look at a handful of guys who were skilled in the 1 or 2 slots.