Intriguing CG Prospects

New readers: Use code Proia30   I attended a few games in PG County this week, making sure to watch the JV games for 2 of the matchups to see the next wave of talent at their respective schools. The modern game of basketball is predicated on great guard play, with an added emphasis on point guards. Let's break down some of the best combo guards that I saw this week!    18p 12r 3a 4b 4s vs Bowie   -Came away very impressed with Oyekan as he put up a double-double with 8 stocks in a narrow home loss to Bowie. The perimeter jumper wasn't falling often after a big face-up wing 3 to start the game, so he began relentlessly attacking the rim. Oyekan's leaping ability--even on a second jump-- really stood out as he cleaned up his misses around the rim and blocked 3 shots on the perimeter. Oyekan played with a great change of pace in transition and uses his shoulder well to clear space on his way to the rim or get to his spots in the halfcourt. His instincts playing the passing lanes defensively and finding his teammates off the bounce on the offensive side of the ball bode well for his long term outcomes as a 2-way guard.     14p 4r 3a 1b 3s vs O'Connell (JV)   -Michel got to it early in this matchup with O'Connell, starting the game off with two steals and transition baskets at the other end to start the game. Michel showed his ability to see the floor with crosscourt skips to shooters and pocket passes to his bigs off the bounce. His corner 3 off the catch and two big FTs late not only helped seal the win for his team but showed his ability to compete under pressure.     14p 5a 3r 1b 4s vs DeMatha   -Really, really have come away impressed with the strides that Dixon has made as an on-ball defender this season. Dixon is tracing the ball well on his opponent's dribble pick-up's to force turnovers and deflections, is contesting or blocking perimeter shooters, and is playing more disciplined to avoid foul trouble. The DM game was no different, using his defense to fuel his offense with 3 steals that turned into buckets or FTs at other end to get him in a scoring rhythm. He then scored on a good flash to the middle for the catch and quick floater, scored on a backdoor layup, and hit a huge hanging double clutch lay off the window for the AND1 bucket. Love the skill progression and improved feel, which is why he was moved into the top 5 for his class in the state of Virginia.     11p 3a 2s vs Laurel   -The senior started off the game hot for Bowie to carry his team in the first half, stepping into a pair of huge 3s and a 1-dribble midrange jumper. Like the decisive and assertive nature of his reads, deciding what he wants to do pre-catch before getting to his spots while staying within the flow of the game. Green's activity throughout the game as an off-ball defender that stole two passes out of midair while collecting several deflections was impactful for his team as they built a 1H lead.     6p 3r 1a vs Laurel   -Like the long term potential here from Williams as a sharpshooter at the guard position that is contributing early in his HS career to the rotation as a sophomore. Williams started things off as a passer when he threaded the needle from the volleyball line with a sidearm pocket pass to his teammate under the rim. He followed this up with a face-up three from the wing and a C+S movement three later in the corner to build the Bulldogs' lead back up. Want to see more play-making from him out of the defense to see how well he probes the defense as a playmaker, but the shooting and defense make him an intriguing name in 2028.     12p 4r 1b vs DeMatha   -Resta wowed the crowd early by racing back in transition to meet a big with a blocked shot at the rim. He then showed the handle/craft, attacking closeouts with baseline drives after knocking down several threes. The shooting is the signature skill moving forward, as he gets into his release quickly off the bounce or off the catch. Intriguing prospect that should play his way into a role with varsity next year as a scoring CG.     11p 8r 1a vs DeMatha (JV)   -The only freshman on an experienced OC JV team that returned all their starters, Franklin has carved out a role as an energy G/W tweener that plays a winning brand of basketball. Franklin hits the glass hard to create extra possessions for his team (5 offensive rebounds in this game), can space the floor with his perimeter shooter, and is able to take on a variety of defensive assignments. The younger brother of current Columbia standout Miles and OC Varsity player, Tristan-- he seems destined to follow in their footsteps as a high-IQ G/W tweener with a versatile skillset.

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