Mike's Weekly Guard Standouts

This week I attended three games, Lima Sr @ Toledo Central Catholic, Cincinnati Woodward @ Newport and Cincinnati La Salle @ Cincinnati Moeller. In this article I'll break down the guard standouts from those three contests.    Against a Toledo Central Catholic team that was swarming all night, Addy found success in the second half dribbling past the defense on switches and in advantageous situations, splitting through help-side defenders and getting to the paint past an exhausted Irish defense. It seemed like the Lima Sr pace of play, defensive pressure and overall intensity got to Toledo Central Catholic as the Irish led for over three quarters but gave up the lead and started cramping up as a result of the high intensity of the contest.     Simpson made some key plays in the comeback effort by the Spartans, knocking down some clutch corner 3-pointers and even taking a charge to help swing momentum. Simpson has made his calling card being a swiss army knife from the guard position, able to attack switches off the dribble, make shots off the catch and provide tough on-ball defense. He did all of those things and more in the win between two of northwest Ohio's best.     Earlier in Foster's career, a bad shooting night from beyond 3-point range would've likely meant he struggled to make an impact in the game. Now a Junior and more mature, Foster is finding other ways to impact the game and had the highlight of the night with a sick putback dunk. Foster also cut well off the ball, using the threat of his jumper to get open. Foster also had some strong finishes at the rim and was active in the Spartans full court pressure defense. Impressive resiliency shown by the Spartans after falling behind early in a tough road environment.     When the Irish needed a bucket, they usually looked to Kynard on Tuesday evening to get that bucket. Able to hit shots running off screens, Kynard made some tough shots off movement late in the game. Also having the strongest drive of the game with a power finish right through a defenders body, Kynard was fearless as an attacker. Despite the loss, Kynard was a clear standout as a combo guard who can flat out get a bucket Vs one of the best teams and defenses in Ohio.     In a back and forth contest all night long, Nichols hit some clutch mid-range jumpers and the lefty hit a floater in the final minute to take the lead Vs Cincinnati Woodward in a Kentucky Vs Ohio battle along the Ohio river. Nichols led his team with 13 points and was a perfect 3/3 from the charity stripe in the victory.     One of the biggest stock risers in the 2028 class this winter, Donald has been handed the keys to the Moeller offense and thrived as a primary creator for his squad. Hitting a nasty step-back 3-pointer in the second quarter, Donald has rare ability off the bounce. I also loved when he attacked a La Salle big on a switch and used a quick crossover to change directions and get fouled on the drive. Also knocking down some contested mid-range pull-ups, Donald looked comfortable getting to his spot and rising up. While Donald made a jump in our last rankings update, it seems like he's due for another one when we update 2028 rankings again in February.     When Moeller is at their best it is when their utility guys are contributing at a high level. McQueen did that tonight with some toughness plays getting loose balls and being in the right place to finish layups or 3-pointers off the catch. Able to play on or off the ball, McQueen and Donald split time bringing the ball up the court and the duo have nice chemistry with each other in the half-court. It takes toughness to win in the GCL-South and McQueen certainly has that.     I'll take the La Salle trio of Robertson, [player_tooltip player_id='2721843' first='Cj' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2878770' first='Shamari' last='Scales'] to win a high school game any day of the week. This trio is tough, physical and do a majority of the heavy lifting on both ends of the court for the Lancers. Robertson had a tip in layup, scored off a cut, had a strong putback off a fourth chance opportunity and hit a time and space 3-pointer. The game doesn't have to be complicated for you to succeed as a scorer and Robertson is the definition of that, a strong wing guard who won't blow you away with crossovers, but he knows how to play and is productive within a system. A player who will translate well to the college level.

This week I attended three games, Lima Sr @ Toledo Central Catholic, Cincinnati Woodward @ Newport and Cincinnati La Salle @ Cincinnati Moeller. In this article I'll break down the guard standouts from those three contests.