Great Lakes Region Finals: Under The Radar 2027 Combo Guards

The all exclusive Prep Hoops Finals took place this past weekend and it absolutely lived up to its' hype. Tight ball games, multiple buzzer beaters, and just all around competitive play that showed why this is one of the best events to be at in the spring travel basketball season. I had the great opportunity to be in Bedford Park at the Wintrust Sports Complex taking in games from the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. Over 200 teams in those three divisions competed for a chance to hold up their bracket's first place trophy. In this article we're going to take a deeper dive into a half a dozen unranked and under the radar combo guards that coaches should be keeping close tabs on as these prospects go into their senior seasons. Lets get into it!    Impacted with hustle and grit for team's first game of weekend play. Stuck out because of his ability to do little things outside of the box score which positively impacted. Glued defensively by coming up with multiple steals with one being a back court takeaway and quick bucket. Had him down for multiple offensive rebounds as well just by outworking opponent. Cuts hard off ball offensively. Team oriented glue guy.     Another impactful guard for the 17U [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] squad that made a March Madness type run to the championship game on Sunday. Giannini presents dynamic ability to create offense in a variety of ways and played to some big key moments. Shows touch with floater in the lane, spin move off bounce, and multiple strong drives at the rim. Plays cohesively well with others on team to make winning plays. Hit game winner in Saturday morning contest in a multi-overtime thriller. Most intrigued by just how tough, humble, and hard nosed he plays which should continue to help gain traction at next level.     Pearson started out the team's first game of the weekend with a 1 handed tomahawk off the tip and he continued to show that same athleticism throughout. Impacts the most with layers of effort on both sides of the floor. Sprints court in transition while also moving quickly without the ball to open up space or find opportunities himself. Crashes the glass hard from the wing spot. Defensively grinds out plays and will challenge on the ball. Contributes in multifaceted ways with strong feel for game and should continue to gain traction from next level.     A tough combo guard that impacts with balanced scoring and feel for game on both sides. Stuck out because of sheer work ethic but also brings skill to game. Knocked down multiple spot up 3's within flow while also contributing as a strong passer including drop offs down low, drive and kick reads, and finding cutters slashing through the lane. Relocates accordingly within offensive sets. Defensively glues and came up with a steal which went into a reverse layup finish. Provides quality opportunities for teammates and plays selflessly throughout.     An attacking combo guard that plays with a tough demeanor on both sides. Offensively gets into rhythm quickly on 3 balls or while going off the bounce to the rim. Endures physicality once in the thick of defense to still find opportunities. Secured a couple tough boards from the guard location. Saw the floor with vision on drop offs down low or swing passes off of baseline drives to shooters. Overall puts team in position to make winning plays.     Combo guard with great frame and matured physical tools. Has a well rounded offensive approach that creates advantages off the bounce while getting downhill at a quick rate. Speeds the game up while getting opportunities for himself and others. Caught in quarter final game and he made smooth drop off passes in transition as well as skips and kickouts in the ½ court setting. Defensively generates steals which lead to primary break chances. Impacts with versatility and unselfish play. Would make a great 2 man fit at next level.

The all exclusive Prep Hoops Finals took place this past weekend and it absolutely lived up to its' hype. Tight ball games, multiple buzzer beaters, and just all around competitive play that showed why this is one of the best events to be at in the spring travel basketball season. I had the great opportunity to be in Bedford Park at the Wintrust Sports Complex taking in games from the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. Over 200 teams in those three divisions competed for a chance to hold up their bracket's first place trophy. In this article we're going to take a deeper dive into a half a dozen unranked and under the radar combo guards that coaches should be keeping close tabs on as these prospects go into their senior seasons. Lets get into it!