HG Spring Jam Fest Notable 6'2" and Under Guards NY + PA

These were a few guards whose play stood out at the Hoop Group Spring Jam Fest at Spooky Nook    This was the second time I've been able to watch Dillon play, and he backed up the strong first impression he made the first time I saw him back in December. His current team operates in a style similar to his high school team, but he clearly stands out as the top prospect on the floor. He showed the ability to play both on and off the ball, consistently doing the little things to make the game easier on himself and his teammates. I really liked how he sought out contact offensively, living at the foul line and doing a lot of his damage there. Dillon was also a threat as an off-ball slasher and generated second-chance opportunities with his rebounding activity. He proved capable of scoring from deep and showed that, despite being in the smaller guard category, he possesses noticeable athleticism.     Crummie's game was a catalyst for his PK Flash team in the game I saw of theirs over the live period. He connected on several shots from behind the arc and got into a grove from there early. Crummie is effective moving without the basketballl and has no qualms about setting pin downs for his teammates in the flow of the offense. His quick slowness when he moves in one way he is deceptive and keeps defenses on their toes. He had a few nice misses that rimmed out at the last second that I thought he was going to convert on. His lack of athletic explosion and shear physical size are the knocks on him as a player and hope that he can find ways to get into the weight room which would allow him to get tree like post players into foul trouble if he were to be on the attack. He is a prospect who should see regional small colleges on his coattails.     I have been evaluating Small since he was a 15U player with Expressions New York, and he has consistently been dominant playing on premier independent circuits he's played on whether it has been Hoop Group or Marquee Hoops when he was at the younger levels, he was more of a score first downhill guard who thrived by touching the paint and putting constant pressure on the rim. Now at the 17U level, he's really expanded his game and shown the ability to facilitate and get teammates involved, always seeming to know where everyone is on the floor. He doesn't need to score at a high volume for his value to be felt. Smalls is physically strong with great footwork on the interior, allowing him to play through contact and create angles around the basket. What stands out most is how well he anticipates the game in real time, often appearing one step ahead of everyone else on the floor.  He is a guard who I think should be on the radar of division two programs in the Atlantic and East region.     He continues to bolster his stock throughout the spring and has turned in several strong performances during the early phases of the grassroots season. His ability to be a deadeye shooter from the perimeter is clearly his calling card, and any team in need of floor spacing and shot-making should have him high on their list. Bauman is also effective at filling the lane in transition, where he frequently gets rewarded with easy scoring opportunities at the rim. He should be a focal point for Moon heading into the upcoming high school season, and his consistent play is likely to draw plenty of attention from area small-college programs.     Like the way that Horton found different ways to drill shots from beyond the arc and is a real threat as catch and shooter. Anytime he has the ball in his hands he is a threat to put it in the bucket. He also shows that he can play on the ball finding others for scoring possibilities. If he gets into a scoring groove lookout he has shown flashes as a microwave scorer. Horton should be the guy for his Erie Cathedral Prep squad this upcoming season due to graduation of a few seniors. The dynamic scorer should see recruitment from the small college level     Nixon is a tough guard who pressures opposing defenses frequently with his attacking ability. He made several trips to the foul line and made the most of those chances. Nixon puts himself in good spots on the floor to rebound the ball. He plays with a chip on his shoulder whenever he is in the game and whenever he is on the floor he gives his team a chance to be in the game.

These were a few guards whose play stood out at the Hoop Group Spring Jam Fest at Spooky Nook