Standout Guards from Saturday at the Hoopseen Cup Finals

Saturday at the HoopSeen Cup Finals featured no shortage of talented guards making plays all over the floor. From dynamic scorers to floor generals who controlled the pace of the game, these backcourt standouts separated themselves with strong performances throughout the day.    Swinnie is a well-controlled point guard who takes over games with his energy and effort on the defensive end and with his ability to create for others. When it comes to his ability to score, he is automatic with space from deep. He's got nice range as well and the confidence to pull it from around the college line from three. In the open floor, he is dangerous as well, scoring quickly in transition and finishing around the cup.     Young was one of the quickest guards I saw all day and played the game with a lot of swagger and confidence. He possesses a rare combination of speed and finesse that allows him to create advantages all over the floor. His low-to-the-ground handle, combined with impressive hand speed, makes him a valuable primary ball handler who rarely turns the basketball over. He is also a capable long-range shooter who can provide valuable floor spacing when playing off the ball at the two-guard spot. As he continues to develop, he has the tools to become a legitimate college point guard for programs looking to add another lead guard to the roster.     Jackson is a high-flying lead guard who does an excellent job of getting others involved while running the show for his team. Whether it's making reads out of offensive actions, operating through high ball screens, or delivering lead passes in transition, he consistently puts teammates in position to succeed. He has the leadership qualities every coach wants from a point guard and understands when to facilitate and when to look for his own offense. His explosive first step and tight handle make him extremely difficult to stay in front of, often forcing defenders to foul to keep him from getting all the way to the rim. He is every bit as effective as a scorer as he is as a playmaker.     Nelson is a high-energy lead guard who brings toughness and activity to both ends of the floor. Defensively, he creates energy with his pressure and ability to turn defense into easy transition offense. He has a smooth handle that remains effective even when facing multiple defenders and does a nice job maintaining control in traffic. He plays well out of ball-screen situations and consistently makes good decisions with the basketball. In the open floor, he is always a threat to score and puts constant pressure on opposing defenses.     Haynes is a savvy playmaker who consistently makes the right reads with the basketball in his hands. Whether operating at the point or off the ball, he is always looking to create opportunities for teammates. He delivered several well-placed lobs to rolling bigs and routinely found shooters relocating behind the play for easy looks from deep. His feel for the game and ability to process the floor quickly make him a valuable offensive piece. When it comes to scoring, he can get hot in a hurry from beyond the arc and has the confidence to knock down big shots when needed.     McDow is a name that has been all over the place this spring and there is good reason for that. Known for his elite outside shooting and his ability to score from the perimeter makes him one of the best shooters in the Atlanta area. Today he showed his ability to attack closeouts and get to the cup at an effective level. Finishing multiple three point plays the old fashion way and making some nice moves off the bounce to get to the cup. McDow's stock is rising and if you are a college coach you should take a serious look at this young man.     Freda is a high-level shot creator who can manufacture offense with very little space. It only takes a few dribbles for him to create separation and get to his jumper, making him a difficult cover for defenders. His silky-smooth stroke from deep forces defenses to respect him well beyond the three-point line. He also has the ability to handle lead guard duties, bringing the ball up the floor and creating quality looks for both himself and his teammates. His poise and confidence stand out, and he plays with the composure of a much older player. He is the type of guard who can settle an offense while still providing instant scoring punch.

Saturday at the HoopSeen Cup Finals featured no shortage of talented guards making plays all over the floor. From dynamic scorers to floor generals who controlled the pace of the game, these backcourt standouts separated themselves with strong performances throughout the day.