Big Time 2028 Guards Shined on Prep Hoops Circuit

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class continues to showcase outstanding depth at the point guard position, and throughout the Prep Hoops Circuit's Chicago events, several floor generals consistently separated themselves with their feel for the game, playmaking ability, and scoring punch. Whether controlling tempo, creating for teammates, or taking over offensively, these guards proved they belong among the top lead guards in the Midwest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] (Windy City War)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before making his announcement about heading to Link Prep from Peoria Richwoods, Smith-Holley made a statement at the Prep Hoops Circuit. An explosive athlete with outstanding burst, he constantly pressured defenses by attacking the rim and finishing above it. His ability to stop on a dime for pull-up jumpers and confidently knock down perimeter shots made him difficult to contain. Just as impressive was his growth as a distributor, delivering quality reads in transition and the half court while also bringing relentless defensive intensity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2834186' first='Nigel' last='Moore'] | Zero Fears (Great Lakes Finals)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore was one of the toughest point guards on the circuit, combining poise with exceptional floor leadership. The crafty left-hander dictated the pace of games, carving up defenses with smart decision-making and precise passing. He consistently created quality opportunities for teammates while using his shifty handle to get into the paint whenever he wanted. His balance of scoring ability and natural playmaking makes him one of the more complete lead guards in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] | Bradley Beal Elite (Windy City War)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hawkins turned heads with one of the most complete point guard performances of the spring. He repeatedly broke down defenders off the bounce, collapsing defenses before making pinpoint passes to open teammates. When defenses backed off, he made them pay with confident pull-up and step-back three-pointers. His ability to score at all three levels, paired with dynamic passing and explosive athleticism, made him one of the toughest covers on the circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Laye | Midwest Renegades (Great Lakes Finals)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laye's combination of speed, confidence, and basketball IQ allowed him to impact games in a variety of ways. Comfortable playing on or off the ball, he consistently created separation with his quick first step and polished handle. His offensive arsenal included floaters, catch-and-shoot threes, and pull-ups off ball screens, while his active hands and defensive instincts created extra possessions on the other end. Few guards played with as much pace and control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] | Blueprint Hoops (Windy City War, Tune UP)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young carried the momentum from a strong June into the July circuit, proving he could excel while playing up an age level with Blueprint Hoops. His speed in the open floor immediately put pressure on opposing defenses, and his body control allowed him to finish creatively through traffic. He also showed confidence in the mid-range game while making smart, timely passes that kept the offense flowing. Young's blend of quickness, composure, and playmaking gives him tremendous upside at the point guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2531962' first='Amir' last='Tucker'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''])</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2531979' first='CJ' last='Pittman'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''])</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''])</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2877539' first='Lester' last='Watson'] (Blueprint)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3587106' first='Sam' last='Briggs'] (Rockford Elite)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3660873' first='TJ' last='Smith'] (Chicago Fire)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3660750' first='Amari' last='Brown'] (Zero Fears)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->