More Impactful Floor Generals From The Platform

The last Illinois stop of the Prep Hoops Circuit took place this past weekend in the Chicagoland area. Teams from across the Midwestern states showed up to compete through the 3 day event. Here are a handful more point guards that stood out for their teams.    I caught the Oakland County Rise Elite 17's play in the early morning game on Sunday and Hartfield created an impact immediately. The 5'9 guard from Bloomfield Hills initiated havoc defensively with a constant source of energy to cut off passing lanes and turn steals into immediate offense. He helped generate multiple takeaways which led to breakaway opportunities speeding the pace of the game up. Hartfield shows quick anticipation to read the floor on the offensive end as well. He made smart decision making passes where his IQ showed where to hit guys in stride. His ability to read the floor on both sides makes him a primary difference maker.     I saw Miller for just a half briefly while playing up on a short handed 17U God's Gift team during their early morning Sunday contest. I've seen the young guard play earlier this spring and he makes an impact playing up on age divisions. He has a matured IQ and feel for the game as a compact quick floor general who can score it as well. Defensively he grinds out plays and glues on the ball to consistently present pressure. On the offensive end he made a great curl cut to knock down a catch and shoot 3 while also showing poised court vision. An underclassman from Rich Township that will continue to turn heads as career progresses.     I caught Bezik play last week in our Tune Up event and he helped his team to a 4-0 mark on the weekend spread. During his team's Sunday morning contest, he showed similar tendencies who was one of the main factors that impacted the game. He did this all while playing up an age level in the 16U division which he usually does. Even though his shot wasn't falling as much, he still got downhill and attacked with a strong handle while playing through contact. Bezik displayed a variety of passes including post feeds, pitch a heads in transition, and drive and kick read assists to easier scoring opportunities for teammates. His blend of playing making while remaining tough on both sides of the floor makes him a steady all around contributor heading into Sophomore year.     Caught team's mid morning game on Sunday. Ransom possesses fluid athleticism as a primary guard in the 1 or 2 slot. His ball handling skills demand attention from the defense at the onset as he has a quick first step that he utilizes at any time. If there is a gap or an angle he is hitting it fast to get to his spots on the floor. Shooting wise he caught fire in the 2nd half knocking down 4 3's at a high clip with 1 being to cut the lead down to 4 with 30 seconds left. The margin was more than 15 at one point in the game and his hot hand helped orchestrate a close come back. Ransom's shot making ability and versatility makes him a consistent and reliable offensive threat.     Echols shows a strong ability to handle the rock as a primary point and be a consistent scoring threat as well. His mid range game going off the bounce or coming off screens is a problem for defenses to handle. He has a balanced and control rise on his jumper and is able to create space on a quick handle to get to his locations. His precision touch around the rim gives way for floaters and runners while going off of either hand. Defensively, Echols showcases his anticipation and willingness to guard on the ball and 1 pass away for consistent activity. At 6'0 he showed bounce on a finish in the mid afternoon game on Saturday to almost flush one down on a break. His ability to affect both ends will provide a team with consistent value at the next level.

The last Illinois stop of the Prep Hoops Circuit took place this past weekend in the Chicagoland area. Teams from across the Midwestern states showed up to compete through the 3 day event. Here are a handful more point guards that stood out for their teams.