Ridgewood Live: 2027 Playmaking Combo Guards

An NCAA Live Event was hosted over the weekend at Ridgewood High School. Teams across the state were in attendance showcasing their talents in front of college programs. There was plenty of good guard play we saw during the 3 day event. Here will breakdown the games of a handful of top 2027 combo guards that stood out.    Watched Lockport play in their Saturday morning contest. Team will be a tough out with Nedas playing 1 of the 2 main go to guys alongside his brother. Venckus' pure jumper off the bounce or catch is one of many skills that are more than worthy for colleges to take a look at. He can play above the rim within the ½ court setting or during the transition game with plus bounce. His unique ability to get to his spots on his dribble with adequate quickness are tangibles that continue to be a challenge for defenses to stay in front of. His projection will continue to rise through senior campaign.     Cordova settles in nicely at the primary handler role for a newer look Gurnee-Warren squad. I saw team's game vs most recent 4A state champ and he met the challenge. He is quick twitch guard that hits tight gaps and sharp angles hard with the rock. Also possesses craftiness on his handle. Is solid off the bounce to go into a good-looking jumper from mid-range or can get all the way to the cup. Defensively will sacrifice his body for charges and provides a continuous motor that helps bring energy.     Watched Curie play in their early afternoon game on Friday and Banks showed a relentless downhill motor with the ball. Consistently was utilized as a slasher to hit tough angles and use his speed and quickness to get to gaps. Finished through heavy traffic multiple times and absorbed contact on several occasions. His shiftiness on his bounce allows him to create separation and difficulty to contain in isolation scenarios. Defensively helped create multiple turnovers with 2 other solid back court guards and will be one of the main pieces to the puzzle this upcoming season for the Condors.     Caught Venckus play in team's morning game on Saturday with his brother playing 2 parts to the main cast. Nojus' ability to catch and face to let the game come to him is an underrated skill that college coaches will continue to notice. He is tough with the ball in his hands. Off the catch he will pause then go into jab steps or pump fakes to lean defender and get to the cup on a quick jet. His eyes are up for spray outs once drawing help over and then making great passes to the open man on the arc. His shot making ability from 3 continues to impress. He has plus bounce around the basket to challenge guards on finishes or offensively finish high above the rim. Competes tough both ways and is slated for a standout senior year.     Watched team's Friday's early afternoon contest. What stood out about MacDonald's game was his ability to attack downhill with a bulldog-like mentality. He presents strength at the wing spot and was able to earn some trips to the line after drawing whistles. Consistently was able to collapse the defense on dribble penetration and then make the right reads with drive and kick assists to open shooters. He plays with toughness and brings strength and selfless decision making skills to the game.

An NCAA Live Event was hosted over the weekend at Ridgewood High School. Teams across the state were in attendance showcasing their talents in front of college programs. There was plenty of good guard play we saw during the 3 day event. Here will breakdown the games of a handful of top 2027 combo guards that stood out.