Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase: Point Guard Parade (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I strongly subscribe to the adage that bigs develop later than guards and wings. Towards that measure, Freshman Showcases and Underclassmen camps tend to skew towards smaller point guards. Despite that being commonplace. I was still struck by the outstanding play of the many ball dominant lead guards on Sunday. It is not a definitive or numbered list, as this was a deep field. As the title states, just a first installment. This will be the sub 5-10 grouping.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3727117' first='Brian' last='Bridges Jr.'] <strong>5-5 Detroit Pershing </strong>(pictured) The height is correct and this player also has a very slight build. I simply don't care, this a freshman camp. He could have been 4-10 and the electric ball handler would still merit mention. Gets wherever he wants with the ball and is not scared of anything. This wasn't just a case of a player having a good day. The twin tower look from Hillsdale Academy has justifiably earned a lot of notice from their play this weekend. However way back in April I watched then lose to a REACH squad lead by you guessed it... Mr. Bridges. Put heavy pressure on the rim and forced bigger players to chase out on the perimeter in that contest. Did the same thing on Sunday. Yes, he will need to bigger. However, try telling that to <strong>Moses Blackwell </strong>(2x State Champion) and <strong>Lance Stone </strong>(Detroit-Mercy) Detroit has had a run on diminutive point guards of late. This could be the next one up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3731012' first='Marcelino' last='Botello'] <strong>5-6 Saginaw United</strong> From a region that has pumped out good point guards from time eternal. Botello is in a little different mold. The toughness is certainly there, but he does not have the physical profile of the typical Saginaw point guard. Slender narrow frame. Used it to "slither" and create space. Isn't going to displace or shed defenders on drives. Is just going to find a way around them and cleverly avoid contact. Excelled in the early 3-on-3 portion of the camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2844070' first='Nyzeer' last='Moore'] <strong>5-6 Newaygo </strong>I'm not going to overanalyze this evaluation. What does next level speed, acceleration, and change of pace look like? Moore excelled in both the 3-on-3 three and scrimmage portions of the camp. If you want to knit pick. I did not see him hit an outside shot. I'm not entirely sure he attempted one. When you can get zero to 60 this quick, I could see why he might not bother. Type of player that a defender can sag off of, and it just doesn't matter. Can still blow by players no matter the space given. Also changed directions on a dime. Effective on the rare instances that his first move was cut off. Moore was a standout on a talented [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] squad this past spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2844059' first='Carter' last='Wolfe'] <strong>5-7 Cedar Springs</strong> Staying in the Storm program for different type of player. While Wolfe has plenty of quickness. He falls into the fundamentally sound category of prospects. Well schooled jump shot that he was able to get off against bigger players. Got his team into their basic offensive sets efficiently. Willing passer who played well in two man situations. When the size comes, could raise his profile quickly. As the fundamental base is already there in bunches. Comes from a strong lineage of players from the Northern reaches of the Grand Rapids area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2961900' first='Dominic' last='Schuba'] <strong>5-8 Traverse City St Francis</strong> As a resident of Northern Michigan, I've seen this player play a lot and for a long time (full disclosure; my son used to play against him) So not much should surprise me here. That being said, I was struck by how confidently he shot the basketball on Sunday. Like Wolfe (see above) did it against much bigger players. Pulled this off with just straight moxie, a quick release and a high arc. Has always been an advanced ball handler. This was more apparent during the 3-on-3 portion of the camp. Moved a little more off the ball during scrimmages. Seemed comfortable in both roles. Part of a deep contingent of St Francis participants in both camps on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3723789' first='Dimauviye' last='Smith-Powe'] <strong>5-9 Undecided</strong> So far, we have gone with speed merchants, good shooters, and fundamentally sound prospects. Smith-Powe is a Detroit point guard who is just a straight up wizard with the ball in his hands. Has a real "ball on a string" dribbling skillset. High dribble that he controlled well but could also keep it low. Was easily the best live dribble passer in the camp. Found open players in pick and roll situations with high velocity and just a flick of the wrist. Did it with both hands. Wasn't afraid to take risks and go for the big highlight. Didn't always work. However, I don't mind that as much at this age and in this setting. Might as well figure out what works for you and learn from it. While he was a willing passer. Could score easily and was a bullet getting out in transition. The Undecided Panthers are going to have a good young point guard. My bad attempt at humor aside, someone is going to get a talent infusion. I don't like when people cover a middle schoolers high school decision with bated breath. However, with all the late "portal" movement in Michigan this year. This could be an important player who could be the missing piece for a program. I have heard a few schools mentioned here. They are prominent programs and different from where his family members played at or our currently playing at. Should be interesting to follow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->