Central Fall League Week 3: Scoring Guards and Young Risers

I attended the Central Fall League on September 26, catching games at Deer Valley and Camelback High Schools. There were some fast-paced, back-and-forth matchups on the day, which took real scoring output from a handful of guards, plus contributions from some younger guys with a lot of upside. These are the guards who impressed me, along with two class of 2029 players who each showed flashes of becoming a consistent scorer.    Catch-and-shoot three-point specialist who does a lot of his work off screens, flashing to the top and getting his feet set quickly before letting go of a pure release. Constantly moving off the ball, which makes him hard to track, let alone defend. Real range too, and he will let it go from well behind the line. Has a solid handle as well, so he can attack the rim with a spin move and go up, or kick out to his teammates when the defense collapses.     Excelled from beyond the arc this past weekend, at one point nailing three consecutive catch-and-shoot threes, which showed he is more than just a downhill threat. But he was still the transition and downhill scorer his team needed. In the halfcourt he used a quick change of pace and head fakes to catch defenders off guard before powerfully blowing by. Once in the paint he can finish with euro steps and spin moves. Was feasting in transition, playing pesky defense and forcing turnovers, allowing him and his teammates to push on the break for easy buckets.     Efficient catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc with deep range, and he shoots it with confidence from wherever he is on the floor. Exploits defenders going downhill too, scoring through traffic and using stutters and pump fakes to get that first step on his man before finishing straight up or working in a euro step. Good at getting his teammates involved, hitting cutters with quick passes and giving up the ball for a cleaner look.     Downhill threat in transition, getting out in front and converting fast break layups, and using his frame on anyone who tries to stop the break. A wrecking ball coming at you downhill with a real knack for finishing through contact at the rim. Good instincts on the ball defensively, and he does well in the post, not letting his man seal and can break up passes into the lane. The motor shows up on that end too, where he elevated for a strong block on the fast break. Has the frame to give anyone problems at both ends.     Consistent midrange scorer who mixes in catch-and-shoot and dribble pull-up threes as well. Clean release, and he operates well from anywhere in the midrange, whether it is near the free throw line or along the baseline. Will score off a pull-up or a fadeaway, and can get his shot off quickly after snagging his own offensive boards. Proved he can be a reliable scorer for Central moving forward.     Three-level scorer who creates off the dribble with pull-ups, step-back midrange looks and euro-step finishes at the rack. Sneaky athleticism and bounce that catches you off guard when he gets downhill and elevates on his way up to the rim. Contributes on the other end as well, leaping high for defensive rebounds and tipping the ball out to his teammates so they can get the fast break going.     Solid movement and real fluidity, with flashes as a downhill threat who converts through contact and draws fouls, and gets to the basket on clean euro steps. Pure looking release, and he will knock down the three when he gets the chance. Active on the glass, fighting for boards and willing to do it repeatedly. High upside, with a lot of promise moving forward.

I attended the Central Fall League on September 26, catching games at Deer Valley and Camelback High Schools. There were some fast-paced, back-and-forth matchups on the day, which took real scoring output from a handful of guards, plus contributions from some younger guys with a lot of upside. These are the guards who impressed me, along with two class of 2029 players who each showed flashes of becoming a consistent scorer.