A-Town Showdown: 17U – Crafty Guards
There was so much gritty basketball at the Prep Hoops A-Town Showdown this weekend at the LakePoint Sports Complex in Cartersville, Georgia. I wrote about top performers after Saturday and Sunday’s packed slate and now it is time to look…
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Continue ReadingThere was so much gritty basketball at the Prep Hoops A-Town Showdown this weekend at the LakePoint Sports Complex in Cartersville, Georgia.
I wrote about top performers after Saturday and Sunday’s packed slate and now it is time to look at some crafty guards in the 17U division.
Ismail Habib | 6-0 | Chicago Hoops
Athletic as they come, Ismail Habib is a confident point man. He can get inside and slam it down, finish with a mix of lay-ins and jumpers. The St. Laurence (Illinois) guard did just that this weekend for Chicago Hoops as it made the trip down south. He holds offers from Austin Peay, Wisconsin Green Bay, Illinois Chicago and Detroit Mercy. There is no surprise that Division I programs have offered but more will come. Habib is a blazer and he has a strong upper body that helps him push in transition and connect on long-range shots.
Eli Elston | 6-1 | Auburn Raptors
The Auburn Raptors earned steady performances from Eli Elston at the A-Town Showdown. I enjoyed his effort level and when left open, he’ll hurt you from the mid-range or deep. He is a talented ballhandler who plays bigger than his size and he keeps everyone on the same page as a vocal leader. Elston’s high IQ passing is noticeable throughout as well. The Auburn (Alabama) High guard heads into a crucial senior campaign where he will continue to progress.
Ray Perry Ray Perry 6'0" | CG St. Pete | 2021 State FL | 5-10 | SPSA Runs
SPSA Runs finished 2-1 this weekend and performed well behind a St. Pete group. In a Sunday win over the Auburn Raptors, St. Pete (Florida) guard Ray Perry Ray Perry 6'0" | CG St. Pete | 2021 State FL showed he is a dog once again. Whenever the ball in his hands, he will always look to attack the rim or dish it out, but his strong upper body makes defenders hate covering him. Perry is a lockdown defender who doesn’t let much by him. With a running back build, he is going to continue to work and improve his all-around game.
Ismael Baqai Ismael Baqai 6'0" | PG Pines Charter | 2021 State FL | 6-0 | Team Work
In a Sunday morning victory over Georgia Elite Sports Invasion, Team Work guard Ismael Baqai Ismael Baqai 6'0" | PG Pines Charter | 2021 State FL was really good. He netted a team-best 16 points and was consistent in both halves. The Pembroke Pines Charter (Florida) guard is an unselfish point man who simply loves the game. His shot speaks for itself when given time and he is also able to get inside and finish with his nice floater. Baqai is an underrated leader and calming presence on both ends of the floor.
Lepra George | 6-2 | SEBA F.C.I. Warriors
Going 4-0 and winning the Passion Region Bracket, Lepra George was a huge piece of the puzzle for the SEBA F.C.I. Warriors. The Sprayberry (Georgia) guard has a very unique game where he can step back for a jumper inside or out, get to the rim with his fluid moves and handle the rock. George is constantly on the move and is the perfect definition of a combo guard because he can excel with or without the ball in his hands.
Makayl Rakestraw | 5-11 | Rod Howard Select
Rod Howard Select put up a fight all weekend and I came away highly impressed with Makayl Rakestraw. The physical guard likes to push the cause and get going in transition. The East Jackson (Georgia) guard had 15 points in a win over of the Atlanta Wolfpack and he did just about everything on offense, finishing at the cup and shooting it well. Rakestraw doesn’t shy away on defense and he’s always ready to create a turnover.
ICYMI:
A-Town Showdown: Day 1 Standouts
A-Town Showdown: Day 2 Standouts
A-Town Showdown: 17U Top Performers (Part 1)
A-Town Showdown: 17U Top Performers (Part 2)
A-Town Showdown: 17U – Playmakers
A-Town Showdown: Saturday’s Best Lead Guards Part 1