Prep Hoops Top 250 Craftiest Guards: Part 2
The Prep Hoops Top 250 launched showcase season for the company this past Saturday in Orlando with 231 high school prospects. There was a ton of competition and hard play. Kids were playing together and really listening to our coaches…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Top 250 launched showcase season for the company this past Saturday in Orlando with 231 high school prospects.
There was a ton of competition and hard play. Kids were playing together and really listening to our coaches and making sure they made plays in front of the many media members in the gym.
Here is a look at Part 2 of the craftiest guards I saw.
Paul McLeod Paul McLeod 6'2" | CG Booker | 2021 State FL | 6-3 | Booker
It is always great to see strides made with a young and upcoming player. McLeod is right on track to where he needs to be headed into his senior season. The 2021 guard held his own as a core shooter and floor pusher at the expo. He had bright moments as a junior but it is clear he is locked in right now and he’s in for a standout year at a successful Booker program in Sarasota. McLeod is a natural athlete and leader.
Griffin Barasa Griffin Barasa 6'1" | CG Clearwater Calvary Christian | 2021 State FL | 6-1 | Clearwater Calvary Christian
Finding speeds and gears is not tough for Barasa. He is always going downhill and looking to dunk or finish fancy at the rack. The 2021 guard did plenty of that and hurt defenses with his quick-twitch moves, lay-ins and passes. The Clearwater Calvary Christian guard is part of a dynamic high school squad and his assets are clear, fast legs, hops and athletic scoring ability.
Nathanael Santana | 5-10 | Land O’ Lakes
One of the most gifted ballhandlers in attendance was Santana. He literally crossed a kid out of his gym shoe (See video below). The 2021 guard is shifty as can be, can change direction in the blink of an eye and plays a high IQ game. He’s a very strong guard with a quick first step and serves as a smart passer. Santana is in for a major breakout year.
DaMahrion Murrell | 5-5 | Illinois Willowbrook
Part of a group of guards who made the trip down from Illinois, Murrell was very flashy on the day. The 2022 guard is undersized but he doesn’t care. He has a seasoned spin move and tons of pure wheels to burn defenses. Murrell was one of my favorite guards to watch and his energy was contagious.
Bennie McDuffie | 5-7 | Mandarin
Carrying a bunch of confidence in his game, McDuffie was a true playmaker. He has very steady handles and makes life insanely hard on defenders by blazing past them. The 2022 Mandarin guard is going to be a deceptive type player that defenses take for granted. We saw it often on Saturday and as games went on, he earned respect but still fought for his buckets.
Ja’kobe Williams | 6-2 | Paxon
A steady x-factor at Paxon a season ago, Williams shined at our showcase. The 2021 guard has a solid mix of length and speed. He is always active off the ball and when he has the ball in his hands, he makes wise decisions. He certainly knows how to effect the game on both ends of the floor. Expect plenty of success for Williams this fall as he’ll be tasked to do plenty for a deep 2021 guard group for the Eagles.
Noah Cutler Noah Cutler 5'9" | PG Charlotte | 2024 FL | 5-7 | Gateway Charter
The lone 2024 prospect in Part 1 and 2, Cutler was electric. One of the fastest guards you’ll see in high school, he was moving in and out of defenses and finishing strong with floaters, lay-ups and mid-range jumpers. I love his patience and vision as a passer helping everyone around him. Cutler is going to have a very strong freshman campaign as a core ballhandler at Gateway Charter.
ICYMI:
Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: Best Overall Performers
Prep Hoops Top 250 Standouts: 2021-2022 (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Standouts: 2021-2022 (Part 2)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: 2023-2024 Standouts (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2023-2024 (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2023-2024 (Part 2)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2021-2022 (Part 1)
Prep Hoops Top 250 Stock Risers: 2021-2022 (Part 2)
When you get CROSSED out your SHOE, all you can do is laugh ????
(via heartandhustleelite/IG, @PrepHoops) pic.twitter.com/zNPP8Ra06j
— Overtime (@overtime) September 22, 2020