The Valley Jam: 2023 guards
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July 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ. 43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action…
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Continue ReadingJuly 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ.
43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action for the second of the three July live periods.
Here were some 2023 guards that stood out:
Cohen J Gonzales Cohen J Gonzales 5'8" | PG Mesquite | 2023 State AZ Mesquite (Team Arizona Black Elite 17) (Pictured)
-The lone 2023 to make the 1st team in 17U. He is a walking bucket who does it efficiently. He isn’t taking bad shots and puts immense pressure on defenses. He has a strap from the 3pt line but he is more then just a great shooter. He has an incredible first step to get passed his defenders and then will either rise up and shoot it off the dribble or finish off tough shots in the lane on the norm.
Isaiah Kai Isaiah Kai 6'2" | PG Campo Verde | 2023 State AZ Campo Verde (Team Arizona Black Elite 17)
-A second team in 17U also impressed. He has the lead guard role on this team and consistently dissects defenses with his passing, IQ and skill. He can score it from mid to the 3pt line and he also turned the other team over. He is very quick on the ball defensively and collected many steals in every game.
Davion Butler Davion Butler 5'10" | PG AZ Compass Prep | 2023 State AZ McClintock (AZ Select Wilson 16)
-Butler guided his team to a 4-0 record. Which included an exciting game winning shot from deep. He has a tight handle and uses a floater. His court vision has improved over the years but his speed and skill are always involved in the results of the games he plays.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRdFZc8HxQF/
Devin Johnson Devin Johnson 6'1" | CG AZ Compass Prep Black | 2023 State AZ AZ Compass Prep (PAL Elite 2023)
-A skilled guard is stretching out and he may not be done growing. His growth plates are still open and the game is easier for him. He has a nice floater and the catch-3 with range. He is quick on the ball defensively and his upside is shining through at the last couple events.
Vincent Parise Vincent Parise 6'0" | CG Desert Mountain | 2023 State AZ Desert Mountain (Firestorm White 16)
-A sharp shooting PG who can drive and find teammates. He sliced up the defense from deep with a pure stroke with range. He has a huge IQ and gets the ball out of his hands quickly.
Vincent Tedeschi Vincent Tedeschi 6'0" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State AZ Moon Valley (Firestorm Black 16)
-He had a couple good games and understands how to get his team involved. He can score with pull-ups off the dribble but it is his passing and court vision that sets him apart of some others. He has a nice burst and then will drop it off to a cutter. He uses his tight handle to go in and out to burst by and go into the lane to usually make a play.
Kaylan Norman Kaylan Norman 6'1" | SG Ridgeline | 2023 AZ Ironwood (Firestorm White 16)
-A thicker wing can score it through contact and shoot it off the catch-3. He uses his stronger body to get downhill with the best of them. He brings good physicality to the game and plays hard on both ends of the court.