Team Preview: Hard2Guard 17U

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420181' first='Keegan' last='Paige'] - Faith Christian - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paige has excelled as an off-ball scorer who is still growing as a facilitator while attacking downhill. The 6'1 guard is an excellent shooter, contributing 37% of three point attempts, coming from the standstill jumper or flowing off of movement. He is multifaceted on offense, capable of leveraging his shooting gravity to score downhill, finishing with either hand in traffic. Through his senior season, the guard posted 17.2 points per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1285205' first='Master' last='Diggins'] - Faith Christian - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1432259,"width":135,"height":190,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/6BC94A1D-8512-4190-8FF5-24DAC70E6A28-rotated-e1657754687583.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/6BC94A1D-8512-4190-8FF5-24DAC70E6A28-rotated-e1657754687583.jpeg?w=725" alt="" class="wp-image-1432259" width="135" height="190" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1285205' first='Master' last='Diggins']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diggins is a box office prospect due to his obvious athleticism alongside the creative scoring ability off the bounce. At roughly 6'4, Diggins is more than capable of seeing above the defense and hitting rollers or backdoor cutters. The guard is athletic enough at hustling for highlight level defensive plays, even getting above the rim to block shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420186' first='Max' last='Vacco'] - Prospect Ridge Academy - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vacco is a knockdown shooter off the dribble, overall a well rounded backcourt scoring threat. The senior guard put up big numbers for 3A Prospect Ridge Academy, posting 22 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4.1 steals per game. Vacco brings constant energy getting downhill or intercepting passing lanes, aided by high level anticipation of opponent tendencies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1382625' first='Clete' last='Robinson'] - Denver North - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson runs the floor well for his size at roughly 6'6, bringing a uniquely perimeter focused skill set at his height. The defensive end is a notable area to watch for Robinson, proving capable guarding wings and some forwards.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='965779' first='Armon' last='Baker'] - Thomas Jefferson - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1589290,"width":211,"height":164,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/117-Armon-Baker-e1663541405227.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/117-Armon-Baker-e1663541405227.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1589290" width="211" height="164" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='965779' first='Armon' last='Baker']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker is a creative downhill scorer who stands fairly tall in the backcourt at roughly 6'3. There are few guards who have his combination of above average handle, first step, and height. Given his quick pace of play, Baker is adept finding shooters or baseline cutters should help arrive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578197' first='Mekhi' last='Jourdan'] - Colorado Prep - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jourdan possesses a quick crossover, capable leveraging it for pull-ups or downhill scoring opportunities. The guard has a smooth shot that may be leveraged under a variety of situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1754400' first='Tyree' last='Serff'] - Arapahoe - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1589327,"width":208,"height":156,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/159-Tyree-Serff-e1663540409296.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/159-Tyree-Serff-e1663540409296.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1589327" width="208" height="156" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Serff has shown raw strength in the backcourt while continuing to develop his jumper off the catch. After attacking the closeout, Serff is adept as finishing through contact with the right or left hand. He continues to develop the vertical athleticism, an area to monitor given his notable strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melvin Duarn - Bruce Randolph</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duarn was a notably efficient finisher inside the arc through his senior season. Posting 25.2 points and 8 rebounds a game, the guard is constantly searching for open lanes or loose balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='972415' first='JJ' last='Williams'] - South Kent Prep - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is a knockdown shooter who brings sturdy defense against multiple positions. The 6'5 guard provides notable strength, more than capable of battling for rebounds versus 1-3. His growth as a versatile scorer on all three levels will be worth keeping tabs on through the summer and his new program at South Kent Prep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vladi Contreras - Home School - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Contreras possesses a strong frame, best utilized as an interior defender although he is still developing his footspeed to match up on the perimeter. The senior is yet another intriguing forward with a moldable frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1285143' first='Desmond' last='Marshall'] - Northglenn - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall provides impactful hustle plays while standing right around 6'5. His progression of off-ball shotmaking will be worth keeping tabs on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->