Mile High Hoops Showcase: Potent Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2138452' first='Brandon' last='Matchem II'] - Rock Canyon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matchem is a prolific shotmaker along the perimeter, possessing deep range on the jump shot. Stretching out to the volleyball line on multiple occasions, the guard possesses a compact form that may be leveraged off the dribble or on spot-up attempts. Although an excellent shooter, Matchem is an impactful facilitator, rarely turning the rock over throughout the event. He was composed while exploring inside the paint, comfortable feeling contact before exploding towards the basket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2048138' first='Evo' last='Montoya'] - Kent Denver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montoya is among the best facilitators from this event, leading the event at 6 assists per game. The guard had the ball on a string going either direction, adept at finding teammates in scoring position. He was especially active finding teammates on outlets, not only locating but effectively timing those passing opportunities. He did well controlling the pace no matter the situation, effective as slowing things down to survey the floor. This all comes on top of his shotmaking ability, capable of rising up into jumpers off the bounce.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2120958' first='Tyson' last='Smith'] - Douglas County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":2149084,"width":338,"height":222,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/IMG-0484-1-rotated-crop-2577x1692-1693936972.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/IMG-0484-1-rotated-crop-2577x1692-1693936972.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2149084" style="width:338px;height:222px" width="338" height="222" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2120958' first='Tyson' last='Smith']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith brings grit at the lead guard position, proving to be one of the more assertive perimeter defenders from the event. He was especially quick laterally, possessing quick hips to change directions while walling off the lane. Along with his defensive prowess against opposing guards, Smith showed capabilities as a shooter and finesse scorer. Effective getting to his floater through traffic, the guard is not fazed by incoming contests. His soft touch on shot attempts stretches out beyond the three point line, possessing comfortability on the jumper off movement.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brody Shepherd - Denver South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shepherd is a consistent playmaker, possessing a knockdown jumper under a variety of circumstances. The guard was a potent shotmaker, possessing a quick release even while relocating and adjusting his position. Given his immediate shooting gravity, Shepherd does well luring opponents out to the perimeter, allowing more space for driving lanes or cutting teammates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jayden Morrissey - Pueblo South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morrissey brings value as a downhill scoring threat, possessing refined ball moves that created him space on the attack. Either through hesitations and retreat dribbles, the guard did well luring opponents before exploding downhill. Morrissey's high release on the pull-up jumper allows him to comfortably step into shot attempts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2163840' first='Ian' last='Kalenzi'] - Peak to Peak</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":2149093,"width":328,"height":215,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/IMG-0486-rotated-crop-2577x1692-1693937074.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/IMG-0486-rotated-crop-2577x1692-1693937074.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2149093" style="width:328px;height:215px" width="328" height="215" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2163840' first='Ian' last='Kalenzi']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalenzi brings value as a dynamic playmaker, capable as a finesse finisher under duress. The guard showed value getting to his floater, capable of getting it up high above taller contests. Kalenzi does well letting the game come to him, possessing patience waiting for the defense to get out of position before attacking. Already a capable shotmaker beyond the arc or along the mid-range, Kalenzi boasts a refined skill set at his age.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2138433' first='Rashad' last='Austin'] - Northfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austin is a fantastic playmaker, having the ball on a string while boasting notable quickness attacking the rim. He boasts a wide reach that allows him to get downhill with ease off a couple dribbles. He will be an impactful prospect at Northfield from the jump, adding to an already deep roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->