The Challenge: Eye-Popping Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Challenge featured over 100 games with Prep, public, and private schools going head-to head over 2 days in York, PA! Talent was displayed all over the gym, and this article will cover some of the area's top performing guards from the high-level event. Let's dive in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2453752"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e47d48a755d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gavin was instrumental in his attack this weekend offensively. His jumpshot and range remained consistent throughout the weekend. He really looked the part of a lead guard manning the bulk of the offense. Gavin was effective both on and off of the ball alongside backcourt mate J. Hall. I was impressed with his versatility and effectiveness on both sides of the ball. Slashed to the rack hard off the dribble when he wasn't left open to shoot. Always amongst the team's top scorers by the end of each game. Very productive weekend for Gavin game in and game out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2954436"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e47d48a75cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2954436' first='Gavin' last='Edwards'] has been putting his name on the map this summer and fall season with his dynamic play both offensively and defensively. Gavin spent a large part of Sunday in the backcourt collecting steals from his superb ball pressure. Finished a multitude of breaks from just stripping the ball away from the opposition during their early offense. He made it very difficult for the opponent to operate comfortably with the ball. He showed a nice touch on his jumpshot, and shot it well when shooting the ball in rhythm. Very impressive play from the senior Catonsville guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2148719"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e47d48a766d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mekhi showed well with his new squad Sunday. He was all over the court on both ends, flying to the ball defensively and getting to the paint at will with the ball. I always enjoy watching the heart that Mekhi plays with no matter the game situation. He took the lead and was clearly the go-to option for the Pioneer offense. Made some strong drives to the rim muscling the defense off and also made his jumpshots when left space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2983884"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2983886,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e47d48a76d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ja'Zyere was one of my most eye-catching performers of the day when catching SMCA once again on Saturday. He's an athletic wing that can do it all offensively. Thompson has a high IQ out on the perimeter that allows him to see and create plays that others on the floor can't Great size as a guard and showed a true feel for the game, driving the ball and kicking when necessary, taking the right shots and making the right passes. His defense helped the team turn defense to offense at a high rate with his length and activity in the passing lanes. Ja'Zyere seemed to be on a differnet level Saturday that helped the Mustangs take charge at The Challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2639997"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2983921,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e47d48a7734"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gabe has been buzzing all summer with his consistent output as the No. 1 option for John. F. Kennedy. He impressed our scout team yet again with his potent scoring ability. Gabe got to the line with consistency when he decided to attack the basket, and converted more times then not. Made the defense pay going under ball screens with his effectiveness pulling up for 3 off the dribble. Gabe really has transformed his offensive game into a versatile and complete game. His defense was impressive as well, scouting the passing lanes with precision and grabbing steals through each game. I expect to see a 1st-Team type of season from the underrated combo guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2731617"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e47d48a7796"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ellis jumped out immediately while watching Calvert Hall play at The Challenge. He was a go-to option for the team and they looked to him to create offense on the floor consistently. While Ellis was a problem for the defense on the perimeter with his handle and quick first-step, he could also mix it up and take the ball inside and go up strong. I was impressed to see the efficiency and versatility from the floor. He stretched out to the wing and knocked down his catch-and-shoot opportunities consistently. Ellis was elusive with the ball and could put the ball on the floor and get into the paint. Was impressed with his strength and effectiveness in the paint amongst the bigs. Excited to see how how Ellis shapes out with his natural skill already with 3 seasons left to play at high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->