Great Lakes Finals: Guards Commanding Attention

Guard play was a major storyline throughout the Great Lakes Finals weekend at Wintrust Sports Complex. Multiple backcourt prospects stood out with their ability to create offense, control tempo, and make winning plays with the ball in their hands. Here's a look at some of the guards who made an impact across the weekend.    Thicker-built combo guard who served as an initiator and high-tempo presence for Midwest Mayhem 16U. Thrived getting downhill, using his strength to take on contact and finish through defenders. Played with a high engine in transition and showed a burst of speed with the ball in his hands that put pressure on defenses. Also adds value as a three-point shooter, rounding out his offensive impact.     Bates is an engaging guard to watch with Geek Squad and fits well at the 17U level as a De La Salle product. Uses a quick jab in triple-threat situations to create separation and has the ability to attack off the dribble. Maintains a low, controlled handle that makes it difficult for defenders to strip him. Shows shooting range and provides value playing off the ball as well. Defensively, brings intensity with ball pressure and good timing to jump passing lanes.     Bigger-framed guard for Rise Up 16U (Canada) who plays with a calm, controlled approach. Creates offense in transition after reading passing lanes, going coast-to-coast for scoring opportunities. Shows playmaking ability with pass fakes, drive-and-dump-offs, and handoff actions that lead to scoring chances. Defensively active with help-side rotations, including timing blocks on drives and disruptive hands that knock the ball loose. Finishes above the rim with dunking ability and also shows accuracy as a perimeter shooter.     Pozzi is a leader on the court for [program_tooltip program_id='2956191' first='Slam' last='City Elite'], who brings a mature presence at the lead guard spot. Controls pace well, using change of speed to get downhill and create advantages at the rim. Finishes through traffic with room to grow, including floaters over bigs, spin moves, and adjustments around help defenders. Sees the floor and finds teammates when defenses collapse. Also provides a perimeter threat, capable of knocking down threes with a good rise.     Has been playing well throughout the spring and brings a physical approach on the floor, welcoming and competing through contact. Finishes through traffic with a strong drive game, including hop-step and spin moves to get to the rim. Shows the ability to find middle-of-the-floor passes when defenses collapse. Confidence as a scorer continues to grow, especially attacking off the dribble and making plays within the defense.     Wiry, up-tempo guard for TNT 17U who shows a good feel for getting to his spots in the halfcourt. Comfortable operating in the midrange, where he knocks down pull-ups, including spin fade jumpers and step-ins. Uses pace and footwork to create separation and get clean looks. Also a capable perimeter shooter, including spot-up threes from the corner. Finds teammates as well, delivering assists off back-cut action and showing a balance between scoring and playmaking.

Guard play was a major storyline throughout the Great Lakes Finals weekend at Wintrust Sports Complex. Multiple backcourt prospects stood out with their ability to create offense, control tempo, and make winning plays with the ball in their hands. Here's a look at some of the guards who made an impact across the weekend.