SoCal Fall Prep Classic: Seven Dynamic Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ORANGE, Calif. — Gerry Freitas hosted his annual SoCal Fall Prep Classic at Santiago Canyon College over the weekend with a strong mix of high school and prep school programs from Southern California, Northern California, Arizona, Washington and New Mexico. We were in the gym for all 10 games Saturday and below we break down the most dynamic guards we saw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2484216"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144b40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker is a wired-to-score combo guard whose blend of smooth and explosive athleticism allowed him to get to his scoring spots with ease. The 6-foot-4 junior was effective in transition offense by using his broad shouldered frame to initiate, absorb and finish through contact around the rim. In the half-court setting, Walker created shots for himself in isolation and ball-screen situations and showed perimeter jump shooting consistency from three and mid-range levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2843567"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144ba8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a high energy and motor player whose open court speed and quick-twitch athleticism led to him getting downhill for paint touches in transition. The 6-foot-3 point guard showed explosive vertical athleticism and good body control on his at-rim finishing with finesse and power scoring in his arsenal. Smith showed continued improvements with his reads, recognition and passing ability as he develops his primary ball-handler and true point guard skill-set while not losing his ability to hit the stop-and-pop jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3688396"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144bf9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cunningham will take on more offensive responsibility as one of the most experienced returners to the JSerra lineup. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard didn't disappoint as he looked aggressive and confident with his shot creating and shot taking in the two games we watched. Cunningham was best when taking spot-up threes and off-dribble mid-range jumpers but also used his strong frame to power through defenders and score at the rim. In addition to increased shot-making responsibility, Cunningham will also shoulder a heavier load as a primary ball handler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2893813"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144c43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zeola will be the engine for Orange Lutheran's fast-paced, small-ball offense. When the 6-foot-2 combo guard has his shot going, there are only a few players in Southern California who can match his ability to score in bunches from behind-the-arc. Zeola has made strides as a ball-handler, creator and playmaker for himself and teammates and decision-maker with the ball in his hands. What always stands out about the junior is how he goes about competing during every possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2836474"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144c8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After watching Daniels twice Saturday I'd lean to him being more of a true point guard than a combo guard though he does have the ability to play on or off the ball. The 6-foot-1 junior is a quick and aggressive but controlled transition attacker who generates offense with his paint touch and kick consistency and ability to create out of early ball screens. Where Daniels excelled the most over the weekend was on the defensive end with his ability to speed players up with ball pressure and his quick hands and lateral speed leading to disruption.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3357253"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144cd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Simmons does a little bit of everything for Lincoln and it lends to his versatility and categorization as a "basketball player." The 6-foot-4 point guard is the primary initiator of offense for his team and an all-around hub of production as a scorer, passer, rebounder, and anything else you can think of that contributes to winning. Simmons is best when getting downhill and using his strong frame to score through contact but also has three-point shooting consistency off the catch and off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2436259"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abd46f144d18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Cal Baptist-bound shooting guard is one of the most prolific deep ball threats out west but continues to add to his offensive arsenal as a scorer and creator out of early ball screen action. Rasshan is still most effective as an off-ball movement shooter and spot-up threat as his quick release, balanced base and fundamental mechanics allowed him to get his shot off quickly - even as opposing defenses loaded up to try to stop him. The senior is trending up with his improved ball skills and processing and playmaking with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->