Hard Work Live: Top Combo and Shooting Guards (SEA Verona)

Many of the top 17U and, especially, 16U teams at Hard Work Live played at the Sports Enhancement Academy Verona complex. I, too, was there all weekend!

Here are the standout guards who impressed with their scoring, efficiency, and/or defense:

Kenneth Sallee (2020) | 6-4 | The Work Foundation 17U / Crane (IL)

Sallee has great size for a 2-guard and likes to use his strength advantage when attacking the basket. Showed skill in traffic. Very good defender who plays physically and stays attached to his man. Promising wide frame. Should fit in at an NAIA or D-II program. 

Jesse Lawson Jr. (2021) | 6-2 | Michigan Majors 16U / Clarkston (MI)

The first thing that struck us about Lawson was his effort. The Majors came out in a trapping press and the combo guard was all over the floor — thanks to both his speed and effort. His activity never slowed down, either.

Lawson also proved to be rather skilled. Shoots the ball very well when he has space. Able to get to the rim and has a nice side-to-side crossover game. The lefty is very smooth and elusive in traffic. Lawson can score the ball, but he likes to keep it moving, making quick decisions when he didn't take it to the rim. 

Cooper Laufenburger (2021) | 6-4 | Wear Out the Net 16U / Lakeville North (MN)

Laufenburger is a prototypical D-II guard prospect who doesn't blow you away with speed, yet really impresses as a shooter and decision-maker. Scores the ball efficiently — looks for one- or two-dribble pull-ups after a jab step or pump fake. If the shot isn't there, Laufenburger makes the simple pass and he knows how to enter it into the post. Moves without the ball and showed an understanding for spacing. Great rhythm and pace to his game and he doesn't need much space to shoot. Provides rebounding as a big 2-guard.

Nikko Landon (2019) | 6-2 | Fundamental U Grey 17U / Loyola Academy (IL)

The unsigned senior was both stronger and more composed than others who shared the floor with him. Long, big arms, which proved useful in defending forwards when he switched onto them — Landon kept them away from the rim with his strength. The combo guard uses speed to get into the paint and is capable of making a pass or scoring it in traffic. Could be an energetic, reliable role player for a small college program. 

Ryan Evans (2019) | 6-0 | All In Chicago 17U / Loyola Academy (IL)

One of the best defenders to pass through Verona all weekend, Evans beat quick ball-handlers to their spots and picked pockets. Quick defensive hands. Evans caused several turnovers with full-court ball pressure, too. Very quick athlete who elevated for a couple rebounds in traffic. 

Evans can also score it off the bounce in the mid-range. Creates separation with few dribbles and can shoot off the bounce. 

Leondre Townsen (2019) | 6-5 | Illinois Vipers 17U / Corliss (IL)

Townsen was one of the best two athletes I saw this weekend. But the unsigned senior shooting guard can play, too! 

Prolific athlete that wowed the crown by finishing several lobs, throwing down a pair of windmills, and pinning help-side rejections around the top of the square. Long, lean athlete who explodes off the floor. Townsen has tools that you cannot teach, but he's also unselfish with the ball and can shoot it with distance off the dribble. High-arching shot that is especially effective after a right-to-left crossover move. Good passer. 

Townsen — who should be a no-brainer for D-II and NAIA programs — reopened his recruitment just last week, de-committing from a D-III. 

Tyriel Nelson (2019) | 6-1 | Illinois Vipers 17U / Providence Saint Mel (IL)

Nelson is a skilled slasher who can play either guard spot. Impressed with an elusive behind-the-back gather in transition. Very fast kid who likes to push tempo. Nelson is a capable shooter from outside, too. Takes a lot of chances at the ball while defending and found success poking the ball out from behind on Sunday. His aggressiveness on defense also paid off in transition, where he came up with late steals. 

Manny Montgomery (2020) | 6-4 | Rip City 17U / Thomas Jefferson (MN)

Imposing athlete at the 2-guard spot whose best ball is ahead of him. Montgomery is raw but does a couple things very well, including scoring around the basket. Attacks the rim with power and has crafty foot-work when he picks up his dribble around the block. Very athletic build and makes small guards uncomfortable with defensive pressure. In general, Montgomery can really defend. Score-minded player who gets tunnel vision when slashing.