Conner Watts Conner Watts 6'0" | PG Benilde St. Margaret's | 2027 State MN stepped up in the second half to help his Howard Pulley 16u team pull away from Gain Elite . He had some impressive finishes through contact, and was able to extend and finish away from his body to get his shots off over length around the basket. Showed a quick first step to catch and immediately blow by his defender to get downhill. The ball never seemed to stick in his hands, as he knew whether to drive or swing it as soon as the ball came his way. He looks ready to step into a bigger role for BSM as a junior.

-Smooth athlete, ran the 1-spot often

-Sweet AND1 score, falling down scoop shot, tough finish

-Controlled tempo

-Multiple steals

-Vertical cut, catch, finish

-Opportunistic loose ball pick-up steal

-Moves well, has handles & shake

-Transition assist

-Hit a 3-ball in the 2nd half

-Transition score in up-tempo, hang time finish with a hand in his face

-Helped the squad comeback in the 2nd half & get the W

Conner is a do-it-all point guard who can do just about anything a coach needs from him. Now a bit taller since his freshman season, he’ll look to step into an expanded role for BSM this winter. He defender the opposing team’s biggest scoring threat and was making every shot he took difficult. Good lateral quickness and effort to constantly pressure the ball. Offensively he’s able to get into dangerous areas on the floor to create for himself or teammates. Sees the floor well and has good touch on his floater to finish over size.

Conner was probably the fastest player I saw on Sunday, using that speed to make plays on both ends of the floor. He was playing great on-ball defense, constantly applying pressure on opposing guards. He was really fun to watch when getting out in transition, flying up the floor to get a score himself or find an open teammate for a good look. Watts is a three-level scorer, who is always looking to make a play when the ball is in his hands.

Playing against a team from out West, Watts was ready for the challenge on Sunday. He took great pride in his defense all day, and really held it down when the AZ Dragons went on a run to bring it within 2 with just under 8 minutes left to play. Super effective on-ball defense caused the ball handler to become flustered and throw the ball away, sparking fast breaks and transition opportunities. Watts also looked more comfortable with the ball compared to when I watched them earlier this summer, willing to attack the basket off the dribble and made a few contested buckets around the rim.

Conner had a tough quarterfinal matchup with Howard Pulley , but played with no fear whatsoever. He was fun to watch creating for himself using the dribble, being able to shake the defense to create space for jumpers. The 5’9” guard is also lightning quick and could outrun anyone on full speed layups in transition. Watts brings a lot of energy and competitiveness on both sides of the ball to any team he is a part of.