July Recap: Best of the Rest (Part 1)
Recently, we released a list of the top 5 performers of the live period in July. In addition to those performers, many others had good showings in the live period. The list below is the first of the best of the rest performers from July.
July’s Best of the Rest
Quentin Guilford 6’5 SG/SF 2018 Liberty (Factory)
Guilford is the most improved player in the state. At times last year, he showed what he was capable of doing. However, this summer, he showed exactly what it is that he can do. He is a great athlete with length and an ability to shoot it from deep. He attacks well off of the dribble and can create for himself as well as others. Further, his motor has improved. He is starting to make effort and hustle plays due to his ability to cover ground in a hurry.
Emmanuel Taban 6’7 SG/SF 2019 Apollo (Factory)
Due to the injury of D’Maurian Williams, Taban played a lot of point guard for the Factory this July. He will most likely be the primary ball handler for Apollo this next season due to the departures of Holland Woods and Dre Marin. In the past, he has been a knock down shooter on the wing who brings length on the defensive end. This summer, he showed that he can attack off of the dribble and create around the rim. His stock is only going to continue to rise as everyone wants a versatile player can play multiple spots.
Trey Wood 6’8 PF/C 2018 Anthem Prep (PowerHouse Hoops Black 17U)
Wood averaged near 20 and 10 while playing in the Under Armour series, per the team’s twitter account. Most big men take a little bit more time to come into their own. Wood had a strong season last year. However, he appears to be reaching another level with his strong play with July. His lengthy and competes at a high level which allows him to win a lot of the 50/50 balls.
Trent Brown 6’0 PG 2019 Pinnacle (AZ Power Black 16U)
Brown was apart of a team that had great success on the Adidas Gauntlet. Moreover, he was a key contributor to the success of the team. He has always been a knock down shooter who has a high basketball IQ. However, he has improved his ability to get into the paint. When he gets past the first defender, he has a good feel for the help side defense and finds the open man. Pinnacle appears ready to have a big year and has to be the 6A favorite with the play of Brown and Mannion this July.
Evan Nelson Evan Nelson 6'1" | PG Salpointe | 2020 State #184 Nation AZ 6’3 PG 2020 Salpointe (PowerHouse Hoops Black 16U)
Nelson and co. had a very impressive July. He has began earning high level NCAA Division I interest due to his solid play. Many college coaches love this prospect due to the length that he brings to the point guard position. He is a capable shooter who can get into the paint at will. He can also guard multiple positions on the defensive end. Nelson has a high ceiling that he does not appear to have even come close to hitting.