Maryland/DC/VA Summer Stock Boosters: 2019 Guards (Part 1)
We spent most of June and July on the road evaluating prospects from the DMV at various events, and now its time to take a look back at what we’ve learned. Here we begin by taking a look at some of the players who’ve helped themselves with consistently strong play over the summer. In this edition we highlight five class of 2019 guards that have done just that. Special thanks to Open Look Analytics for providing all advanced stats referenced below.
5’11 PG RAHSAAN EDWARDS | NEW WORLD/ST. MARIA GORETTI
After a breakout performance at Hoop Group Team Camp, Rahsaan Edwards solidified himself as not just a scholarship level lead guard, but a legitimate division one prospect. The skilled and extremely crafty floor general, who displays good vision and toughness, should begin to see his recruitment expand after a consistently productive summer. Edwards recorded an assist rate of 22.6 on the Adidas Gauntlet to lead New World.
6’2 PG JAMES BISHOP | TEAM THRILL/MOUNT ST. JOSEPH
When considering a list of the best shooters in the country, the list is simply not complete without mention of James Bishop. Power five schools are beginning to prioritize the skilled southpaw, who is considered an elite shot maker, but is also improving as a playmaker. Bishop lead Team Thrill in Steal% (2.9%), Offensive Rating (116.6), and was second in Effective Field Goal% (57.4%), True Shooting% (61.0%), Assist Rate (18.2%), 3PT% (40.6%), and FT% (86.7%).
5’11 PG EVAN BUCKLEY | DC PREMIER/STONE BRIDGE
Evan Buckley is one of the most reliable lead guards you will find, and finds ways to produce with incredible efficiency. Not only is he a knock down shooter, but he takes care of the ball, and is not a liability on the defensive end. Buckley had the lowest usage rate on DC Premier (13.8%), which simply means he possessed the ball for less time than the other players. This is evidence that he is a quick decision maker. He finished either first or second in Effective Field Goal Percentage (56.3%), True Shooting Percentage (59.6%), Turnover Rate (11.0%), and FT% (90%), which indicates just how precise his overall game is.
6’3 PG ANTHONY HARRIS | TEAM TAKEOVER/PAUL VI
Anthony Harris brings the best of both worlds to either guard spot. His ability to defend the opposing team’s best wing players, but also put the ball in the hole consistently and efficiently from all over the court are desirable traits. At 6-foot-3, he plays much bigger than his listed height, and brings high level intangibles to any team. His willingness to work hard and communicate become contagious amongst his teammates, and provide them with energy. Harris shot 46.2% from three, which was by far best among all TTO guards.
6’0 PG PHILLIP JORDAN | MID ATLANTIC SELECT/ST. ALBANS
If Phillip Jordan hasn’t made you a believer by now, he will by the end of the high school season. The high IQ point guard out of St. Albans was rock solid on both ends of the court throughout his final grassroots campaign with Mid Atlantic Select. Expect Jordan to fully cement himself as a sure fire division one guard prospect within the next few months.