Maryland/DC/VA Summer Stock Boosters: 2021 Guards (Part 2)
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 2021 guards that have emerged from the rest as a result of that.
5’9 PG Cole Hanin | Team Durant/Bullis (MD)
Cole Hanin continues to show that he can play the point guard position at a high level with solid play on both ends of the floor. He does a good job of controlling the tempo, first and foremost, with his defense. Hanin makes it an emphasis to pick up his man full court after made baskets. Another area of the game in which he excels, along with his skill set, is his decision making. Hanin demonstrates good knowledge of the game and thinks quickly on his feet.
5’8 PG Guy Fauntleroy | Team Takeover/St. John’s (DC)
Guy Fauntleroy is developing nicely into a more reliable lead guard. He has always had a nice tight handle and good athleticism to go along with crafty finishing abilities, but in the last few months he has shown the ability to run a team more efficiently. Fauntleroy has learned how to change speeds; using his pace as an advantage. When you consider that along with the fact that he is knocking down perimeter jumpers with some consistency, most of his opponents have had a tough time matching up.
6’0 PG Darius Johnson | Team CP25/Episcopal (VA)
Darius Johnson was one of the best prospects we saw on any 15U division team throughout the grassroots season. His skill set and physical attributes are impressive, but he also has good feel and is very good defensively. Look for Johnson to make continuous strides forward throughout this sophomore year at Episcopal.
6’2 PG Jao Ituka | Team STAT/Gaithersburg (MD)
To be quite frank, Jao Ituka has looked like a man among boys in most settings this summer. At just age 14, he is standing out against elite level competition of all levels. Ituka made his mark at the Maryland Team Camp, and at the UA Challenge in Atlanta. We will certainly plan to continue monitoring his progress and provide future updates.
5’8 PG Jason Nelson | Team Loaded VA/Varina (VA)
Jason Nelson is not to be slept on among a team that boasts plenty of size. At 5-foot-8, he is proving himself as a no brainer scholarship level lead guard who was an integral factor to his team’s 40-0 run. Did we mention that Nelson won a state championship as a freshman?