Poplar Bluff Showdown: Standout Guards
The 32nd Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown was loaded with talented prospects and featured several guards in particular who got our attention. Here’s our rundown of our best overall, best slashers, and the sharpshooters from this great event. Best Overall: 6’3…
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Continue ReadingThe 32nd Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown was loaded with talented prospects and featured several guards in particular who got our attention. Here’s our rundown of our best overall, best slashers, and the sharpshooters from this great event.
Best Overall:
6’3 Sr Dominique Hardimon – Poplar Bluff
The prime example of position-less basketball, Dominique was a force to be reckoned with and led his team to a tournament title. Often times he was a one man show, grabbing the board and going coast to coast for finishes at the rim. He is strong, athletic, and refuses to be denied when he attacks the basket. He put up a tournament high 80 points over the weekend and was the only unanimous selection to the All-Tournament team. His best performance came on opening night where he battled through injury to pour in 34 points, 15 of which came in a dominant 4th quarter comeback.
6’0 So JoJo Hardimon – Poplar Bluff
JoJo may have risen his stock more than anyone over the weekend. After serving as a huge catalyst off the bench for the Mules in game 1, he was inserted into the lineup and was a key in Poplar Bluff’s title run. He pumped in 17 in the semi-finals against a quality Fayetteville team. He had 20 huge points in the championship game against a loaded Jonesboro team, highlighted by a poster-worthy jam. The versatile, dynamic guard certainly caught our attention. Don’t be surprised to see him fly up our rankings like he flies to the rim.
5’7 Sr Montrez Ward – Humoldt
Montrez can flat-out score the basketball and he wasted no time proving it in Poplar Bluff. In Humboldt’s opening night win over Kauffman, he dropped 24 in the first quarter including 6 three pointers. He is a knock-down shooter and despite his small frame he uses elite quickness and athleticism to get to the rim and is a crafty finisher. He had 76 total points in the tournament (2nd most overall) and was also named an All-Tournament selection.
6’2 Sr Dontae Horn – Kirby
Another All-Tournament Team selection, Dontae Horn was one of the more impressive guards at the Poplar Bluff Showdown. He has deep range and can knock it down from 3 in a number of ways. He has a strong pull-up mid-range game and can get to the rim and score off the bounce. He is the clear leader of his team and his shooting ability kept them right in the game with a talented Jonesboro team.
6’0 Sr Jhalen Hayes – Central
Jhalen took over their opening round game and nearly led his team to an upset win over the host Poplar Bluff. He showcased elite shooting ability knocking down 5 three-pointers and also mixed in some mid-range and transition buckets as well. When his team needs a bucket, he is the go-to-guy and he is not afraid of the moment.
Top Slashers/Athletes:
- 6’3 Sr Dominique Hardimon – Poplar Bluff
- 6’0 So JoJo Hardimon – Poplar Bluff
- 6’4 Jr Austin Garrett – Fayetteville
- 6’5 Sr Marcedus Leech – Jonesboro
- 6’3 Jr Shamar Pitts – Jonesboro
- 5’11 Sr Eric Brody – Christian County
Sharpshooters:
- 6’1 Sr Tyler Cline – Poplar Bluff
- 5’9 So Keyln McBride – Jonesboro
- 5’10 Jr Connor Barnett – Fayetteville
- 5’7 Sr Montrez Ward – Humboldt
- 6’0 Sr Jhalen Hayes – Central