Championship Sunday: Solid Rock’s High Octane Guards
Championship Sunday brought out the heavy hitters to Solid Rock to compete for the right at being titled, “champs.” I handled court 2 duties and with that there were some standouts. Here are my top guards on the day. Recko…
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Continue ReadingChampionship Sunday brought out the heavy hitters to Solid Rock to compete for the right at being titled, “champs.” I handled court 2 duties and with that there were some standouts. Here are my top guards on the day.
Recko Bailey – Gateway
Bailey was a top guard that stood out as he had an incredible first half. In the half he showed tough defense as he is a player that sets the tone on that end of the floor. His hard-nosed defense with full court man to man pressure allowed him a few steals and open looks. He also looked to get his showing a smooth shooting stroke. He penetrated the defense got to the rim and had a couple finished with contact. He did not play much in the second half but had solid production while he was on the court finishing with 12 points and two steals in the game.
Jack Johnson — Kansas Pray N Play
Johnson was easily on his way of having one of the most impressive games of the day from a guard standpoint until his foot got stepped on and derailed any chance of him playing for the rest of the day. PNP really needed him desperately in their biggest game of the day. He was huge in Pray N Play’s victory early morning as he showcased he is a solid ball handler that is able to get his from the top of the key. He excels in iso situations and runs the pick and roll to perfection as he reads the defense to either get to the rim and score or pass out of the switch. He is an elite ball handler that breaks the defender down and he created off of the dribble. What seperates him from other guys is his ability to shoot in transition as he is excellent in the open court. His 15 points were needed as Kansas Pray N Play was one of the most complete teams with great size and also guard play led by Johnson.
Ethan Scott — Team Buddy Buckets Elite
Scott is a young guard with a mature and complete game. He is the ultimate floor general that is also great in off-ball duties as he is always moving and finding the open spot. In Buddy Buckets first win of the day he played a ton of ball and his teammates made sure they found him as he showed a smooth shooting stroke and ability to knock down jumpers consistently. He finished with 17 points while knocking down five 3-pointers in the game, He ran in transition, came off of screens ready to shoot, found the gaps in the defense and also showed he is able to knock down shots from anywhere on the court. He was one of the best shooters on the day and plays with a high basketball IQ. He also showcased he is an elite defender that plays beyond his size who pushes the ball offensively. He is difficult to defend.
Tye Cunningham – Arkansas Athletes Outreach
Cunningham had himself a day and Arkansas Athletes Outreach understands that they are champions of 14U behind their best player. He was able to put it all together and had himself a complete game in the championship as he finished with a game-high 22 points. He took over in the game as he knocked down floaters, jumpers and also drove to the basket. He finished over taller defenders and was relentless on the glass. Cunningham has a real feel for the game and a high basketball IQ. He was the primary ball handler but was able to create for himself. He also had some impacting passes as he kept his head on a swivel to find the open man. He was a dual threat that Arkansas Athletes went through and is the main reason that they are champions. Solid day overall and player to keep and eye on moving forward.
Daylon Andrews — BTR
Andrews proves to be a confident shooter and floor leader for this BTR squad. He knocked down multiple shots and also distributed to open things up on the floor. He used his size to get what he wanted and the game seems to slow down for him. He has a great change of pace game and vision that bodes well for the offense. He rebounded well and played with pace. He was aggressive in the first half scoring a ton before falling back in the second half to run the offense. He did not force too much offensively and was within the offense as he finished with 13 points and seven assists. He is a player that will have to remain aggressive offensively as he is one of the better players on his team but when he is on he is a game changer.