#GrindSznKickoff Solid Rock Day 1 Standouts: 17U Guards
The GrindSzn Kickoff got started on Friday evening and if this is what we have to get used to for the weekend — buckle up. Oklahoma City had some of the best players from across the states come together to…
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Continue ReadingThe GrindSzn Kickoff got started on Friday evening and if this is what we have to get used to for the weekend — buckle up. Oklahoma City had some of the best players from across the states come together to compete in a tournament and there were some solid standouts on the day. Here are the top guards I witnessed on the day.
Cameron Glover — Alabama Celtics
Glover was one of the first guards that caught my eye and really stood out. He is an elite defender that made it a point to guard the opposing guard tough and pushed them. On offense he was a player that used his quickness and strength to get to the rim where he got some easy baskets. He started out the game slow as he was getting a feel for the other team but once he got going he was loose in the second half and stood out as a solid floor general.
Xavier Robinson — All Arkansas Red
Robinson is a true competitor that provides energy and is a tough guard that goes at you for the whole game. He used his stature to overpower defenders and get to the rim at will. He had a few tough finishes in the game, is very active and every time the opposing team went on a a run he responded with a big play of his own. He plays with poise, ran the offense and was a playmaker that had a solid first half. Going forward he will have to remain aggressive for the duration of the game as he opens things up for this Arkansas team.
Zhuric Phelps — Texas Impact
One of the pass-first point guards of the day that showed incredible leadership and poise was Phelps. He went after every single defender that they threw out of him and has a very high IQ. He has nice size for point guard which allows him to pick the defense apart. He is mature for a player playing up a year, does not force the issue although he makes things happen, is versatile as he is the primary ball handler that can also play off ball and in the game he stood out as one of the top players on the day that put his team in some great situations. Solid leader with great upside.
Kaimen Lennox — Team KC Black
Lennox is a guard that showed resiliency early. He was getting pressed, the opposing team was giving him different looks and the other team rallied early on but it was Lennox that kept KC Black in the game. He played under control and also carried the scoring load early as he went into the half with 10 points to lead the way. He got to the rim, spaced the floor and also got others involved. He showed that he is able to score from anywhere on the floor and although his second half was not as strong as the first he allowed his team to hang around. Lennox is a player to keep an eye on in Oklahoma.
Melvin Holloway — Texas Elite
Size is only a word when it comes to some players as Holloway plays well beyond his size. He is a player that competes on both ends of the floor and does not have many flaws. He is a confident guard that sees the floor well, is a floor general that gets others involved and although his shot was not falling he was creating in multiple ways to get himself going in other ways. He got to the rim better than other guards on the day in what had to be one of the top games of the day. He finished with the trees, finished through contact and showcased his ability to space the floor. Holloway is a guard that is also a verbal leader that the team rallied behind and as long as he gets going this Texas Elite team is going to be one that can really make some noise for the weekend. Look for him to have an explosion before the tournament is up.