2023 Guards from the Circuit League II
Guards were at a premium during the Circuit League II at Drive Nation in Irving. While highly-touted guards like Keyonte George (Drive Nation EYBL) and Noah Shelby (Drive Nation 16U) were in the building, they were not the only story…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingGuards were at a premium during the Circuit League II at Drive Nation in Irving. While highly-touted guards like Keyonte George (Drive Nation EYBL) and Noah Shelby (Drive Nation 16U) were in the building, they were not the only story of the weekend. The Louisiana 2023 guards from LivOn Fleur-de-lis and other teams had the gym buzzing. By the time my basketball watching was done, Louisiana gained a different level of respect as they left Drive Nation.
Kam Johnson | 5’9″ | LivOn Fleur-de-lis | 2023
Most of the time that I have seen Johnson play, he has played off the ball because he can stroke it. However, his performance against the Louisiana Titans was a testament to his grit and determination to win. Johnson played the entire second half as the lead guard and refused to let his team lose. He patiently took his man to the hole using various dribble sequences to get to the rim. Johnson finished with either hand to the tune of 17 points (11 in the 2nd half). His second half was one that will be remembered by spectators for awhile.
Jaheim Johnson | 6’0″ | Louisiana Titans | 2023
While his team might not have come out victorious against LivOn, Jaheim Johnson put teams on notice that he was coming for them. Johnson does not have a fluid jumper so making outside shots is a rarity. What he does have is a lightening quick first step that can leave defenders in his wake. He will use a low, quick crossover to get defenders off balance and then blow by to the rim. Johnson knows how to use various angles and take contact at the rim. He established that his play in Jackson (MS) was not a fluke and that he will be a guard that is on the scene.
Derek Burditt | 6’2″ | LivOn Fleur-de-lis | 2023
Burditt was a corner three marksman during early games in which LivOn dominated their competition. He was also one of the catalyst in LivOn causing so many turnovers against their opposition. Burditt does not mind guarding people tightly and depends on quick hands, a long reach, and anticipation. No other instance displayed all of these traits more than the close of the game against the Louisiana Titans. Burditt took it upon himself to try and shut down Jaheim Johnson and found some success. He continues to do things like that and he will be seen by others.
Robert Youngblood | 6’2″ | LivOn Fleur-de-lis | 2023
Youngblood is a player who can fill a need when called upon. You need a wing shooter, he is there to oblige. If he is needed to rebound, he can do that too. What Youngblood does more than others is make winning plays. He got a crucial steal and bucket when the Louisiana Titans played them tightly. When other teams made small runs during their other games, he would always hit a three or a layup to increase the lead again. Youngblood has a knack for making big plays that count. He really helped LivOn in their time of need on Saturday and Sunday.
Dennis Hebert | 5’9″ | Louisiana Titans | 2023
Hebert came ready to play on Sunday. On Saturday, he played queitly off the ball and defending other smaller guards. During the contest with LivOn on Sunday, he was a different person. He had a couple of blocks from behind and he played great man-to-man and help defense on the LivOn post players. Hebert also shot the ball well from three draining five triples (19 points in all). He was spirited and played both sides of the ball well. Playing like that will get him many more opportunities going forward.
Warren Young, Jr. was another guard who showed that he had the game to play on the showcase level with his straight line drives and man-to-man defense. The class of 2023 in Louisiana is very gifted and talented. As these guards move into their high school season, watch for them to be on par with their peers in the classes of 2021 and 2022.