Grit Region Memorial Classic: 2024 Michigan Standout Guards
In a weekend full of talent and good games, some players stood out over the rest. I saw games from players in 6 different states throughout the weekend, so in the second article of my new series, we look at…
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Continue ReadingIn a weekend full of talent and good games, some players stood out over the rest. I saw games from players in 6 different states throughout the weekend, so in the second article of my new series, we look at the 2024 standout guards from the state of Michigan for the Grit Region Memorial Classic in Columbus. Let’s get started.
Rocco Breslin – 5’9″ PG – LevelUp Basketball Red (Flat Rock)
Breslin is a smaller point guard who has good touch around the rim. He is a smooth finisher and showed off a nice little scoop in the lane with his left hand. He also set up his teammates a couple times as well.
Austin Deal – 6’0″ PG – Puma 1of1 Elite Black (Harper Woods)
Deal is an unselfish point guard who ran the offense well. He has nice touch around the rim and can finish well, especially in transition. He did struggle with decision-making at times, but this should improve with experience. All in all, it was a solid performance by Deal on Saturday morning.
Josh Durham – 6’4″ SG – Puma 1of1 Elite White (Uprep)
Durham is a bigger guard who can play both the 2 and the 3. The first thing that stuck out about Durham was his shooting ability. He has a smooth shot stroke, never hesitates to put a shot up, has unlimited range, and was knocking down everything on the catch and shoot. He hit four threes in this one when he took his time, and he was about 0-4 on shots that he rushed. If he can slow down the game and just keep his shot in rhythm, he will be a much better shooter. Durham also can sky for rebounds, and he sees the court really well for a guy at 6’4”. Look for Durham to make a splash across the state in the coming years, especially if he can just slow the game down in his head.
Braylon Isom Braylon Isom 6'1" | SG Saginaw Heritage | 2024 State MI – 6’3″ SG – Puma 1of1 Elite Black (Saginaw Heritage)
Isom is a bigger and strong shooting guard who played very well on Saturday morning. He has a solid three point stroke and knocked down multiple. He also uses his strength to get into the lane and threw one down on the fastbreak. Isom had 20 in the win and has a lot of talent and skill in his game.
Lukas Johnson – 6’1″ SG – LevelUp Basketball Red (Monroe)
Johnson is a smooth, physical guard who has a lot of skill in his game. He is smooth around the rim and is never going to shy away from contact inside. He also has the ability to knock it down from the outside. Possibly the best thing that he showed in this game though was his passing. He was setting his teammates up very well and playing unselfishly. This makes his a fun player to watch.
Beck Kukiela – 5’10” SG – LevelUp Basketball Black (Ida)
Kukiela is a smaller guard who plays a physical style of game. He is very good around the rim and knows how to finish through contact. He also plays physical and aggressive defense. He was the leading scorer for LevelUp in this one and seemed to just get anything he wanted in the paint.
Ethan Layton – 5’8″ PG – LevelUp Basketball Red (Dundee)
Layton is a small guard who uses his quickness and scrapiness to make plays. He is very quick and can finish with either hand on the inside. He is also an extremely physical player. He goes strong to the hoel every time and always hustles and fights for loose balls and rebounds.
Deshaun Richardson – 5’11” PG – LevelUp Basketball Black (Monroe)
Richardson is a smaller guard who loves to create. He has very nice ball handling and moves well with the ball. He tries to create constantly and can knock it down from the outside, finish in transition, and hit a floater in the lane. In addition to scoring it in many ways, he hustles every time on the defensive end.
Jay Young – 5’9″ PG – Puma 1of1 Elite White (Harper Woods)
Young is a smaller point guard who did it on both ends for Puma 1of1 Elite White on Saturday. He has a good-looking outside shot and is very smooth on the catch and shoot. He also read passing lanes very well coming up with at least three steals.