Midwest Collision: Top Guards
Guards were key in the clutch moments of this weekend. Every guard on this list played a lead role on their rosters this weekend. Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI –…
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Continue ReadingGuards were key in the clutch moments of this weekend. Every guard on this list played a lead role on their rosters this weekend.
Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI – Wisconsin Crusaders – 2023: One of those players that improves every single tournament. On Saturday, he showed his resilience. Despite being down for most of the second half, he clawed back and fought in the paint for his buckets. He finished with 31 very well-earned points, impressing the flock of college coaches that showed up for his game.
AJ Lieuwen – Team 1848 – 2023: In my first time scouting him, AJ proved he has the firepower to go back-and-forth with some of the states best guards. Against Crusaders, he scored around 18 points, and capped off his game with clutch free throws to seal the lead making it look like no big deal. He made advanced moves look routine and big-time threes look like practice.
Aiden Blackmon – ABC Young Lions – 2022: You immediately see Blackmon’s finesse, which was on full display Saturday afternoon. Had a pure step back jumper that turned some heads. Overall had a really solid shooting performance, but killed the opposing team with his relentless attacking and efficiency around the cup. He had 18 points in his game on Saturday.
Caleb Chavers – Example Sports – 2024: A 2024 player with polish and IQ well beyond his years. Not very often you see such shrewd decision-making from a player this young. Always one to make the extra pass. He could whip a pass through the lane to an open teammate on the block or immediately hit an outlet pass in transition. Had the play of the day on Friday with a flashy spin move then a no-look pass setting up a teammate. Makes great decisions scoring the ball, too. Had some pull-up mid-range looks and sharp drives to the rim.
Vincent Vanderfest – Team 1848 – 2023: The spark plug for Team 1848 in their upset win over Crusaders. Turned it on when both teams traded buckets down the stretch. Finished a few and-ones and tough contested layups. I like what he brings to the table with his size. Already difficult to handle as a bigger backcourt player, he also brings quality finishing skills and isolation chops.
Conner Barney – Starks Elite – 2022: Explosive guards can turn a defense into jelly, and that’s exactly what Barney did. He sliced into the paint play after play and used his athleticism to finish. He’s shown impeccable body control jumping off two feet. When he wanted to get to a spot, he got there with ease.