The Valley Jam: 2022 guards/wings

July 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ.  43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action for the second of the three July live periods.   Here were some 2022 guards/wings that stood out: Blessing Nwotite Blessing Nwotite 6'3" | SG Paradise Honors | 2022 State AZ Paradise Honors (Factory) -The rising senior keeps shooting it better and better each weekend. He splashed in many deep balls and covered the 1-3 on the opposing teams. He is a quick twitch athlete who is getting more comfortable shooting the ball. He still gets downhill and is a stud on the break who can play above the rim.   Jayson Petty Jayson Petty 6'4" | SF Phhoenix Prep | 2022 State AZ Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select Paynes 17) -A long wing can really sit down and defend. He defends PG’s better then most in the class. He can drop down and defend in the post as well. He loves the mid-range pull-up and he elevates high off the ground making it difficult to defend. He had a couple dunks in traffic and seems to be a glue guy who will hit shots and defend.   Nikko Pentelute Nikko Pentelute 6'1" | SG Gilbert | 2022 State AZ Gilbert (Prime Basketball) -A highly skilled guard has a huge IQ for the game and plays from the neck up. He has one of the better pull-up games off the dribble from mid-range. He makes catch-3’s and will carve his way to score through contact using his strong frame. His competitiveness and skill jump out when you watch him.    Jabar Wheatley Jr Jabar Wheatley Jr 6'3" | SG Taylor Made Prep | 2022 State AZ Taylor Made Prep (Team RHJ) -A powerful wing loves getting downhill with his athleticism and body control in the lane. He made shots from the perimeter showing more confidence and is a sneaky good passer.  Mark Clegg Jr Mark Clegg Jr 6'4" | SF Coolidge | 2022 State AZ Coolidge (AZ Junior Ballers) (Pictured)   -A versatile defender who can guard out on the perimeter and inside. He can make deep jumpers and get into the lane and score through contact with long strides. He has been one of the surprises of the off season.   Matias Kroese Matias Kroese 6'4" | SF Tucson Magnet | 2022 State AZ Tucson (Apex Athletix 2022 Black) -A versatile forward seems to keep improving. He is looking more fluid and polished with his skills to the 3pt line.  He will defend multiple positions and he can get to the rim with longer strides and score it through contact. He should be a mismatch problem all year long in Tucson.