Grind Region Finals: 16U Standout Guards
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The Prep Hoops Circuit came to a conclusion this past weekend at the Grind Region Finals in Dallas. Some of the best grassroots programs from a variety of states took part in the event to see who would be crowned…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit came to a conclusion this past weekend at the Grind Region Finals in Dallas. Some of the best grassroots programs from a variety of states took part in the event to see who would be crowned Grind Region champions, with 68 teams competing in the 16U division. I was able to see a bunch of them in action, and will be highlighting standout prospects from the tournament throughout the week.
With that in mind, here are some of the best guards from the 16U division:
Brady Wolf | 2023 | 5’10’’ Combo Guard | Mo Thunder 2023 | Orchard Farm HS – Wolf is one of those guys who rarely makes unnecessary errors. He is poised whenever he is on the court and a steady contributor at both ends. The Orchard Farm guard was a great decision maker and consistently made winning plays, grinding it out with his on-ball pressure and balancing his responsibilities as a scorer and playmaker. He started his weekend off with a solid 13-point outing.
Morgan Lane | 2023 | 6’0’’ Combo Guard | Oklahoma Swarm Elite 2023 | Edmond Santa Fe HS – Lane is wired to score. He plays with an attitude on offense, fearlessly attacking the basket off the dribble and finishing through traffic and contact at the rim. The Edmond Santa Fe prospect didn’t care who was in front of him on Friday, splitting double teams and aggressively slashing to the hoop against anyone who guarded him. His intensity showed up on defense too. Lane was constantly annoying opposing ball handlers and hitting the deck for loose balls.
Jackson Prince Jackson Prince 6'0" | SG Duncanville | 2023 State TX | 2023 | 6’0’’ Combo Guard | Dallas Showtyme 2023 Rise | Duncanville HS – Prince operated as a three-point specialist for Duncanville when I saw him play with the reigning champions early this summer. However, he got to display his overall game this weekend at both guard spots. He was a knock-down shooter from deep as expected, but also showcased his ability to deliver accurate passes and handle the ball. The 2023 sniper finished his Saturday matchup with 15 points and contributed with his perimeter defense as well.
Darien Luke | 2024 | 6’2’’ Shooting Guard | Next Level Oklahoma 2023 | Bishop McGuinness HS – Luke played up in the 16U division and looked right at home doing so. He is a good athlete who floats in the air when leaving his feet and a solid finisher at the rim. He attacked poor closeouts and displayed a nice package of floaters and runners. The 2024 prospect knocked down some corner threes too, showing his overall offensive ability on Sunday with a 14-point performance. Furthermore, he was an engaged defender both on and away from the ball.
Zac Dunn | 2023 | 6’4’’ Shooting Guard | Team RUN 2023 | Casady HS – Dunn showcased his three-level scoring in his opening game of the event, having a productive night shooting off the dribble with pull ups from mid-range as well as a beautiful side-step three from the wing. The Casady shooting guard also did a good job playing the passing lanes on defense, jumping a pass for a steal and subsequently going coast-to-coast for a two-handed jam. He finished his night with 14 points.
Daqurion Barrow | 2023 | 6’0’’ Combo Guard | Family Elite 2023 | Maumelle HS – Barrow displayed tremendous athleticism at both ends of the floor. On offense, the Maumelle guard hung in the air for put back layups and elevated over the top for some crafty finishes at the basket. He showed that he can drill jumpers from mid to long-range too when spotting up. On defense, Barrow was responsible for a highlight-reel chase-down block that he swatted off the backboard, further exhibiting his leaping ability. He finished that outing on Saturday with 14 points.