Prep Hoops Hustle Region Finals: Underrated guards
We’re two weeks removed from the Prep Hoops Hustle Region Finals, but we still have plenty to talk about. Today, I’m looking at some of the more under-the-radar performers, especially guards who helped their teams get wins. Prep Hoops Hustle…
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Continue ReadingWe’re two weeks removed from the Prep Hoops Hustle Region Finals, but we still have plenty to talk about. Today, I’m looking at some of the more under-the-radar performers, especially guards who helped their teams get wins.
Prep Hoops Hustle Region Finals: Underrated guards
Mason Juergens, 6-2 2023 G, Roots Academy
While his back court mates Luke Brewer and Parker Gerrits got most of the acclaim, Juergens had a solid weekend in his own right. The Olympian combo guard is a physical on-ball defensive presence who reads passing lanes well to collect steals. Offensively, he is a solid catch-and-shoot threat and scores off straight line drives at the rim.
Adrian Marquez, 6-2 2022 G, Splash City AAU
Marquez came off the bench and knocked down threes off the catch to give Splash City the floor spacer it need. He does a good job sprinting off of screens and hustling off flare screens and gets his feet set to the basket, and his release is quick and fluid. Not just a shooter though, Marquez is a solid secondary ball handler who can get a team into an offensive set.
Brandin Jackson, 6-0 2022 G, Genesis Hoops
Jackson, a wiry, cat-quick point guard prospect, lived in the paint and, once he got going, made some very acrobatic finishes around the basket, including two through contact. But before finishing the game scoring 12 second-half points, Jackson used his dribble penetration to create open looks for Genesis’ shooters, delivering crisp passes. Defensively, Jackson’s quickness and active hands were on display as he turned over opposing guards at a high rate.
Jackson Bernardo, 6-2 2022 G, Genesis Hoops
Bernardo’s game reminds me of a high school Manu Ginobli. Not predicated on athleticism, Bernardo carved up teams with high superior feel and craftiness off the dribble, collecting near double-digit assists. A very good rebounder, Bernardo was able to initiate transition offense by hitting the glass and advancing the ball with crisp outlets. He’s among the more underrated playmakers in So Cal in his class.
Quinton Christmon, 5-9 2024 G, Utah Force
My colleague Devin Ugland raved about Christmon’s playmaking, defense and shooting and he showcased all three in a game against Roots Elite. He made defenders pay for going under screens by knocking down threes from well beyond high-school range. An efficient playmaker, Christmon doesn’t waste extra dribbles when playing in the pick and roll or in transition. And defensively, he slides his feet and plays solid position defense.
Orlando Gonzales, 6-1 2022, Arizona Select Showtime
Gonzales, who plays for PHH Prep, plays with excellent pace. Never getting sped up, Gonzales gets to his spots in the midrange and knocks down shots with a smooth release. He was one of the better game managers, able to get his team in sets and not letting the ball stick at the point.