Prep Hoops Louisiana Top 250 Expo: 2023 Shooting Guards
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Check out my analysis from some of the standout combo guards of the 2023 class that were on full display during the 2021 Prep Hoops Louisiana Top 250 Expo. I got a hands-on look at all of these high-level athletes.…
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Continue ReadingCheck out my analysis from some of the standout combo guards of the 2023 class that were on full display during the 2021 Prep Hoops Louisiana Top 250 Expo. I got a hands-on look at all of these high-level athletes. Look for their stock to continue to rise after some very impressive performances!
Michael White 2023- Evangel Christian Academy High School, Shreveport
Michael is a hardworking two-guard with good potential, he possesses a great frame with a good combination of length and strength. He plays bigger than he really is, which allows him to compete and guard positions 1-3 with ease. His aggressiveness on the defensive and the offensive end was a key part of his team’s success. I would like to see him work on his pull-up game, when he did not have his catch and shoot option available there were plays where he could have stepped into a midrange jumper or floater instead of attacking the rim.
Luke Guidry Luke Guidry 6'0" | SG Ascension Episcopal | 2023 State LA 2023- Ascension Episcopal High School
Luke is a sharpshooting shooting guard who can space the floor, put the ball on the floor, and is a great team defender. He has active hands and his awareness on defense forces a plethora of turnovers. He is not afraid to drive to the rim, he has a crafty spin move that froze a defender and impressed the coaches in attendance. I would like to see him work on his ability to get to his one to two dribbles pull-up, especially after defenders begin to close out on him hard.
Jayden Dugas Jayden Dugas 6'2" | CG Northside | 2023 State LA 2023- Northside High School
Jayden is a great passer in traffic and in trouble, I loved his decision-making ability even when he left his feet. He seemed to have two options every time he leapt toward the rim or jumped to take a shot. He displayed an impressive shot off the catch and seemed to be going a hundred miles an hour, always hustling after loose balls. I was also impressed with his ability to step through defenders and finish in the paint. I would like to see him work on his ability to be a bit more under control and work to improve his shot off the bounce.
Semajai McClendon Semajai McClendon 6'2" | SG Archbishop Hannan | 2023 State LA 2023- Riverside Academy
Semajai is a very strong guard and is creative with his finishing. He is skilled at finishing on both sides of the rim and is comfortable with his off-hand. He is very skilled with a live dribble and is impressive on the fast break. He displayed a reliable jump shot that kept the defense honest as well but has a real knack of finishing against good defenders. He made impressive passes when he began to draw second defenders as well, creating open lanes for his teammates to take advantage of. He has a great motor and does not give up on plays on defense. I was very impressed with his consistent energy on both ends of the floor.
Elliot “EJ” McQuillan 2023- Port Allen High School
EJ is a knock-down set shooter from all around the arc. He has a lightning-quick release and always seems to be ready to shoot. He is patient with and without the basketball and knows how to move all around the court to free himself. I was very impressed with his ability to shoot off the dribble beyond the arc as well, he does not get sped up or forced into bad looks. He is an impressive athlete who can drive to the hole and leap out of the gym. He displayed some impressive and thunderous finishes at the rim, which was a pleasant pairing with his knockdown shooting ability. I would like to see him work on his ability to finish with his off hand, and look to add more spots to his arsenal in the midrange.
Brandon Bardales Jr 2023- Walker High School
Brandon is a good shooter from around the arc if given time to set his feet. He is good at getting to the rim and putting pressure on the defense in that way. He drew a plethora of fouls during his time which is a great weapon to have in his arsenal. He also showed a soft touch on his runner in the lane. I would like to see him work on his ability to create his own shot off the dribble.