Havoc in the Heartland: Kyler’s Guard Evaluations

<p>In one of the top events in the Midwest on the Prep Hoops Circuit, the Havoc in the Heartland kicked off with a full slate of games all day on Saturday. Lots of top level talent took place this past weekend and I was able to see a ton of players have a breakout weekend. Let us take a look at some of the standout guards that stood out for me. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1379216" first="Kamari" last="Jones"] - D1 Indiana -1 2023 - 6’4 SG: Jones is a taller shooting guard with loads of athletic ability. Real physical player on both ends and can be a knock down shooter at times. Not really a traditional wing as due to his aggressive style but can score above the rim or find space for the deep jumper. He is a guy that is really on the rise here. </p> <p><strong>Drew Knapp</strong> - Indiana Elite Swish 2023 - 6’5 SG/SF: Knapp is a taller wing that put on a real solid showing in front of me. Plays with a great motor and was a lights out shooter here for Swish. Love that he always has his feet and hands ready to fire behind the arc. Also worked really well off of screens. Underrated player in the central Indiana area. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1049176" first="Devon" last="Woods"] - EG10 2023 - 5’10 PG: Woods was out here playing his game. Looks to have added some more size to his frame and was playing so fluid like he normally does. Even though he does look like he has added size, he still has that quickness and can get the defender off balance per usual. Don’t ever let his small size fool you, Woods is legit and so talented at the lead guard spot.  </p> <p><strong>Almere Carson</strong> - EG10 2023 - 6’2 SG: Carson is a brute of a shooting guard. Real big frame to him and just loved to play bully ball. He is shorter, but his big size helps him be so explosive off the dribble and he also displayed some solid ball handles as well. He was getting to the basket nearly every time he tried. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1149965" first="Jase" last="Howell"] - GPP 2023 Black - 5’9 PG: Howell is very short but is a natural at the lead guard spot. Sees the floor extremely well and has a high IQ. Not only is he a distributor, he can also shoot the ball very well from deep and can get to the rim. He is a floor general and has some strength as well.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1275827" first="Jayden" last="Furney"] - All Area Basketball Program 2024 - 6’1 PG/SG: Furney is a smooth combo guard that has some solid athletic ability. Sees the floor well and does well drawing contact from the defense. Natural scorer and distributes well. Guy to keep and eye on. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1457552" first="Allen" last="Briggs"]</strong> - Team GRIII 2024 Elite - 6’2 SG: Briggs was probably the guard that impressed me the most this past weekend. Long frame and is just so smooth around the rim. Plays at a controlled pace and was an excellent offensive rebounded that provided multiple second chance point opportunities. Also has a very capable baseline jumper. Big weekend for Briggs and is now on that breakout level.    </p> <p><strong>Nick Johnson</strong> - Team GRIII 2024 Elite - 6’2 SG/SF: Johnson is a guard/forward with long arms and some raw athletic ability. Uses his long arms and athletic ability very well on the defensive end and thought he had a few really tough rebounds. Needs to be just a little more aggressive on the offensive end in my opinion. Lot of untapped potential with Johnson currently.  </p> <p><strong>Cole Johnson</strong> - All Area Basketball Program 2023 - 6’2 SG: Johnson is a shorter guard with a quick trigger. Not the quickest footwork wise but plays very well off of screens. Can be a threat as a spot up shooter.  </p> <p><strong>Ethan Hinton</strong> - All Area Basketball Program 2023 - 6’2 PG/SG: Hinton was one of the more tough and energetic players I saw all weekend. Plays with a high-level motor that loves to attack the basket hard. Showed a solid baseline jumper but was easily at his best playing through contact. Strong build as well. </p>