Show Me Showdown: 2024 Guard Playmakers
Charlie Gardner – C4 Attack – Silo An aggressive help defender, 6’ Gardner’s two way presence was felt all tournament long. What makes Gardner so effective is frankly unassuming. His playmaking is largely about finding teammates in tight spaces on…
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Continue ReadingCharlie Gardner – C4 Attack – Silo
An aggressive help defender, 6’ Gardner’s two way presence was felt all tournament long. What makes Gardner so effective is frankly unassuming. His playmaking is largely about finding teammates in tight spaces on a roll, carefully calculating the arc needed to reach the target above size. The point guard is confident in his handle that he could dribble through three guys on a fast break without being sped up. On defense, his hands were surprisingly quick and pinpoint. He was adept at reacting to a move and swiping away the ball without fouling multiple times a game. While Gardner is a consistent shooter off the catch, continuing to speed up the form will aid his offensive game.
Trevon Bonds – Midwest La’Familia – Granite City
Bonds was another tough shotmaker from this tournament due to his high volume and creative footwork. At 5’11, Bonds was one of the most prevalent guards to use inverted crosses and between the legs moves, effectively planting his body the opposite direction of where the ball is headed. Through those moves he was excellent creating the necessary space versus bigger matchups. He was capable pulling up out of on-ball screens or using the screen to get downhill into a jumper. He has the speed to get downhill into the lane, where he looked for finger rolls with either hand. Bonds understands his excellent shooting however being sure to solely rely on the shot should help his overall scoring efficiency.
Brett Nix – C4 Attack – Leonard
An excellent shooter off the catch and movement, at 6’1 Nix had multiple big time performances for the 3-1 2024 C4 group. He did well creating scoring opportunities both in and outside the arc due to his consistent aggression. While he is already a dependable shooter off the catch, Nix makes the most of his scoring gravity through driving opportunities. Nix even came down with a few one handed dunks once the lane opened. He is not afraid of the contact, if anything he embraces a hit in the name of free throws.
Cale Cosme Cale Cosme 5'7" | PG Brother Rice | 2024 State IL – ET21 Buckeyes – Brother Rice
While only standing 5’5, Cosme’s elite ballhandling and composure against size allowed him to be one of the most influential drive and kick guards in the gym. Cosme is a pass first point guard, taking less than five shots in the game I watched, although he had to have seven or eight assists on minimal turnovers. Size is hardly a disadvantage for Cosme’s creation, as he can dig into opponents and probe inside to work the passing lanes. Down the line, I would like to see Cosme continue to improve his three point shooting range, as that will open up the lane a bit more.
Elijah Grady – Midwest La’Familia – Granite City
A vocal floor general, Grady was instrumental in orchestrating his team’s offense at 6’2. Grady was excellent making decisions out of the pick and roll due to his fundamental approach. Whenever using screens, Grady flew by close, maximizing impact which allowed him to hit the skip pass to the weak side or hit the roller.