Show Me Showdown: Stone Cold Perimeter Threats 2025 & 2026
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La’Juan Ashley – The Factory – Ben Davis – 2025 While only standing about 5’7, Ashley was excellent as a facilitating combo guard who could score in a variety of ways. Off the bat, Ashley made deep triples behind even…
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Continue ReadingLa’Juan Ashley – The Factory – Ben Davis – 2025
While only standing about 5’7, Ashley was excellent as a facilitating combo guard who could score in a variety of ways. Off the bat, Ashley made deep triples behind even the college line with ease. His quick yet low release proved difficult to stop given he knows how far out he can hit shots. Given how quick he was laterally, opponents had a difficult time getting in front on the first step, where he capitalized making high level passes once the double team came in. Ashley is not afraid of clutch moments, hitting a crucial floater plus the foul earlier this weekend.
Kevin Rios – Woo Elite – Blackwell – 2025
Rios had one of the best floaters this past weekend, coming from his excellent handle in traffic. Standing 6’ tall, the combo guard was rarely sped up by opposing defensives. He played a mix of on and off-ball, however he was more than capable making of the most of his off-ball moments as a cutter or aggressively attacking closeouts. Rios also showed some flashes running the pick and roll, effectively hitting rollers in the pocket multiple times. Continuing to improve his jumper should aid him as a self creator down the line.
Vernell Holt Jr. Vernell Holt Jr. 5'9" | PG Battle | 2025 State MO – The Notorious Team – Battle – 2025
While only standing around 5’9, Holt was one of the toughest shotmakers both around the rim and in the mid-range this past weekend. His ability to make shots off the balance off is not common among guards. Layups was an area his touch shined, where he could get a high arcing reverse above a much taller defender, put just enough spin on the rock for a seemingly effortless lay. Holt also proved to make a mix of jumpers in the mid-range, primarily coming off the dribble. Again, in these instances Holt had no trouble getting a shot off, where the rock seemingly always went in when he was feeling it. Holt is not just a shooter, he was excellent using his shooting gravity to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Keison Peoples – Ft. Sooy No Limit – Schlarman Academy – 2026
Peoples was an excellent jump shooter playing up a year as a key initiator for Ft. Sooy. He proved to be more than capable stepping into pullup jumpers or three pointers off the catch. While playing up a level, Peoples held his own on defense the majority of possessions, doing his best to keep opponents out of the middle. Peoples should be an intriguing secondary ballhandler in this upcoming high school season.
Cooper Kavanaugh Cooper Kavanaugh 6'1" | CG Saint Patrick | 2025 IL – Grind Family Chicago – Mt. Caramel – 2025
Kavanaugh was consistent shooting the ball all weekend while making the most on the defensive end. Shooting was his x-factor, where his quick jumper allowed him to get shots up off the catch or from movement. Whether that was off the dribble, coming off pin downs, or curls, Kavanaugh’s quick footwork allowed him to get into a jumper no matter the pressure. Kavanaugh is not just a shooter, at 6’ tall the combo guard was decisive making passing reads attacking the rim. Another benefit of Kavanaugh was his clear maturity and leadership, time and time again directing teammates into the right position on both ends.