Potent Off the Dribble Scorers at The Grind Region Finals
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James Green Howard – Oklahoma Takeover – Douglas – 2025 The 6’ 2025 shooting guard was the engine that powered OK Takeover’s offensive scoring gravity, largely off the dribble. His biggest moment came versus the Oklahoma Swift, hitting the buzzer…
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Continue ReadingJames Green Howard – Oklahoma Takeover – Douglas – 2025
The 6’ 2025 shooting guard was the engine that powered OK Takeover’s offensive scoring gravity, largely off the dribble. His biggest moment came versus the Oklahoma Swift, hitting the buzzer beater three while down two points. Howard possesses a unique blend of pull up shooting and nonchalant athleticism. He is capable rising above opponents for rebounds while having that same burst when moving north to south. Quite a few times he blew by defenders from his first step alone. Howard had a fairly large shot volume this past weekend, coming from pullup jumpers in the mid-range, three pointers off the dribble or catch, and of course fadeaway jumpers. Continuing to improve the longevity of his live ball dribble within the halfcourt will have a significant effect on his playmaking ability, especially as a primary option.
Siraaj Ali Siraaj Ali 5'11" | PG Overland | 2025 State CO – Colorado Chaos – Overland – 2025
Ali is a crafty off the dribble scoring threat and sparkplug shooter when hot. The 5’9 combo guard proved to break down defenders one on one as a means to get to the rim. When defenders pressed up higher, Ali did well leveraging screens to create open lanes downhill. He showed especially good touch versus size while using the right hand. Although not a high riser, Ali uses a bit of ball spin in combination with the mid-air readjustments to make his layups.
Sammy Sanders – Irving Heat – Macarthur – 2024
This is now my third time seeing Sanders with Dallas tournaments and he has steadily refined decision making over the past few months. Already a very shifty point guard at 5’10, Sanders has continued to emphasize his passing vision regardless of the fullcourt or halfcourt. Sanders was yet again dependable in transition, both as a scorer and creator. Through well timed, accurate outlet passes he averaged roughly two to three assists per game from these opportunities alone. Within the halfcourt he was excellent finding teammates at opportune moments within the arc. Another strength of Sanders was attacking off the dribble, where had no trouble getting opportunities around the rim.
Charley Reado – Fresno Flyers – Elkins – 2024
The 6’ combo guard was an x-factor for the Fresno Flyers thanks to his effectiveness either on or off the ball. Reado has really become a knockdown shooter off the catch, most notably versus hard contests along the perimeter. His quick, compact form allows him to get the rock off quickly, notably when his feet are set. Another area of strength came from his floater within traffic. Due to the high arc in conjunction with his outstanding balance off either leg, Reado has the potential to create significant scoring opportunities from this shot. Reado is not a pure offensive guard either, given his quick feet and long reach, he gives opposing perimeter creators trouble more often than not.
James Murray IV James Murray IV 6'6" | CG Denver East | 2025 State CO – Colorado Skills – Fountain Fort Carson – 2025
The 6’5 playmaking wing gave us a glimpse into his upside as a secondary scorer and high IQ passer off the bounce. It is not often you find bouncy 6’5 wings capable of shooting and passing out of the live dribble, Murray does all of that while playing a class up. His first step is all too quick for the majority of defenders, once penetrating inside the paint he has two goals, either rise up or find the corner shooter. While mid-air passing can be a volatile habit regarding turnovers, Murray’s mid-air passing had positive impacts for corner shooters.