Midwest Live: Day 1 standouts (Guards)
Midwest Live: Day 1 standouts (Guards)
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The first day of the Midwest Live tournament in Lawrence, Kan. featured several standout performances. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several guards who stood out on the day.
Michael Armstrong, 6’0, G, 2020, Speed 2020
A smooth point guard who plays under control, Armstrong brings good speed and quickness to the floor and helped his team get into its offense. He knocked down a 3 and did a good job getting to the basket at times. He also had some good moments at the defensive end, blocking a shot and coming up with several steals.
Cevin Clark, 5’11, G, 2019, Arkansas City, Heat
Clark has long been known for his outside shooting as he has the ability to light it up from long distance. He has a quick release, can shoot off the dribble a little and is comfortable from a few feet beyond the arc. But he has also developed into a more well-rounded offensive player as well, capable of creating off the bounce, pulling up for the mid range or getting all the way to the basket.
Austin Hashagen, 6’2, G, 2020, Olathe West, Speed 2020
Kid is tough, plays a physical brand of basketball and likes to get after it at both ends of the floor. He’s a 6’2 guard, but likes to get on the offensive glass. He’s a good passer from the wing, able to spot open cutters. Is fearless attacking the basket, drives into contact and draws a lot of fouls. Needs to work on his outside shot to really open things up and still needs to become a little more consistent around the basket. He missed several easy chances in the lane on Friday and had a rough go at the free throw line, but put together a strong game against the KC Spurs Black 16U squad regardless. Scored a bucket while being fouled with 7.3 seconds remaining on a basket cut to help Speed 2020 rally from a big deficit in a game that eventually went to overtime.
Jordan Jermain, 5’10, G, 2020, Raymore-Peculiar, KC Spurs Black
Kid isn’t very big, but he can play. Scored eight quick points on consecutive possessions, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers, then adding a tough pull-up jumper. He is quick and shifty off the dribble, has a natural feel for the game and shows consistent form and balance on his perimeter shot.
Sean Pleimann, 6’1, G, 2020, Blue Valley, KC Spurs Black
A crafty ball handler, Pleimann showed the ability to handle the point guard duties on Friday against Speed 2020 16U. He has good court vision, a feel for playing the position and the ability to get into the lane and find open teammates. Pleimann knocked down a pair of clutch free throws to send a contest against Speed 2020 into overtime after being fouled on a 3-point attempt.
Javon Reliford, 5’11, G, 2018, Bonner Springs, Heat
Reliford had a day shooting the ball against NDaGym 17U on Friday, going for 19 points in the first half thanks in large part to five made 3-pointers. He has a good handle and is capable of handling the point guard duties as well as playing off the ball.