by: Ethan Reece
2023 Alex Madrid (TNT Hoopsquad)While the whole guard core showed true balance and impressed with their skillsets, Alex made his case for being the team’s top-scoring option. Smooth handle with the ability to create for himself and a true shooter’s form. He would be utilized best at the 2 guard but could run the show at the 1 if needed due to the team’s system, understanding of how to move and awareness of open teammates.
2023 Nate Robinson (TNT Hoopsquad)Another impressive guard from the TNT 17u squad, Nate was the clear floor general running the point. More crafty than Madrid, he sets others up more and is trusted to be the coach on the floor. However he’s just as dangerous a shooter as Madrid and really got the offense sparked at the start of the game by hitting 3 threes. Overall this TNT group is an impressive bunch led by quality guards that are smart and unselfish.
2024 Camren Daniels (Wildcats Elite)There’s something about lefties that makes them look so smooth on the court. Camren showed real patience in sizing up his man and what the defense was giving, and he took them for all they had. He didn’t have to make quick moves due to his big physique and athleticism letting him muscle through contact. Penetration was his strength but he has the outside shot as well to stretch the defense. If he’s paired with 2025 Jackson Keith at Southern Durham, teams in the area better watch out because it’s gonna be a show every night.
2022 Dawson Edwards (Wildcats Elite)I don’t know where Dawson was before these last few months, but he has shown up and really impressed me as a true PG. He’s without a doubt the quickest ball handler I’ve seen and keeps control with his change of direction and use of his body to shield. He sees the court, getting others looks or his own and was absolutely an X-Factor in their win over Carolina Riptide. This is a guy where you can put the game in his hands and he takes over. He holds a couple offers but it’s not too late too get involved in recruiting what I think would be a steal for a program.
2023 Quentin Houston (Riptide SC)I’m a big believer in your work showing up on the court, and I could see big strides in Quentin’s game today from when I saw him in the fall. He was already a tough playmaking guard, but he’s advanced his know-how on attacking matchups and seeing the game flow around him. Good awareness moving without the ball as well as the passer for hitting his cutters and really controlled what his team did from wire to wire. I expect a big spring/summer from him and this tough Riptide SC team.
2024 JV Drake (Richmond Jammers)Big things can come in small packages and I really think JV stole the show in this one. His energy and hustle was infectious, igniting and leading the charge for a talented Richmond team as a sophomore. He’s a quick, scrappy guy that picks the pressure up and makes a lot of plays with his quick hands. I know Paul McNeil is their guy, but JV makes a lot of plays to get excited about that will ultimately lead to their continued success over the next two years.