Sterling Invitational Tournament: Point Guard Prospects

Sterling High School wrapped up its 6th Annual Sterling Invitational Tournament this week and I took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy all four first round games. The majority of the field consisted of class 3A teams from a variety of leagues. My intention is not to rank in this post but rather to share some analysis of the majority of the point guards. Many players played the point in addition to other positions, but the focus here will be on players whose primary position is the point. <strong>Isabella Anes</strong>, 2020, 5'7", Sunrise Christian Academy Possessing the ability to put the ball on the floor with a quick first step and good speed transitioning with the ball Anes can make very athletic moves to score. She has three point range but needs to improve consistency on the perimeter. Anes at times does not play within herself, leaving her susceptible to charge calls and turnovers.  Despite her quickness she has difficulty defending opposing guards in the half court who have the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. [caption id="attachment_24518" align="alignright" width="300"] Sunrise Christian Academy's Isabella Anes defends Trinity Catholic's Haley Hughes[/caption] <strong>Hayley Hughes</strong>, 2021, 5'9", Trinity Catholic Hughes has the ability to finish drives and score 12' from the basket. She also shoots more than 80% from the line and is a solid rebounder. Improvement in protecting the ball better with the off arm and through body position could cut turnovers in half. <strong>Molly McClure</strong>, 2021, 5'3", Hugoton McClure handles backcourt pressure and is a scoring threat from 10'-12'. Passing is a strength particularly interior lobs. She gets to the line often but needs to improve her shooting percentage. [caption id="attachment_24520" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hugoton's Molly McClure brings the ball up, Jordyn Beard trails[/caption] <strong>Karsyn Schlesener</strong>, 2022, 5'6", Southeast of Saline Athleticism enables her to split double teams and score in a variety of ways, including from the three point line. As strong of an interior passer as she is a scorer she tallies numerous assists. Schlesinger's excellent hand speed makes her a steal threat. She also boxes out and rebounds well. She needs to improve her ability to defend dribble drives. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>Ellie Brumbaugh</strong>, 2021, 5'7", Smoky Valley Brumbaugh is a shooter who likes to kick out off the dribble drive. <strong>Ashley Fierro</strong>, 2019, 5'3", Lyons Ball handling ability under full court pressure is strong. She needs to pass more to get the ball up the floor quicker but has the ability to set teammates up for a shot. Fierro shoots better than 80% from the line. <strong>Grace Rowland</strong>, 2019, 5'5", Sterling Rowland has good speed and plays the position fast. While she is the team's best passer her decision making on the dribble can be inconsistent on the perimeter. <strong>Kalie Briar</strong>, 2022, 5'4", Sterling Briar has three point range and the ability to score off the drive. She is an athletic, raw talent whose entry passes and general decision making need to continue to improve. [caption id="attachment_24521" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hugoton's Toby McClure defends Beloit's Jessica Meier[/caption] <strong>Jessica Meier</strong>, 2020, 5'5", Beloit Meier is a strong passer with the ability to hit post cutters in stride for scores as well as entry passes from the top of the key to the low post. Improving as a scoring threat can make her more difficult to defend. &nbsp; &nbsp;