Point Guards Shine at Meltdown

Point guards stood center stage this weekend at the North Tartan Meltdown and AAU National Championships. Coaches will tell you that great point guard play, especially in highly competitive contests like the ones played in this event, is critical for success. These players come in all shapes, sizes, and skill sets but embody one trait in common. It is their ability to control the game on both sides of the ball that can determine the outcome in these tough games. While there were many outstanding performances, I couldn't help but notice the play of these six point guards. <strong>Paige Meyer, 5'6", 2021, Minnesota Comets (Albany HS)</strong> A strong slashing point guard who has impressive handles in traffic. Meyer has the strength and athleticism to get to the paint and finish but it was her passing the stood out to me this weekend. She did a great job of using her body to shield defenders and then drop or wrap around a perfectly delivered scoring chance for a teammate. I also like the way she had her eyes up, often making the easy pass that triggered transition scoring for the Comets. Paige comes in at #14 in the current 2021 PGH player rankings. <strong>Lauren Jensen, 5'9, 2020, North Tartan EYBL (Lakeville North HS)</strong> It doesn't take a genius to recognize the talented player that Jensen has become over the past few seasons. The Iowa commit iscertainly deserving of all the accolades she has received to this point. I had to include her in this piece just simply because it was so fun to see her play against some of the best in the country. Jensen has the combination of skill and athleticism along with a noticeable desire and focus that only belong to the rare few. I saw her take over in the last five minutes in her game against Kingdom Hoops 17U, both handling pressure and getting to the foul line. <strong>Miyah Dubose, 5'5", 2020, Metro Stars Starks (Champlin Park HS)</strong> I was impressed with the quickness and aggressiveness that Dubose exhibited on defense. Her forcing turnovers as well as poor decisions by opposing point guards led to instant offense for her team. Dubose also showed little fear in penetrating into the lane against larger opponents. <strong>Sam Sibbet, 5'7", 2020, Minnesota Heat Hinck (St Anthony HS)</strong> Playing in the top division at the Meltdown is a daunting task. Sibbet and her team showed tons of fight all weekend and held their own against some top flight competition. Sibbet handled the ball with poise, made great decisions, and got others involved. It is her ability to shoot the ball from distance as well as in the midrange that will enable her to be successful at the next level. Sam is the 28th rated player in the 2020 class. <strong>Alexis Pratt, 5'5", 2021, Minnesota Fury UAA (Stillwater HS)</strong> Quick and fast, skilled and confident, Pratt is a key component to the success of the Fury 2021 squad. Her game is really coming into focus, using a variety of hesitations and spins to get to the basket. Her perimeter scoring is rapidly improving and is a threat out past the three point line. Defensively she can be a shut down player on the outside. She has tremendous upside and coaches are seeing this after a solid AAU season. <strong>Audrey Martinez-Stewart, 5'5", 2021, LadyGetShook (Cretin-Derham Hall HS)</strong> This crafty guard showed up this weekend. Smooth doesn't adequately describe the ability Martinez-Stewart has to control the ball. I was impressed with the creativity she demonstrated and routinely awarded her teammates with an open look. Martinez-Stewart held her own defensively and showed an improving perimeter touch that will certainly keep her ranking on the upswing. Keep an eye on this one.