The PRIME Event: Standout Texas Guards (Part 1)

I got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at The PRIME Event presented by Premier Basketball in Mansfield, Texas. Teams from several different states were in attendance, and as expected, the Lone Star State was well-represented. Here are few guards who caught my eye: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="67946" first="AJ" last="Marotte"] | 2021 | 6’0’’ Combo Guard | Texas Elite 17U 3SSB | Vista Ridge HS</strong> - Marotte is a certified shot-maker. She hit a variety of impressive jumpers over the weekend. She really had it going from mid-range, burying several difficult shots with a hand in her face. The Washington commit finishes well at the basket with both hands as well. I also loved the way she crashed the offensive glass. Furthermore, she plays hard regardless of circumstances, diving for loose balls even when her team trailed big in one of their contests. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="135383" first="Kyla" last="Deck"] | 2022 | 5’9’’ Shooting Guard | Pro Skills 16U Black | Lone Star HS</strong> - Deck can really score the basketball. She is a high energy player at both ends. Her shooting ability compliments her effectiveness at scoring on the drive. Defenses have to respect her shiftiness which opens her up for good looks from three-point land. At the other end, Deck possesses good defensive instincts, coming away with a handful of steals by getting into passing lanes. She is the type of prospect every coach wants on their squad. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="96927" first="Kelliah" last="Walker"] | 2022 | 5’’8’’ Combo Guard | Lady Drive Nation 16U National | Keller-Timber Creek HS</strong> - Kelliah "KJ" Walker is a terrific three-point shooter. She is a gifted spot up shooter from the catch from behind the arc, but she also does some damage coming off screens from deep and in the mid-range area with pull up jump shots. The junior guard is capable of slithering her way to the cup when defenders over pursue her as a shooter, finishing with scoop shots and runners. She is a really solid all-around scoring threat on offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="134036" first="Kylie" last="Marshall"] | 2023 | 5’9’’ Combo Guard | Team Lex Nation | Mansfield Lake Ridge HS</strong> - Marshall is super versatile. The roster I received had her listed as a small forward, but she can play any position one through three. She is a natural facilitator who can kill opponents with extra passes down low, turning good looks for herself into great ones for her teammates. She seemed to be at her best when she attacked the basket off the dribble but has a solid collection of post moves to go to and the strength to finish through contact as well. Additionally, she has some flair to her game, which is something that always catches my attention. <strong>Victoria Flores | 2023 | 5’9’’ Point Guard | Pro Skills 16U Black | L.G. Pinkston HS</strong> - Flores plays fast but under control. Her court vision is next level, especially in transition. That said, she is also really good in the half court. She is an excellent decision maker when the ball is in her hands. Beyond that, the sophomore floor general is a solid shooter from behind the arc, which pairs well with her capabilities as a playmaker. Defensively, she is active and engaged at all times. This is certainly someone to keep an eye on as she continues to improve over the next few years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="134062" first="Payton" last="Hull"] | 2023 | 5’11’’ Combo Guard | Texas Lonestar Black 16U 3SSB | Peaster HS</strong> - Hull can operate comfortably at either guard spot. She has a knack for drawing defenders to her on the drive and subsequently finding open shooters on the perimeter. She knows how to manipulate defenses and delivers passes on the money to her teammates. The Peaster guard puts it in the basket herself too. She can drill the triple, stop and pop from mid-range, and isn’t afraid to put her head down and take it to the hole while absorbing some contact along the way. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;