Future Stars Showcase: Standout Guards (Part 1)
I got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at the Future Stars Showcase presented by Premier Basketball in Frisco, Texas. Both grassroots and high school teams were in attendance, leading to…
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Continue ReadingI got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at the Future Stars Showcase presented by Premier Basketball in Frisco, Texas. Both grassroots and high school teams were in attendance, leading to some interesting matchups and an overall competitive environment for all involved.
Several prospects showed up and showed out over the weekend. Here are few guards who caught my eye:
Alexis Cortez Alexis Cortez 5'10" | SF Allen | 2023 State TX | 2023 | 5’10’’ Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Allen HS – Cortez could be considered a guard or a wing depending on who you ask, but I’m going to include her with the guards because she operated as such for the majority of this event. She really had it going from outside in her second game on Saturday, draining all four of her first half three-point attempts. She was fantastic at shooting from the catch and made threes from a variety of spots. Beyond that, Cortez’s perimeter defense was great as usual. She put together a great all-around performance.
Jayden Smallwood | 2022 | 5’7’’ Combo Guard | McKinney North HS – Smallwood was the catalyst for her team on Saturday. The combination of shot making and playmaking ability she displayed was outstanding. She hit threes, buried tough shots inside the arc, and zipped passes all over the court, including an excellent assist to a trailing teammate in transition. The McKinney North guard is a natural facilitator, but she can score from all three levels too. Furthermore, Smallwood exudes confidence when she is on the floor. She isn’t afraid to go at anyone on offense.
Carolynn Washington | 2021 | 5’3’’ Point Guard | Cedar Hill HS – I first saw Washington earlier this year in a playoff matchup against Denton Guyer. Her speed on and away from the ball was off the charts, but she was not the offensive focal point. That has changed. The senior floor general appears to have stepped into a starring role for Cedar Hill, and she is shining in it. Washington can do it all. The speed and shiftiness with the ball is still there, but she is now a certified threat from three-point land off the dribble. She made some difficult jumpers and created for herself and her teammates. She is poised for a breakout senior year when the high school season rolls back around.
Lexie Purcell | 2022 | 5’6’’ Point Guard | Rockwall HS – Purcell is another talented distributor from the class of 2022. She is a generous passer who rarely allows the ball to stick to her. She possesses good quickness and plays with great energy at both ends of the court. I can honestly say I never saw her take a play off. Additionally, Purcell can make some plays on defense despite her size, illustrated by a big-time chase-down block, something you don’t often see from a 5-foot-6-inch point guard.
Amarria Cook | 2022 | 5’2’’ Combo Guard | Shoemaker HS – Cook is a terrific shot maker. She gets to her spots and converts, simple as that. Her quick release allows her to get shots off against defenders with a size advantage. The Shoemaker guard consistently drilled pull-up mid-range shots off the dribble after utilizing a pick. She understands her strengths and limitations and doesn’t get caught trying to do too much. She is going to make her living on the perimeter, and her style of play reflects that.