Respect our GUARD play in Tennessee
In this article:
In the travel ball circuit, having great guard play is essential. You must have that floor general who has poise, the ability to scan the floor, handle the rock, and protect the ball at all times. She must be able…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn the travel ball circuit, having great guard play is essential. You must have that floor general who has poise, the ability to scan the floor, handle the rock, and protect the ball at all times. She must be able to run the show, get you in your offense, and have the tangibles to be a threat on the floor. From delivering timely passes to scoring, having great guards is key for any program to be successful.
When we talk about guards here at PGH Tennessee, there are three kinds: Point guards, shooting guards, and combo guards. Though these are more talked about on the offensive end vs. the defensive end, having one of these three types on your roster will either make or break you. Finding that balance or fit is a must for any coach. Each type of guard is important depending on what the coach likes to do.
Here are some girls who will make you respect the guard play we have here in Tennessee.
Jaloni Cambridge Jaloni Cambridge 5'8" | PG Ensworth | 2024 State FL (5’7/ PG/ Ensworth/ Class of 2024/ FBC)– Hands down one of the best PGs in the state. Even at a young age, Ms. Jaloni is cold. Reppin Tennessee at the Team USA camp, she made the U16 squad. If you were putting together the ideal prospect, this young lady checks so many boxes. Handles. Check. Shot. Check. Passing ability. Check. Defense. Check. This list goes on. She has tremendous upside and has a bright future in the game of basketball.
Kennedy Claybrooks Kennedy Claybrooks 5'5" | CG Bartlett | 2022 State TN (5’6/ PG/ Bartlett/ Class of 2022/ Bluff City)– Don’t let the size fool you, but this young lady plays with a chip on her shoulder. She has some “dawg” in her and she is a go-getter. KC can maneuver in some of the tightest gaps to either get to the rack or deliver dimes to her teammates. She has a pretty touch to her shot, where she can unleash it from multiple levels. Defense, oh yeah, lockdown mode throughout the course of the game. She is the grit/grind that the Memphis area loves.
Acacia Hayes (5’7/ PG/ Riverdale/ Class of 2022/ Team Elite)- An X factor for sure. It’s in her blood. This tough competitor has amazing floor capabilities. She doesn’t seem to get rattled with the ball in her hands. She is poised as all get out. With the ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor, she has all the tangibles any coach is looking for.
Brooklyn Crouch Brooklyn Crouch 5'8" | CG Upperman | 2022 State TN (5’8/ PG/ Upperman/ Class of 2022)– Gym rat. All she knows is the word go. This young lady has incredible energy where she always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. Brooklyn has a motor on her to where she can be a dual-threat on both ends on the floor. From shooting to passing, she makes her club go.
Marisa Wirtz ( 5’10/ CG/ Station Camp/ Class of 2022/ TN Pride)– Blessed with great size, this young lady is one of the most talented guards in the state. She can pull it from beyond the arc, create space coming off picks, deliver timely passes, and has a great mid-range game. Marisa is a diamond in the rough.
Jada Harrison Jada Harrison 5'8" | PG Martin Westview | 2023 State TN (5’8/ PG/ Martin Westview/ Class of 2023/ TN Flight Silver)– Smooth. With the ability to play in the air, Jada is a prospect you have to keep your eyes on. She has an uncanny ability to put the ball in the net no matter where she is. Great handles. Shifty body motion. Great passing ability. You name it. This kid is an X factor that college programs will need.
Imari Berry Imari Berry 5'10" | SG Clarksville | 2024 State TN (5’10/ CG/ Clarksville/ Class of 2024/ Tennessee Sol)- Nice. This is the one word that can describe this young baller’s game. She has the ability to change speeds to get to the rack. She can shoot the three-ball from deep, lead transition breaks, and can finish in the mid-range area. Her length creates havoc on the defensive end, where she either gets deflections or tips. She is also essential for grabbing boards. Her size allows her to defend multiple positions.
Jennifer Sullivan ( 5’7/ PG/ Bearden/ Class of 2022/ East TN Air Thunder)– Floor general who has handles, this young lady is tough. With the ability to shoot off the dribble and get to the lane to unleash the mid-range shot, makes this girl a three-level scorer. She has a high basketball IQ and doesn’t mind physical play. Defensively, she’s always talking, diving for loose balls, taking charges, and flat out competing. This girl is a must-see hooper from the East Tennessee area.