Shooting guards to watch for this summer
In this article:
With the end of the high school basketball season, a new door opens; AAU basketball. AAU basketball erupts at the end April – early May. At the immediate end of the basketball season, AAU coaches round their respective teams together;…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the end of the high school basketball season, a new door opens; AAU basketball. AAU basketball erupts at the end April – early May. At the immediate end of the basketball season, AAU coaches round their respective teams together; pursuing the best players for a chance at the championship for their respective regions. Below are my top shooting guards to watch for this summer.
Jaiden Thomas Jaiden Thomas 5'10" | SG Conway | 2022 State AR | 5’10 | 2022 | Conway High School
On a team with Chloe Clardy, Jaiden still makes her presence known. The number two recruit in Arkansas and LaTech signee is a tremendous shooter and has the ability to defend and rebound. with the toughness she has, there is no one she would back down to. Jaiden has played in a highly successful program at Conway High School for Coach Ashley Hutchcraft, so I am sure that success will transfer over to AAU. Holding the three point record for a single game, Jaiden will absolutely shoot lights out but she has the skill set to finish over anyone as well.
Caroline Lyles Caroline Lyles 5'11" | SG Fayetteville | 2022 State AR | 5’11 | 2022 | Fayetteville High School
Caroline has great size at the shooting guard position. This summer I think will be her breakout season. With her ability to shoot and space the floor along with her lengthy frame, Lyles is a matchup nightmare. The first thing that comes to mind when you mention her name is shooter. She is deadly from the three-point line. It could be a spot-up, transition catch and shoot, off ball screens in the half-court setting, or off the dribble for the pull-up midrange jumper. Shooting is Lyles does.
Ashton Elley Ashton Elley 5'10" | SG Little Rock Christian | 2022 State AR | 5’11 | 2022 | Little Rock Christian
This shooting guard can knock down the spot-up 3, push it in transition, and finish around the rim consistently. Her shooting ability stretches the defense and causes long closeouts which creates gaps for her and her teammates to drive. she’s a mature player who has a really good feel for the game. she never lets the defense control her and plays at her own pace.
Briley Pena Briley Pena 5'8" | CG Nettleton | 2022 State AR | 5’8 | 2022 | Nettleton
a scoring guard with a stout frame, Pena knows how to use her body to her advantage. She can get to the rim, or pull up and shoot the midrange or floater in the paint. Anytime she is on the court she asserts her authority. She is one of the better guards in the area when it comes to defense. A slithery finisher, Pena is known for her ability to get by defenders as she can jump and twist her body to get closer to the rim. Look for Pena to have a breakout summer this year.
Mckayla Betts Mckayla Betts 5'8" | CG Greenbrier | 2022 State AR | 5’8 | 2023 | Greenbrier High School
McKayla is another shooter that can stretch the defense to her will. Her ability to knock down shots immediately causes defenders to react to her every move, giving her team easier looks down the stretch. Being 5’8 has its advantages as she can guard most positions. She is a pest on defense with a Pat Beverly esque game. As she develops her game, watch for this under the radar player shine on AAU’s stage.