Gateway Challenge: Class of 2023 Point/Combo Guards

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top Class of 2023 point/combo guards from the recent USJN Gateway Challenge, which was held in St. Louis. &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-432160" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/05/836AA4B1-DD6F-4BDD-A54F-98A8906277E8.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Uyra Wiliams (Della Lamb 3SSB 17U): A 5’5" point guard from Truman who played a big role in her team winning the pool championship. She is a high-energy player who had the ability to control stretches of games with her quickness and offensive talent. She would hit a 3-pointer at one end, then create a turnover for a transition opportunity at the other end. She was always making things happen when she was on the floor. &nbsp; &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-245795" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/01/B5B7F871-C9BE-4A6A-BDA1-226C5CFC62BF-300x187.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="204492" first="Jasmine" last="Gray"] (St. Louis Phenom-Haden 17U): A 5’8" combo guard from Pattonville who could excel at both ends of the court. She didn’t mind taking the challenge of guard top offensive player on the other team. She is a versatile offensive talent who can score in the mid-range, knock down the 3-pointer and set up her teammates with the nice pass. &nbsp; &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-323650" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/1C1E474A-5C4D-472F-B496-C7EEAD0F1ACF.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> [player_tooltip player_id="200722" first="Kaylee" last="King"] (MO Phenom-Baggett 17U): The 5’5" scoring point guard from Ellington showcased her bucket-getting prowess throughout the weekend. She has good shifty moves and she can score from all three levels. She is always probing and putting pressure on the defense with the threat of getting downhill. She was also pulling up from 3-point range and sinking jumpers as well. &nbsp; Maliah Sparks (Midwest United 17U): A 5’9" combo guard from Belleville West in metro east St. Louis who can get buckets and beat defenders off the dribble with her quickness. The smooth lefty has a good burst and the ability to create off the dribble with a variety of escape moves. She can also stop and pop from the mid-range and knock down 3-pointers off the catch. &nbsp; Shakira McCline (Midwest United 17U): A 5’5" point guard from East St. Louis (IL) who has excellent quickness and the offensive skills to break down defenders. She can operate with the ball in her hands with her playmaking skills, but she is equally effective playing off the ball as she can come off screens to get buckets and knock down 3-pointers off the catch. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="204480" first="Ramiyah" last="Logan"] (Della Lamb 3SSB 17U): A 5’6 lefty point guard from Lincoln College Prep who is physically stronger than most players who play her position. She’s also shifty as she uses her crafty moves to beat defenders and make pull up jumpers in the lane. She is also a solid defender who moves her feet well. &nbsp; &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-432162" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/05/C90D69F1-CED9-475B-B2BC-3B8CDB0D84EB.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> [player_tooltip player_id="299155" first="Taylor" last="Montgomery"] (St. Louis Phenom-Young 17U): A 5’4" point guard from Pattonville who is a rock-solid performer in many facets of the game. She is a dependable ball handler who doesn’t make mistakes. She can organize a team and distribute the ball very well. She uses her strength well to get into the lane and make things happen. &nbsp; Kyla Schurbusch (Southeast Dynasty 17U): A 5’8" point guard from Perryville who is a very good floor general who makes her teammates better. She displayed nice court vision, which she showed on some nifty no-look passes during the weekend. She could also get into the lane and cause the defense problems with her dribble penetration. &nbsp; &nbsp;