Prep Girls Hoops Great Lakes Kickoff: Top Guard Performances

The Prep Girls Hoops Great Lakes Kickoff brought together some of the top talent from across the country, showcasing a high level of competition throughout the event. I had the opportunity to evaluate several standout guards who made a strong impression with their play.   The players I'll be highlighting come from AAU programs such as Kentuckiana, Illinois, Michigan Basketball Academy, Mac Irvin, and [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One']. Each program brought a unique group of guards who contributed in different ways, whether it was through scoring, playmaking, or overall leadership on the floor.   Many of these players stood out not just for their individual performances, but for how they impacted the game as a whole. Some were effective in creating opportunities for their teammates and elevating the play of those around them, while others delivered strong offensive performances and consistently put pressure on the defense.   Overall, this group of guards displayed a mix of skill, competitiveness, and basketball IQ that made them key contributors throughout the weekend.    Amira Massey made an immediate impact to start the game with her ability to get to her spots on the offensive end. From the opening moments, she played with confidence and purpose, showing that she knew exactly where she wanted to be on the floor and how to get there.   What really stood out was her composure. No matter how the game flowed, she remained poised and under control, never forcing the action. She let the game come to her while still being aggressive when opportunities presented themselves. That balance allowed her to have a strong offensive performance throughout.   Beyond her scoring ability, she also did a great job of making those around her better. She consistently put her teammates in good positions to succeed, whether it was through smart passes, drawing defensive attention, or simply making the right read. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways adds a lot of value.   Overall, her combination of poise, offensive skill, and willingness to involve her teammates made her stand out and play at a high level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1232031' first='Avery' last='Ramsey'] is a freshman guard who really stood out with her ability to handle the basketball and control the pace of the game. She plays with a strong feel and composure that you don't always see from younger guards, especially at this level.   What impressed me most was her confidence. Even as a freshman, and with a new team, she looked comfortable running the offense and making decisions with the ball in her hands. She wasn't rushed, didn't force things, and did a great job of keeping her teammates organized while still being a threat herself.   Her ball-handling allows her to create space and navigate through pressure, and she shows a natural ability to read the defense and make the right play. Whether it's pushing the tempo or slowing things down, she understands how to control the flow of the game, which is a big-time skill for a guard her age.   As she continues to grow and gain more experience, she's going to be a very important piece. The poise, confidence, and feel she already has as a freshman really stand out, and it's exciting to think about how much she'll continue to develop.     Molly Sietsema can definitely play at the highest level. She has great size and length, which immediately stand out, but what makes her even more intriguing is her ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways. She doesn't rely on just one aspect of her game—she's a true offensive threat.   In this game, she did a really good job of shooting the basketball, consistently knocking down shots and forcing the defense to extend and respect her range. That ability alone makes her tough to guard, but what really separates her is how she complements it with her quickness. When defenders closed out too hard, she was able to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim effectively.   Her combination of size, skill, and mobility creates matchup problems. Smaller defenders struggle with her length, while bigger defenders have a hard time keeping up with her on the perimeter. That versatility is what allows her to impact the game at a high level.   As she continues to develop and add more consistency to her game, she has all the tools to be a high-level player.     I'm impressed every time I watch [player_tooltip player_id='1263952' first='Savayah' last='Mitchell'] play. She looks much improved compared to just a few weeks ago when I saw her during the state tournament. The growth in her game is noticeable—she's playing stronger, more confident, and with a much better feel for the pace of the game. She does a great job of letting the game come to her while still being aggressive when opportunities present themselves.   What really stands out is how difficult she is to guard. Whether it's her ability to get to her spots, finish through contact, or make smart decisions with the basketball, she consistently puts pressure on the defense. She plays at a very high level and carries herself with a presence on the floor that you don't always see at her age. With a few Division I offers already, she is quickly emerging as one of the top guards in the country in her class.   Another thing that separates her is her consistency and impact on both ends of the floor. She doesn't just score the basketball—she influences the game with her energy, competitiveness, and overall feel. She understands how to take over when needed, but also how to trust her teammates and make the right play. That maturity in her game is what makes her so dangerous and so valuable.   I'm really excited to follow her journey over the next three years of her high school career. With her work ethic, steady progression, and the way she's trending right now, she has the potential to become a very special player.     I first saw Jhaliana Guy play last year as a freshman with Mac Irvin, and she immediately stood out with her ability to stretch the floor and her impressive shooting range. She has a smooth, confident stroke that allows her to knock down shots from multiple levels, making her a constant threat offensively.   What also stands out is how shifty she is with the basketball. She does a great job of using her handle and change of pace to create separation from defenders. Whether she's coming off a dribble handoff, using a ball screen, or creating off the dribble, she consistently finds ways to generate good looks for herself.   She's a poised guard who plays with a lot of confidence and control. She doesn't get rattled easily and has a strong understanding of how to create her own shot within the flow of the offense. Her combination of shooting ability, handle, and composure makes her a tough matchup for any defense.

The Prep Girls Hoops Great Lakes Kickoff brought together some of the top talent from across the country, showcasing a high level of competition throughout the event. I had the opportunity to evaluate several standout guards who made a strong impression with their play.