Reps on Reps Showcase: Guards Who put Pressure on the Paint

Attacking the rim was a common theme at the Reps on Reps Showcase. There were a few players who lived behind the arc but the majority of guards were licking their chops against the man to man defense they faced. In this article, we look at those players who turned heads, broke a few ankles, and made their way to the paint- where names were taken and lessons were given.      [player_tooltip player_id='843385' first='Tasandra' last='Williams'] led the way at the Reps on Reps Showcase and was one of the day's top performers. She played with determination and purpose from beginning to end. Williams showed a gear that separated her from the pack, getting to the rim with speed and often finishing with a left-handed layup or a smooth floater in the paint. She played through contact and converted several three-point plays. The senior guard also showed some versatility in her scoring, occasionally knocking down the three-ball and pulling up in the midrange for a smooth left-handed jumper. Defensively, Williams was just as relentless, applying great pressure on the ball, creating turnovers and turning a few steals into transition buckets.     [player_tooltip player_id='1313764' first='Nyla' last='Parsons'] was another guard who consistently got into the paint and made things happen. Her ability to get into the lane and finish with creativity and flair is what separates her. She has a way of making difficult plays look routine. On one possession, Parsons penetrated the lane, switched hands in midair and finished with a right-handed spin off the glass. The combination of ball handling, speed, athleticism, strength and creativity all showed up — and showed out — on that one play. Parsons can also shoot the long ball and can create her own shots on the perimeter . She has the ability to play the one or the two     [player_tooltip player_id='843386' first='Lyric' last='Hewitt'] was singing in the paint and showcased a nice “bag,” as she put it, with her ability to handle the ball, manipulate defenders with hesitation moves, change speeds and change direction on a dime. Hewitt's separator was her poise and calm demeanor under pressure — traits of a true floor general. In Hewitt's case, she's a floor general who can create for herself, draw pressure and kick out to the open shooter, or find the big on a cut or roll to the basket. She was a standout guard at the showcase whose ability to touch the paint consistently stood out. Her personality and basketball IQ were equally impressive. With those traits and an elite “bag,” Hewitt and company should make plenty of noise this season — especially in the paint.       [player_tooltip player_id='1893675' first='Nahla' last='Smajlovic'] was another San Jose Prep guard who stood out. The lefty showed her ability to shoot the three, but could also get downhill and into the paint to score. Her quick first step allowed her to get by her defender, and she showed the ability to play physical and score through contact. Smajlovic also displayed a nice floater in the lane. Her combination of perimeter shooting, quickness, physicality and ability to attack the paint was impressive.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003101' first='Gabrielle' last='Mallory'] has taken her game to the next level and what she brings to the table is impressive. High IQ, versatility, and toughness. Over the summer, Mallory showed she can score on the inside through contact, score on the break, pull up in the midrange area, and knock down the occasional three pointer. Defensively, Mallory can defend on the perimeter and can also defend inside with great instincts and shot blocking ability. At the Reps on Reps showcase, she also put pressure on the paint. Mallory has good ball handling skills and knows how to drive to the rim and score. She can beat a defender off the dribble, but also score in the paint using footwork and leverage. Mallory is a rare guard whose size and versatility create problems for the opponent- guards and forwards.

Attacking the rim was a common theme at the Reps on Reps Showcase. There were a few players who lived behind the arc but the majority of guards were licking their chops against the man to man defense they faced. In this article, we look at those players who turned heads, broke a few ankles, and made their way to the paint- where names were taken and lessons were given.