Standout 16U Point Guards at the Heartland Hoopfest

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at a group of standout point guards in the 16U division who caught our attention at last weekend's Heartland Hoopfest in Mattoon, IL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1843921,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/IMG_0903.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1843921" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lena Perrone (Illinois Valley Warriors): A 2028 point guard who was one of the more impressive floor leaders that I watched during the weekend. She didn't start, but when she entered the game, things immediately started to happen in a positive way. She was pushing the ball with pace and hitting teammates with no-look passes. She was living in the lane on dribble penetration and also hitting step-back 3-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1844264,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/IMG_0810.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1844264" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Predyn Keys (Illinois Havoc NE2K): A pass-first point guard who really did a good job of distributing the basketball and keeping everyone involved in the offense. She set the pace by pushing the tempo and she also knew when to slow things down. She was also disruptive on the defensive end with excellent ball pressure. She played the position in an old-school manner, but she could make a shot when she needed to. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1844266,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/IMG_0817.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1844266" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isamae Cleveland (The Dogs): A speedy young point guard who was one of the most tenacious defenders that I watched during the weekend. At times, you thought there were two of her on the court. She provided some excellent defense pressure all over the court. She was picking pockets and also shooting the passing lanes. You had to be aware of where she was on the court at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1844272,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/IMG_0822_d0d828.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1844272" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ellie Jenkins (Illinois Havoc Silver): A 2028 point guard who played with a pass-first style that made her teammates better. She was penetrating in the lane and finding open shooters on the perimeter or post players for drop offs in the lane. She also knew how to maneuver herself into the lane as she was constantly probing the defense for openings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1844273,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/IMG_0830.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1844273" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maggie Drers (Illinois Havoc Silver): A 2028 point guard who showcased some good offensive ability. She did a good job of getting downhill on the dribble and she operated well off two feet in the paint. She had good footwork in the lane and she didn't mind playing through contact to get a bucket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1844274,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/IMG_0812.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1844274" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Josie Haynes (Kentucky Elite): A 2030 point guard who was playing two years up and more than holding her own with the older players. She was aggressive and she played with a high basketball IQ. She could handle the ball and facilitate offense and knock down open 3-pointers. She also made some good rotations on defense from the week side, which showed good instincts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->