The Grand Finale: Standout Guards (Part 1)

Texas is loaded with talent. There are so many well-run grassroots programs located in the state that it’s becoming difficult to keep track of them all, and the number continues to grow. I got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at The Grand Finale presented by Premier Basketball in Mansfield, Texas. Here are few guards who caught my eye: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="67946" first="AJ" last="Marotte"] | 2021 | 6’0’’ Combo Guard | Texas Elite 17U 3SSB | Vista Ridge HS</strong> - Marotte is so good at letting the game come to her. She can light it up from the field without ever forcing the issue. The Washington commit knocks down shots from anywhere and has a variety of ways to score from point-blank range. She contributes on the glass at both ends too. She checks all the boxes. <strong>Graci Harris | 2021 | 5’6’’ Point Guard | Journey 17U | Georgetown HS</strong> - Harris was piling up assists in this tournament. She puts all her passes on the money. She is at her best when she is playing fast and really knows how to facilitate in transition. Additionally, she has the ability to shoot it from mid-range as well as behind the arc. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136315" first="Isabella" last="Earle"] | 2021 | 5’9’’ Combo Guard | Texas Elite 17U 3SSB | Denton Guyer HS</strong> - Earle is a crafty scorer. She can get hers at the rim or with her jumper. She’s also good at finishing in transition. That said, she doesn’t need to score to have an impact. Her court vision is outstanding, and she is an unselfish passer. The Abilene Christian commit is a solid perimeter defender too. <strong>Jazmyne Jackson | 2022 | 5’6’’ Shooting Guard | DFW Elite 16u EYBL | Denton Braswell HS</strong> - Jackson is a mid-range assassin. She loves to pull up and let it go from the wings and the elbows. Her handle is excellent, and it allows her to get to her spots and capitalize. She showed good body control when attacking off the drive as well. <strong>Annabelle Burnett | 2022 | 5’4’’ Shooting Guard | Texas LoneStar White | Plano West HS</strong> - Burnett is a high IQ player with a good feel for the game. She thrives in the open court. She has the ability to convert acrobatic finishes in fast break scenarios and is always looking to run. Defensively, she has active hands and is willing to take a charge. <strong>KK Jones | 2023 | 5’7’’ Combo Guard | Texas LoneStar Black 16U 3SSB | Denton Guyer HS</strong> - Jones is a defensive technician. The on-ball stopper has the want and desire to play high-level defense every trip down the court. She gets down in a stance and moves her feet, which is a little thing, but an important one. Offensively, she knows how to manipulate opponent’s leverage with her dribble, finds cutters, and shoots the three ball well. <strong>Aliyah Muhammad | 2023 | 5’7’’ Shooting Guard | Sky Digg Elite 16U | Frisco Lone Star HS </strong>- Muhammad is a twitchy athlete. She is very sudden and quick with the ball in her hands. She has a quick first step and beats defenders off the dribble. She can also stop and pop when the D sags off. Furthermore, Muhammad is a playmaker on defense, accounting for several steals and blocks over the course of the weekend.