2019 Point Guards: Most to Prove
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The jump from sophomore year to junior year is huge for a number of prospects. Many sophomores who saw some or no playing time on the varsity level become juniors and relied upon heavily. Further, other guards who had stellar sophomore years will look to make the leap and show that they have not peaked. Below are the 2019 point guards with the most to prove in this upcoming season.
2019 Point Guards: Most to Prove
Reed Myers 6’1 Scottsdale Christian
Myers was a huge piece of a team that won a state championship his freshman year. Add to it that another member of that team who played a huge role was also a freshman, and a big man. Reasonably so, many expected nothing less than a state championship for Scottsdale Christian last year. However, that did not come into fruition. Despite a successful season in which Myers averaged almost 16 points and 6 assists per game, Scottsdale Christian did not meet what many felt should have been their goal. With Myers and Ethan Spry back for their junior campaigns, they are on a short list of championship contenders. In addition to merely returning, Myers looked improved with Alvin Gentry Elite on the UAA circuit. With Myers running the show, it is not crazy to believe that Scottsdale Christian could win 3 state championships in 4 years.
BJ Burries 5’9 Globe
Globe is one of the early favorites to win the state championship next year due largely to Burries. Burries has made a lot of noise due to his scoring ability at the point guard position. Although his numbers were quite impressive as a sophomore, Burries had almost identical numbers to his freshman year. Don’t get me wrong, scoring a 1,000 points in two seasons is quite impressive. However, in order for Globe to take the next step, Burries is going to have to take another leap forward from sophomore year to junior year. His scoring abilities are well documented, but if he can do it at a more efficient level, Globe will be tough for anyone to beat.
Jalen Williams 5’11 Perry
Williams had a superb July and earned NCAA Division I interest. This point guard is a knock down shooter who uses his euro step extremely well. In addition to having nice footwork that creates shots for himself, he finishes well with each hand. Williams is on this list as it will largely fall on his shoulders to bring Perry back to the state tournament next season. Perry has a number of talented returning prospects. However, Williams will need to bring consistency and stability to the program in order to maximize his teammates’ success. Look for Williams to have a lot of success as one of the point guards who has a lot to prove this season.
Jackson Ruai 6’3 Amphitheater
Amphitheater did not have a great season this past year after receiving Ruai as a transfer from Cholla. However, look for Ruai to improve this teams win total tremendously. I am extremely high on this young man because he impacts the game in so many ways. He is without a doubt in consideration for the most versatile point guard in the state. It is not an exaggeration to expect Ruai to average close to a triple double this season with points, assists, and rebounds. In addition, he has quick hands and plays passing lanes well – he will contribute steals to those totals as well. Assuming Ruai brings his versatile skill set that he demonstrated this summer back with him to Amphitheater, they could easily go from an 8 win team to a 20 win group. Ruai is without a doubt one of the point guards with the most to prove.
Josh Ursery 6’1 Liberty
Ursery was one of the most electric guards for a young Valley Vista team last year. This year, he transfers to a 5A school who made it to the final four last season. The team lost two college capable guards, but brings back on of the most improved wings in the state, Quentin Guliford, and a two year varsity starter, Jacob Edahl who had a great summer with the Classics. It is yet to be determined if Ursery will have to miss half of the season or if he can play from day one. However, he brings tremendous athleticism to this group and should make a huge impact. With this addition and the returning talent, Liberty is without a doubt a contender for the 5A state title.