Position Spotlight: 2018 Top Point Guards
One of the least represented spots in our updated Class of 2018 Top 50 rankings is the point guard position. What the class may be lacking in depth of floor generals it makes up for with some quality players at that spot. Here is our run down of the Top 8 point guards in the class of 2018.
1) Bryce Sloan 6’3 Lincoln HS/Clutch Players
The biggest point guard on our list, Sloan moved up to #8 on our most recent rankings, behind 7 guys with D1 football or basketball scholarship offers. Sloan led Lincoln to within a game of the state tournament last season with his the combination of his scoring and play making abilities. If Sloan can show the ability to effectively defend high level perimeter players he could add his name to the D1 scholarship list.
2) Dyshawn Hobson 6’2 Corvallis HS/Team Fly
No one displays better leadership on the floor than the guard from the valley. Coaches love his constant talk and communication on the court. He is always the one getting teammates into the right spot so that Corvallis’ offense can operate effectively. As his shooting and ball handling have improved, Hobson has climbed up our ranking list. A quality student with a 3.8+ gpa, he should be on the priority list for high academic schools.
3) Rowan Anderson 6’0 Cleveland HS/Elite 24
The consumate gym rat, the lefty sharp shooter impressed this summer in AAU play with his ability to score when needed to compliment tremendous floor vision. The 3.9 gpa student should be on the recruiting boards of every D3 program.
4) Isaac Armaral Artharee 6’2 Central Catholic HS/Score Athletics
The physical guard displayed a knack for knocking down big shots throughout the spring and summer to help his Score Athletics to some big wins on the AAU circuit. He also displayed a willingness to set up teammates and took on the role of a vocal leader. All great traits as he heads into a big senior season for Central Catholic.
5) Robert Ford 6’0 Jefferson HS/Portland Basketball Club
Arguably the quickest player on our list, he utilizes his speed to wreak havoc on the defensive end of the floor where his pressure can take teams out of their offensive game plan. Ford is also effective in pushing the ball in transition. His ability to knock down open jump shots will be huge for Jefferson as they look to repeat as 6A state champs.
6) Jacob Justesen 6’0 Sherman County HS/Team Jones
Portland area basketball followers are probably asking, Who? The two time class 1A state champ and all state performer may be the best passer in his class. Coming off a knee injury that hampered him through most of his junior season, Justesen must continue to prove that he can compete effectively against better competition.
7) Ian Collett 5’9 Tillamook HS/Team Fly
The smallest guard on our list, Collett may also be the best scorer of any player at the position, putting up multiple 30+ point games in Tillamook’s run to the state semifinals last season. Collett uses his ability to handle the ball at a high level to create space for a deadly jump shot.
8) Kyle Thompson 6’0 Forest Grove HS
The unheralded has opted to avoid the AAU circuit to focus on skill development and playing his HS teammates. A poised floor leader that has a good feel for the pick and roll game and the ability to knock down open shots. Thompson is also a quality student and is a guy that D3 programs in the west should be looking at.