Class of 2019 point guards (The Table Setters)
Prep Hoops Missouri will now embark on its annual class rankings by each position. The first position will be point guards in the Class of 2019. I have broken down the Class of ’19 point guards into two groups; the table setters and the bucket getters.
Here is a look at the table-setters. They have the ability to score, but they are good facilitators who do an excellent job of getting their teammates involved. Some are also good at setting the pace on the defensive end to lead their teams.
Dajuan Harris 6’2″ Rock Bridge
The Missouri State commit had a big summer for MoKan Elite has he helped them to the Final Four of the Nike EYBL Peach Jam with his all-around unselfish play. He was among the EYBL’s leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio, plus he was a lockdown defender. One of the top returning players for a Rock Bridge team that finished third in the Class 5 state tournament.
Yuri Collins 5’10” St. Mary’s
Despite playing with an injured shoulder, Collins was the straw that stirred the drink for the Brad Beal Elite team that qualified for the Peach Jam. He is a smooth ball handler who can really pass the rock and drive to the basket with conviction. He has received offers from schools such as Saint Louis U., Iowa, Loyola of Chicago, SMU among others.
Kevin Jones 5’10” Sikeston
The four-year starter is one of the most tenacious players at his position in the state at both ends. He really sets the defensive tone for his team with his constant on-ball pressure from one end of the court to the other. He is a tough competitor who has delivered some clutch buckets for the Bulldogs throughout his career.
Desi Williams 5’10 Park Hill South
A prototype point guard who knows how to run a team and get the ball into the hands of the big scorers. He can distribute the ball and really set the defense with his on-ball pressure. He has the ability to get you a bucket when you need it with his dribble penetration.
Glenn McClintock 6’1″ Rockhurst
The Air Force commit returns for his senior year as the floor leader for a Rockhurst team that will field one of the top Class 5 units in the state. He is a solid ball handler who can really keep the ball moving on offense with his passing. He can also knock down open 3-pointers.
Damien Loyd 5’11” Kirkwood
Loyd enjoyed an excellent junior season where he earned Class 5 All-State honors for the Pioneers. He was a potent scorer, but I was impressed with his passing ability throughout the summer. He did a nice job dropping dimes from all over the court as he set up teammates with dribble penetration for dump downs and kick outs for open 3s. His no-look passes were fun to watch..
Courtland Sol 6’2″ St. Louis Christian
A nice-sized point guard with excellent handles and passing ability. He does a good job of getting to wherever he needs to go on the court to make plays. His court vision is very good and he has the ability to get in the lane to either get buckets or drop dimes to open teammates.
Daylen Dalton 5’7″ Francis Howell
A super quick little guard who can really electrify a team with his speed and ability to move from end to end. The diminutive southpaw can move the ball up court on the break by pass or by dribble. His pinpoint passing and dribble penetration can really make a team go. Will be the floor leader of a Howell team that will be one of the best in Class 5 this season.
Mikel Henderson 5’11” Lee’s Summit North
A quick point guard who can really set the pace with his defensive tenacity as he pressures opposing ball handlers. He is very quick to the basket with the court vision to find open teammates. He came on strong as a scoring threat late in his junior year at LSN, but he is a very unselfish player who can impact a game a variety of ways.
Chanze Cruesoe 6’0″ Vashon
A smooth lefty pass first point guard who keeps defenders off balance with his herky-jerky style of play. He changes speeds well and he can also change directions and will wind up in the lane finding an open teammate or dropping in a nice floater. He is a very unselfish player who is also a solid defender.
Mekai Ray 5’8″ McCluer North
A very quick little floor general who really sets the pace for any team he plays on with his speed and ability to apply pressure on opposing teams on offense and defense. He’s constantly pushing the ball on the break and finding open teammates plus he can make open jumpers. He stirs the drink for a very athletic McCluer North team that should have a big season in 2019.
Parker Long 6’2″ Sikeston
A very solid point guard who plays alongside his twin brother Parker at Sikeston. Parker is the shooter while Owen does a little bit of everything with his ability to handle the ball, pass it and get buckets when needed. He is tough with the basketball and plays with a lot of poise. Had an excellent Final Four at the Class 4 state tournament last season.
James Little 6’0″ Soldan
A four-year starter at point guard for the Tigers, James forms a strong backcourt with twin brother Jesse Little. While Jesse handles most of the scoring, James is a pure point guard who handles the ball, runs the offense and controls the team. He also has the ability to make big shots in close games when needed.
Derez Tipler 6’0″ East Prairie
A strong physical point guard who brings toughness on both ends of the court. He is a pass first floor leader who is fully capable of getting buckets when the situation calls for it. He is a solid defensive player who has quick hands and he moves his feet well.
(Tomorrow: Class of 2019 Point Guards – The Bucket Getters)