Top Guards: South Florida
Avery Brooks, Lake Worth
The 6-foot-2 Class of 2019 prospect is a lights out 3-point ace who now becomes the go-to source. He proved he can handle the role several times last season, piecing together a pair of 30+ point games. Brooks biggest transition has been becoming a vaunted catch-and-stick scorer to a guy who can hit shots all across the court and also wedge a hard baseline drive or a crafty take in between.
When he catches the hot hand, he’s as good as anyone in Florida at sustaining it. This typically results in back-burning runs and overwhelming scoring sprees. Besides the one point loss to against Atlantic last season, he’s very rarely been contained or been a non-factor.
Willie “Tank” Razz, Lake Worth
The confrontational defender provides the type of draping defense required to neutralize high scoring guards. Razz has improved as a playmaker and become an adept passer who can find his teammates in transition and really catalyze the high-low attack. He sees the floor well and is very hard to stay in front of on the drive.
The key challenge for him this season will be incorporating his shot into the offense. He’s showed strides this summer, developing a fluid mid range and deep jumper. If he can shed the habit of being trigger shy and utilize it with his scoring, he has the opportunity to be a special piece.
Chance Dixon, Santaluces
Whether he’s firing in from the corners, creating his shot off the dribble, or spotting up from straight away, you simply can’t take your eyes of an automatic shooter of Dixon’s type. The trigger man will inherit a mega green light this season, as the Class of 2020 prospect has the scoring aptitude and big game experience to be the focal point.
He authored several sizzling performances of 5+ treys as a sophomore. This summer, he increased his range and his scoring engine.
Roman Gray, Miami Beach
Originally a forward, Gray has developed into a crafty passer and tightened up his handle a few notches. The 6-foot-4 guard will play a little point forward this season. He’s got a manipulative one on one game and has improved incrementally at scoring on the drive. He’s got a reliable outside shot and knows how to create space while setting up his shot. Expect a ramped up role for Gray this season. His ambidextrous finishing and knack for really ascending to the rim have been notable factors.
Marcus Montalvo, Westminster
The seasoned senior is a heady offensive player. He knows how to really spot up and find his shot. This trait allows him to score consecutive buckets and really utilize what the defense opens up for him. Beyond being a catch and stick threat from the outside, Montalvo is a tough and deliberate guard with a savvy. He’s got a feel for his teammates’ style and tendencies and can really initiate offense and get everyone involved.
Brandon Monestime, North Miami
The crafty and shifty guard has a number of offensive tools, including a nifty floater which he’s added to the arsenal. Monestime’s hard-driving style and knack for carving into the teeth of the defense and finishing with either hand catalyzes the offense.
Monestime has developed an adeptness for scoring on the run.
Josh Dawkins, Coral Gables
A composed guard with a scoring engine, IQ, and a high motored style, Dawkins is a knockdown guy who can hit from way, way beyond the confines of the arc. With his downhill game and his ability to score it off the dribble, he’s got the attributes to seize the leadership reins on a guard-rich program this season. Coral Gables augmented its backcourt depth this season with the arrival of Mater Academy transfer Jorge Becceril.
Eddie Ramirez, Southwest
The 5-foot-10 Class of 2020 prospect has emerged into a top-tier guard with a knack for hitting timely shots. He’s opened up his range and has the potential to be one of the better shooters in the area this season. Defensively, he’s added strength and has become proficient at guarding the ball and keeping opposing guards in front of him.