Who to Watch: 5A Point Guards
Our preseason breakdown of the 5A point guards to watch this upcoming season:
Ellis Magnuson (Senior, 6’1″, Borah High School, Hoop Dreams)
The Senior from Borah is a flat out play maker. Averaging 14.7 points, 5.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per a game as a Junior, he is looking to increase those averages and lead Borah to a state championship, a mark they haven’t achieved in their storied history since 2013. Magnuson controls the game through his ability to make decisions with the ball in his hands, most notably his strong ability to read defenses out of ball screens. Said a coach in Magnuson’s conference, “Ellis is a great floor general, he controls all aspects of the game. A do it all type point guard. One of the best passers I’ve seen.”
Andy Ford (Senior, 5’11”, Timberline High School, Boise Flite)
The smooth shooting combo guard averaged 14 points per a game as a Junior. Ford’s range extends well beyond the three point line, but he is also a crafty finisher around the rim. Said a coach in Ford’s conference, “Ford is a high IQ guard with lethal range. He is prepped for a breakout Senior season. He has a great opportunity to show leadership skills with the departure of last years starting point guard Zack Zenner.”
Donovan Santana (Senior, 6’0″, Lewiston High School, Select Basketball)
Santana, a physical point guard that likes to attack the rim saw a difference in his game this summer after trimming down 15 pounds as well as developing a consistent jump shot. Said Santana, “I wanted to work on my shooting to be able to open up both my game as well as my teammates.” Santana currently holds an offer from George Fox University.
Dallen Perrin (Senior, Mountain View High School, Select Basketball)
Perrin, a Senior, will undoubtedly assume a leadership position in the team that lost last year’s 5A SIC Conference Player of the Year and current College of Idaho Freshman Jalen Galloway. Known for his defense and gritty style on the court, Perrin averaged 3.8 assists per a game last year. “Great leader with his teammates. Very vocal and great attitude on the court. Wants to get his teammates involved, will look for them early and often. Is a pass first, shoot second point guard. Great defender and motor. Love coaching him,” said Jon Nettleton, Mountain View Head Coach.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho Statesman