Underrated Backcourts
Strong, reliable guard play is important in high school hoops. You’re screwed without it. With it, though, you can protect leads, control tempo, apply pressure, score quickly, tire the opponent, etc. Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, these backcourts are…
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Continue ReadingStrong, reliable guard play is important in high school hoops. You’re screwed without it. With it, though, you can protect leads, control tempo, apply pressure, score quickly, tire the opponent, etc.
Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, these backcourts are the type that cause headaches for opponents:
Note: Programs mentioned in our series of Top Duos, Trios, Quartets, and Super Teams aren’t included here.
Africentric
Dan Wagner (2022), 5-9 point guard: Wagner is an athletic, skilled high-IQ guard poised to takeover as the Nubians’ lead guard.
Eli Burke (2021), 5-10 point guard: Burke’s speed and energy provides a spark. He scores at the rim and has blow-by ability.
Cali Davis (2020), 6-1 guard: We expect Davis to continue embracing a score-minded role as a senior, even if he translates as a point guard at the next level. Knock-down shooter from distance with his feet set. In transition, Davis displays footwork around the basket. Even considering the scoring responsibilities, he’s unselfish and a talented playmaker in the open floor. May also defend the other team’s top perimeter player.
Alder
Jack Santa-Emma (2020), 5-11 point guard: Santa-Emma is a true floor general with vision and a habit of setting up teammates. Ensures high-percentage looks for his team. Good hands and a strong chest. Consistent outside shooter.
Jackson Izzard (2021), 6-2 guard: Alder’s top scorer from a year ago, expect more of the same from Izzard. He’s an elite shooter who has expanded his shot creating ability to include strong finishes in the paint.
Benedictine
Eric Buckner Jr. (2020), 5-10 point guard: Quick, compact guard who takes care of the possession. Finishes through traffic. Experienced.
Jashun Cobb (2020), 5-11 guard: Another experienced senior with length and athleticism. Cobb can defend a few positions and shows skill in finishing around the rim.
BJ Busbee (2021), 6-1 guard: Scorer. Busbee can hit from the outside or score after ripping through for a straight-line-drive. Physical kid.
Dietric Hearst (2022), 6-2 shooting guard: Versatile defender with a big body. We see Hearst providing lineup flexibility off the bench, subbing in for the 2, 3, or 4.
Cardinal Stritch
Joey Holifield (2020), 6-2 point guard: A returning Third Team All-State guy, Holifield is the clear leader and go-to scorer. Floor general who can also defend the other team’s best player, be it a point guard or power forward. Skilled scorer. Overwhelming power. Draws fouls.
Jhaiden Wilson (2021), 5-8 guard: Cast as more of spot-up shooter last season, we expect Wilson to endure more ball-handling responsibility after losing key guards to graduation in 2019. Quick and dynamic with the ball. Shoots it well off the dribble or catch. Applies defensive pressure with his speed.
Devyn Jones (2020), 6-4 shooting guard: Lengthy and skinny wing that is shifty off the bounce. Capable shooter.
Linden-McKinley
Lason Walker (2022), 6-2 shooting guard: Provides scoring around the basket. Combines skill and athleticism as a slasher.
Chance Groce (2021), 6-4 shooting guard: A go-to scoring presence who can create a shot on any given possession. Shoots and finishes at the rim effectively.
Lorain
Seth Wilson (2021), 6-1 point guard: The West Virginia commit may be the most productive guard in all of Ohio this season. Overwhelms the opponent with size, quickness, and shooting ability. Plus rebounder.
Deonte Benejan (2020), 6-0 point guard: Shifty and quick guard who likes to get downhill and attack. Blow-by speed. Tough to stay in front of. Energetic.
Jordan Jackson (2020), 6-4 wing: Physical and versatile wing who can score it and defend multiple positions. May be relied on for rebounding. Thrives in the open floor. Capable shooter. Experienced.
Tippecanoe
Ben Knostman (2021), 6-3 point guard: Unselfish point guard that has an argument as the best passer in Ohio. Drops dimes in transition or in traffic during a halfcourt possession. Crafty scorer.
Nolan Mader (2020), 6-4 wing: Tipp’s go-to scorer. A mismatch because of his combination of size and shooting ability. Uses the jumper to set-up his straight-line-drive game. Averaged 18.3 points last season.
Toledo Christian
Cole McWhinnie (2021), 5-11 point guard: A point guard who values possession and puts pressure on the defense because of his shooting ability.
Trevor Wensink (2021), 6-2 shooting guard: McWhinnie’s running mate that can defend multiple positions and score the rock. Wensink is a talented finisher with elusive footwork. Provides rebounding and plays bigger than 6-foot-2.
Westerville Central
Tasos Cook (2021), 6-1 point guard: Quick shot-creator poised for a breakout season. Displays athleticism in the open floor and around the basket. High energy.
Quincy Clark (2021), 6-1 point guard: High-IQ ball-handler who makes good decisions. While Cook can lead the break for WCHS, Clark may execute the offense when games slow down.
Landon Tillman (2021), 5-8 shooting guard: Dead-eye shooter. Demands a defender to remain glued because of his catch-and-shoot ability. Good decision-maker who makes the right pass quickly if his shot isn’t there.
Worthington Christian
DJ Moore (2022), 6-3 guard: Moore earned Second Team All-State as a freshman. He’s a physically dominate athlete whose game is predicating on getting to the rim. He can either finish or take advantage of a collapsing defense by making an intelligent pass. Plus rebounder. Defensively, Moore makes small guard uncomfortable with his size.
Derrick Hardin (2020), 6-1 shooting guard: Knockdown shooter who can hit off the catch or bounce. Very effective one-dribble pull-up. Quick.
Tyler Kindberg (2021), 6-4 shooting guard: Athletic energy guy who attacks the basket, boards, and never stops moving. Provides rebounding and defensive versatility.