Way-Too-Early Preview: Class A Guards to Watch
Fall sports are right around the corner. With a few more grassroots tournaments still in store for summer, hoops aren’t completely over yet. But with the AAU season being salvaged to a degree, there’s a clearer picture of what to…
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Continue ReadingFall sports are right around the corner. With a few more grassroots tournaments still in store for summer, hoops aren’t completely over yet. But with the AAU season being salvaged to a degree, there’s a clearer picture of what to expect next season.
Here are some of the guards to watch at the Class A level:
Deonte Martinez Deonte Martinez 5'10" | PG Minot | 2021 State ND , Minot
Martinez was terrific for Minot last year, averaging 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting better than 50 percent from the field. He’s a strong and explosive lead guard who does a great job putting pressure on defenders by getting to the paint and either finishing or dishing to teammates. With the Magicians losing just about everybody else, it’s going to be his show next winter.
Treysen Eaglestaff, Bismarck
Eaglestaff was one of the best sophomores in the state last year, averaging better than 12 points per game in a ‘gunner-off-the-bench’ role. He’s got the size, athleticism and skill to take that sophomore-to-junior jump and in a bigger role, with the way the Demons play, he’ll have an opportunity to put up massive numbers for a really good team.
Tyler Tollefson Tyler Tollefson 5'11" | SG Wahpeton | 2021 State ND , Wahpeton
Tollefson was a breakout player for the Huskies last year, averaging 14 points while shooting 40 percent from the 3-point line. He’s on the small side, but he’s dynamic creating his own shot and has deep range to put up big points. Wahpeton should be improved this winter and Tollefson could be one of the best guards in the league.
Jayce Lowman Jayce Lowman 6'3" | SG Mandan | 2021 State ND , Mandan
Lowman was one of the best players in the WDA last season, averaging 14 points while shooting nearly 40 percent from the 3-point line. He’s looked excellent in the grassroots tournaments this summer with ND Attack and is poised to take on a starring role for the Braves this winter. He’s long, smart and skilled, and with more volume, could be one of the top scorers in the WDA.
Alex Barbot Alex Barbot 6'3" | SG Grand Forks Central | 2021 State ND , Grand Forks Central
Barbot averaged 11 points per game as a junior at Grand Forks Central and knocked down 36 percent of his 3-pointers (151 attempts). He’s a long, skilled wing who has shown he can do more too, and with the Knights graduating some key guys from a year ago, he’ll have the ball in his hands more and be in position to make more plays.