Class of 2022 Rankings: Stock Rising Guards
The class of 2022 is one of the most talented the Louisiana has seen it some time. No position is that more apparant then at the guard position. These six guards below have seen their stock rise either through their…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2022 is one of the most talented the Louisiana has seen it some time. No position is that more apparant then at the guard position. These six guards below have seen their stock rise either through their work during the season or grassroots play. While they may have risen now, this group is probably not done moving up.
#9 Alexzaye Johnson Alexzaye Johnson 6'4" | PG St Benedicts Prep | 2023 State NJ | 6’2″ | Helen Cox (Previous rank #20)
Johnson had one of the better summers of any guard in the class. He was the starting point guard for LivOn Fleur-de-lis and was one of the best defenders on the team. Johnson was able to get players into offensive sets and he did good job pushing the pace in transition. Improving his outside game will be a need of his going forward. When he does that, we may be looking at a sure fire, mid-major talent.
#12 Joseph Manning Joseph Manning 6'3" | CG Bossier | 2022 State LA | 6’3″ | Bossier (Previous rank #21) – pictured above
Manning had a summer that put people on notice. He was already a hard-nosed defender who took on tough shooting guards and wings. Over the summer, his offensive game is blossomed. Manning is lethal running the wing. During grassroots play, he found the mid-range shot to be his best friend. With the schedule that Bossier plays, Manning might move into the top ten by the time January hits. He is very good and will only get better.
#21 Lance Waddles Lance Waddles 6'3" | CG Victory Rock Prep | 2022 State LA | 6’2″ | Evangel (Previous rank #27)
Waddles is a player who has not necessarily slid under the radar but his stock has been rising. He has been in the lab steadliy improving his game. Because of that, Waddles earned a spot to run with Louisiana Elite during the grassroots season. Lance was a solid trey shooter before and has gotten better during the summer. He also grew about two inches and worked on his vertical. With his game enhancing, Waddles will be one to watch this season.
#38 Bryce Weinmunson Bryce Weinmunson 6'2" | CG Mandeville | 2022 State LA | 6’1″ | Mandeville (Previous rank #79)
Weinmunson is the guard who has seen his stock rise the most. During the grassroots season, Weinmunson made his hay by being a hard guard for the opposition. He is a shooter who is always on balance and knows how to move without the ball. Weinmunson can nail jumpers from the mid-range and from deep with a high proficiency. He is also more athletic than one would think. With his work this summer, Weinmunson may be an all-state candidate.
#39 Dezmond Perkins Dezmond Perkins 6'5" | SG Madison Prep | 2022 State LA | 6’4″ | Madison Prep (Previous rank #62)
From getting spot minutes on a senior-laden team to being apart of the Statement Session, Dez Perkins has come a long way. While he has put in work to become a better player on both ends of the floor, he has become effective at hitting the three. With his long arms and high release, Perkins can shoot threes without many affecting his shot. Pairing Dezmond with his brother Dez’iel will give the Chargers a great shooting duo. One that may lead to a title.
#64 Johnny Nash Johnny Nash 6'1" | CG Atlanta | 2022 State LA | 6’1″ | Atlanta (Previous rank NR)
Nash was an 8th grader getting varsity minutes when the Atlanta Bulldogs went to Marsh Madness. Now, going into his junior season, he is ready to lead Atlanta back to Lake Charles. Nash has a clever handle and can score from the mid-range with regularity. Even in class C, he is still one of the the better guards in the northern part of the state. With his experience and shooting ability, Nash will be one to watch this season.
Guards are one of the best commodities that Louisiana has on the prep scene. Look for these guards, and others, to be catalysts in driving their team towards a state title come March.