Top Senior PG’s Outside Top 150
With the high school hoops season right around the corner, and a shiny, new set of rankings recently published, we’re gonna start with the point guards who couldn’t crack the top 150 this time around. Kobe Risse Kobe Risse 6'0"…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school hoops season right around the corner, and a shiny, new set of rankings recently published, we’re gonna start with the point guards who couldn’t crack the top 150 this time around.
Kobe Risse Kobe Risse 6'0" | PG Wapsie Valley | 2021 State IA and Blayde Bellis Blayde Bellis 5'9" | PG Wapsie Valley | 2021 State IA – Wapsie Valley
This pair of teammates for Wapsie Valley provided their team with four quarters of great production at the point guard position in 2019-2020. Last season they dished out 10.2 assists per night between the two of them, While Kobe scored 9.7 points a night, and Blayde 10.5 points. Kobe’s rebounding ability as a guard proved to be an igniter for the Warriors, as Kobe was able to secure the rebound and race up court himself, creating advantages in transition. The nod also goes to Kobe in terms of offensive efficiency. Blayde shot 36/34/60 (FG%/3P%/FT%) a season ago compared to Kobe’s 48/41/66. As seniors, these two should see their opportunities increase this season with the graduation of last season’s leading scorer, Kiks Rosengarten Kiks Rosengarten 6'7" | PF Wapsie Valley | 2020 State IA .
Brady Millikin Brady Millikin 6'0" | PG Pekin | 2021 State IA – Pekin
A season ago for the Pekin Panthers, Brady averaged 13.3 points 4.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Even while carrying the load as leading scorer for his team he remained efficient, posting 46/44/77 shooting splits. He finished top 10 in assists among all 2021 players in the state as a junior, yet I think he has more in him than the 130 he dished out in 2019-2020. His vision is excellent and should start to expand his passing versatility. Off-hand passing and diverse delivery types should be on his to-do list for this season.
Darian Johnson Darian Johnson 5'10" | PG West Burlington | 2021 State IA – West Burlington
Darian posted 12.4 points 1.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a junior. He displays great quickness while maneuvering the court, and can get to his spots relatively easy. His shooting splits from last season were a respectable 41/31/80, and he earned himself almost 3 FT attempts a game, which is a respectable number for a player with Darian’s usage and size. He knows how to use his body well and it would be great if he could steal a few more free throws per game as a senior. He shows glimpses of some great passing touch as well, often floating direct passes to the weakside corner over the defense and on target.
Garrison Tripp Garrison Tripp 5'8" | PG South Hardin | 2021 State IA – South Hardin
Garrison will once again be relied upon for consistent production at South Hardin this year. He did just fine handling the responsibility a year ago, averaging 11.3 points 3.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists, many that would qualify as “dimes.” Most of his scoring came from the midrange where he employs an effective floater inside of 10 feet and a pull up jumper for shots further out. I would like to see him take 3-4 three point shots per game (2.5 3PA/G a season ago). He proved he can hit them efficiently and is ready to space his game out.
Conner Piehl Conner Piehl 5'11" | PG Tripoli | 2021 State IA – Tripoli
A do it all player for Tripoli, Connor Piehl will look to improve on his great scoring success from his junior season. Averaging 14.9 points 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists, his numbers don’t match that of a prototypical point guard. However, his rebounding ability is so valuable on that end of the floor. It allows him to start possessions immediately off a board, but also helps protect the team from offensive rebounding if Connor gets switched onto a big. This can often lead to easy offensive putbacks from a big man who just has to fight a small guard for position. That fight is not so easy with Connor. Defensively, he showed great anticipation off-ball and has nice length to disrupt passing lanes and create chaos.