Pound for Pound Team: Intriguing Guards 6’1 and Under
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Being able to use your size wisely especially as an undersized guard is necessary to have success not only at the Varsity level, but at the college level as well. Being able to initiate contact, have a float game, and…
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Continue ReadingBeing able to use your size wisely especially as an undersized guard is necessary to have success not only at the Varsity level, but at the college level as well. Being able to initiate contact, have a float game, and create separation off the dribble can really elevate a person’s game to the next level. In no particular order, here are some guys who pound for pound, go out and make plays with the ball.
Howard Johnson Howard Johnson 6'0" | SG Junction City | 2022 State KS , 6’1 Guard, Junction City, 2022: Johnson’s season got off to a quick start, picking up where he left off after an impressive summer campaign. An injury to his elbow took some time away from the middle of his season but came back from it and handled it well. He has improved his decision making when getting down hill, as well as his footwork, and playing of two feet ability. The floater game has been there his whole time at Junction and it is a great tool in his arsenal to compliment his shooting ability. Johnson is also effective at getting to the foul line where he shoots a high percentage and can create a lot of and 1 opportunities with his finishing ability against contact.
Damare Smith Damare Smith 5'10" | PG Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS , 5’11 Point Guard, Shawnee Mission Northwest, 2022: Smith is a high level point guard who uses his size and quickness to his advantage to get guys in tough positions on defense, and collapses defenses on his drives which allows him to wreak havoc either scoring at the rim, in the mid range, or kick to open shooters, all 3 of which he is really good at. He is a tough nosed point guard and a great leader on the floor. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game this season.
Makaen Hastings Makaen Hastings 5'11" | PG Salina South | 2023 KS , 5’9 Guard, Solomon, 2023: Hastings is an electric guard who still ahs a ton of time in his high school and travel career to continue to develop and refine his game. He is shifty but tough with the ball in his hands and is terrific at creating separation off the bounce. His footwork on drives his versatile which makes it tough to block his finishes and he has a soft touch on his floater game. He averaged 17 points and nearly 3 steals per game this season.
Patrick McCallop Jr Patrick McCallop Jr 5'10" | PG Bishop Miege | 2023 State KS , 5’10 Point Guard, Bishop Miege, 2023 (Pictured): McCallop was agreat complimentary player this season for the state champs of Bishop Miege. His time to take more of the reigns is coming though, as he should see an increased role next season, and he has the tools to deliver big time. He can play down hill with his speed, has a strong handle on the basketball, and has a nose for making plays. In his spurts of solid playing time he put up some productivity and shot 37% from 3 and 42% from the field in Varsity games this year. He is a name to keep tabs on.
Cameron Carr, 5’10, Point Guard, Manhattan High, 2023: Coming off of earning Honorable Mention All Centennial League in his sophomore campaign, Carr is poised for a big spring and summer that should translate then into a monster junior year. He should spring up in height too, and his long arms help him play a lot longer and wider then normal. He extends well to the rim, has a good pull up jumper, and love his ability to make plays off the dribble. He made some big time winning plays as well for Manhattan throughout the year.
Brekyn Ratzlaff Brekyn Ratzlaff 6'0" | PG Hillsboro | 2023 State KS , 6’ Guard, Hillsboro, 2023: Coming off of a state championship victory in which he put on quite the performance, Ratzlaff is pound for pound a great “small guard” who helped lead a great Hillsboro team. He scored 16 points in the state title game, got his hands on a bunch of passes and balls to force turnovers. He creates plays for others well too off the bounce and getting into the painted area. He is tough on both ends of the floor and is strong with and without the ball, especially when getting up and down the floor.