Class of 2024: 5 Guards College Coaches Should Know
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Guard play continues to be a focus on the deep Class of 2024. They’re only two seasons into their high school career and many are leaving their mark on the varsity level, while others are shinning in the spring and…
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Continue ReadingGuard play continues to be a focus on the deep Class of 2024. They’re only two seasons into their high school career and many are leaving their mark on the varsity level, while others are shinning in the spring and summer with grassroots teams. Here’s 5 more guards in the Class of 2024 that college coaches should be familiar with.
Isaac Williams, 6’2 Combo Guard, Putnam City
One of the better athletes in the class, Williams had a breakout sophomore season for the Pirates. Now he’s starting to become even more explosive this spring, as he plays against top regional and national competition with Team Trae Young Elite. It’s the quickness and fast pace play that gives him a chance to standout even more in this class in the future. He could eventually rival some of the top names in this class, because his athleticism is more than just for show. It’s very functional with how he moves with the ball, making it difficult for defenders to keep him from getting to his spots to score. Williams has hit some from the midrange in past viewings, hinting that he could become one of the more complete scorers in Oklahoma these next two seasons.
Jervais Goree Jervais Goree 5'8" | PG Preston | 2024 State OK , 5’8 Point Guard, Preston
A small town guard, with electricity to his game. Gore is quick off the dribble, with a shifty handle that allows him to get into the paint and create havoc for the opposition. When defenders do sag off to protect against his driving and creating abilities, he’s showing the ability to smoothly and routinely nail stepback jumpers from beyond the three point line. Look for Gore to continue to put up big numbers as one of the best guards in the small school ranks next winter.
Xon Williams Xon Williams 6'2" | PG Millwood | 2024 State OK , 6’2 Combo Guard, Millwood
Compared to other guards on this list, Williams is behind when it comes to varsity experience. Still, he’s experienced a strong spring on the grassroots circuit and is now settling in to a role at his new school Millwood, the defending Class 3A Champions. He’s another fast pace guard, but he doesn’t quite have the same sudden burst some of the other guards on this list have. Williams is more of a top end speed guy, which really shines in how quickly he turns defense into offense. Along with getting into the paint to create for others or finish himself with a crafty layup package. If Williams can finish the summer strongly, he’ll likely play a big role for the Falcons this winter, one of the top teams in Oklahoma regardless of class.
Kabron Lewis Kabron Lewis 6'2" | CG Hale | 2024 State OK , 6’2 Shooting Guard, Nathan Hale (Tulsa)
One of the top statistical performers in TPS last season, Lewis broken into 30+ points multiple times on the year. He finished the year with 18.5 points per game and nearly shooting 38% from three. The the three point shooting percentage is one of the biggest signs of future success. If he turns into a marksman from deep to match his strong slashing ability, he’ll not only be one of the top scorers in Tulsa, but all of Oklahoma. It’s early but looking at recent trends players from Tulsa Public Schools might not always have the cleanest path to the level. But many talented guards have used the Junior College path to four year success, Lewis could follow in the footsteps of names like Demaree King, Kam Brice, Kori Guest and others.
Tatum Ridge Tatum Ridge 6'2" | CG Edmond North | 2024 State OK , 6’1 Point Guard, Edmond North
For many other programs, a sophomore starting on a Class 6A State Championship team would be a featured prospect for a high school. For Ridge, it’s a a blessing and curse to play alongside some of the very best 2024s in Oklahoma. Him and his teammates have created a core that will place them as one of the best teams in the state for the next two seasons. It also means he gets pushed every day in practice by top players, but it’s kept some of the spotlight from shining directly on a youngster already excelling at a high level.
Ridge may not have the same athleticism and physical traits of his highly touted 2024 Huskie teammates, but he emerged as a key starter and playmaker for them as they made their run to the Gold Ball. The savvy guard used that confidence as a spring board to a good spring with his grassroots team. He’s a well balanced lead guard, who looks to be starting to mature into a big time threat from beyond the arc.