City Rankings: 2023 SEA/TAC Area Top 10 Guards
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The Seattle/Tacoma area is home to arguably the most talented position group in the state with 9 of the 10 guards listed below ranked in the top 35 players in their class (the lone guard outside the top 35 was…
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Continue ReadingThe Seattle/Tacoma area is home to arguably the most talented position group in the state with 9 of the 10 guards listed below ranked in the top 35 players in their class (the lone guard outside the top 35 was clearly a mistake by us). While the order you put them in is up for debate, the talent level in the area is proven. Here’s where I have these guards landing for now. These are the top 10 guards from the Seattle/Tacoma area.
No. 1 | Stewart finished the summer strong, earning second-team honors at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam and picking up offers from USC, UConn, and Utah State. He brings the whole package when he steps on the court starting with his elite scoring ability. Far from just a scorer though, Stewart is an underrated defender who can pick up just about any position on the court.
No. 2 | King was a name floating around last season as someone who could emerge as a top player, and he has done just that. He is a knock-down shooter who has a shot just about anytime he wants it. He’s busted out this summer getting offers from Lehigh, Pepperdine, UCSB, and Seattle University. His stock is rising fast and this season is finally his chance to be the go-to guy.
No. 3 | The best way to describe Paulsen is simply a winner. Tyce executes at a high level while rarely making mental lapses. Anything you need, Paulsen will do it. He stuffs the stat sheet and has shown the ability to hit clutch shots, playing with a cool demeanor and laser focus. He helped lead Curtis to a 4A state championship last season and there’s no reason they shouldn’t be the favorite to repeat this coming season.
Highlights
No. 4 | This guy has really impressed me this summer with his leadership. I’ve never seen him flustered on the court, and if he has been, he hasn’t shown it. He acts like the on-floor coach at times, steadying his team and leading the way. He’ll be joining a very talented Garfield team and should fit in perfectly with his blend of speed and smarts.
No. 5 | It seems like there’s a running theme of guys with ice in their veins. Robinson is yet another outstanding guard that is confident and unrelenting in his ability to impact the game. He can speed up the opposition from both sides of the ball and controls the game with his pace and endurance. Robinson is one of the best ball handlers in the area and knows how to manipulate defenses to get to his spots.
No. 6 | Williams has all the skills to be an absolute killer on the floor. The pretty jumper, the tight handle, good height and length, and dog mentality. He’s a part of a very talented O’Dea team that’s growing up fast. It will be interesting to see how he steps into the leadership role and how far he can take them.
No. 7 | This player was a hard one to rank. Everyone familiar with him knows his talent, and would not be shocked to see him rise toward the top of the list. For McDaniel, it’s more of just getting games under his belt after missing so much time. That will be much easier to get during the high school season than a summer of traveling. Don’t be surprised to see a rapid rise shortly after the start of the high school season.
No. 8 | This point guard is tough as nails. He’s shown he can play under pressure in big-time situations and under harassing defense. Clark protects the ball as well as anyone in the area, can stroke the long-range shot, and knows how to control the pace. He was Nisqually League MVP last season and should build on that, taking his team to a state tournament berth.
No. 9 | Gurske was a big time scorer last season, working in tandem with Brooklyn Hicks Brooklyn Hicks 6’3″ | CG Timberline | 2023 State #168 Nation WA at Timberline. Now, he shifts over to Rainier Beach and the almighty Metro League. He should slot in as a top guard with his ability to slash to the hoop, finishing in tight windows and drawing fouls. Gurske is an aggressor on the floor and he should fit right in to what the Vikings want to do on the court.
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No. 10 | Rounding out the top ten guards is one of the best shooters in the area. Jackson is a lefty stroker with a quick release who paces the Quakers and leads from the point guard spot. I think a lot of people got enamored with his shooting ability last season and early in the spring. Jackson has good fight in his game and finds ways to get it done. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him show off a more dynamic scoring ability next season.