Miami’s Most Underrated: Guards
George Becerri, Mater Academy
The tough, hard-nosed guard is the quintessential leader. Mater goes as he goes. If Becerri gets into foul trouble, Mater is in trouble. With boundless defensive energy, the 5-foot-10 Class of 2018 point guard leads with innate passion.
He’s a reliable 3-point shooter, a driver, and has incorporated a nifty floater into his arsenal. Becerri’s gritty style, heady play, and ability to stay engaged throughout 94 feet is in alignment with the style enforced by Mater head coach and South Florida legend Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez.
Alex Semoza, Mater Academy
Another gritty guard who is buoyed by his ability to be a sheer defensive pest. Semoza, a senior, is a shooter by trade but can also score via the drive and an array of one on one moves.
Dominic Rivera, Mater Lakes Academy
Tough 5-foot-10 guard competes to the best of his skill-set, has sneaky quick hands as an on-ball defender. Gets free for open baskets and plays with a surprising savvy for a sophomore.
Craig Starks Jr., Mater Lakes Academy
Big, well-built freshman has the body of a fullback and an ability to play in the trenches and really become a banger. While he’s utilized as a guard in this lineup, he has the type of skill set to adapt to multiple positions.
Kadeem Wilks, Atlantic High
6-foot-1 junior guard is a skilled lefty who knows how to get to the rim. Wilks’ role has increased rapidly this year, as he’s a key supplementary piece to Rodwenz Albert in the backcourt. A steady double digit scorer, Wilks has put up 20+ performances multiple times this month.
Matthew Tanis, Believe Prep Academy
The 5-foot-9 guard has the work ethic and heart that would sell many coaches. He’s improved drastically at his ability to create his own shot and can score at all three levels consistently.
A combination guard, Tanis has the cornerback-type build to be a consistent defender at the next level.
Jacob Narvaez, McArthur High
Like Sandro Noel at McArthur before him, Narvaez has a wealth of gifts capable of leading his team at all times. During the RMF tournament, it was Narvaez’ deadeye 3-point shooting and transition leak-out buckets that provided separation.
The 6-foot-2 senior has minimal interest recruitment-wise, an aspect that should change with one of his game-breaking 3-point barrages.
Miclenby Geffrard, Suncoast
Though he’s known primarily as a catch-and-stick threat, Geffrard has the overall skill-set to be a high impact backcourt player for Suncoast during heightened pressure moments. He’s developed into a sturdy and reliable defender while also helping out on the glass.
The 6-foot-3 senior has been a key component of Suncoast’s sizzling start.
Dave Herard, Stranahan
Hard-nosed guard is emblematic of the toughness of this sophomore-laden Stranahan team, which is led by a core of underclassmen eager to prove they are much better than projected. The team already gauged its grit in losses to reigning 4A state champion Westminster Academy and a defending 3A state champion Orlando Christian Prep, which features 6-foot-6 UNC-signee Nassir Little.
Herard possesses natural scoring ability, as evidenced by a 29-point outburst against American Heritage.