CIF-SS Promising 2022 Guards to Watch
The CIF Southern Section is filled with some of the best dynamic guards in the state. From playmakers to those that can take over games, these players are ones that defenses often have their eye on the most. These four…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe CIF Southern Section is filled with some of the best dynamic guards in the state. From playmakers to those that can take over games, these players are ones that defenses often have their eye on the most. These four 2022 promising guards are among those to watch.
Mac West — Capistrano Valley Christian
Mac West established a good scoring role in his first season with Capistrano Valley Christian. He found a good scoring rhythm late in the season thanks to how well he handled possessions where he became the primary ball-handler. He works well off screens and uses his accelerating speed to attack inside. West also has a playmaking potential due to his court vision and accuracy in dishing off passes to open outside shooters. He has promise in this area of play and will only improve once he finds several creative ways to collapse defenses and find open shooters with ease.
From attributes such as his reach and quickness, West is a guard to watch for.
Grant Brooks — Moorpark
Grant Brooks is an all-around contributor for Moorpark. He can score from a moderate average thanks to his quick burst when on the ball that allows the guard to drive inside. A quicker release and more of an emphasis on ball control are two areas of improvement for him; it can help lower the turnovers on offense. Still, other positives of his game include how he keeps the ball moving when tasked as the primary ball-handler in a given possession. He can take it up a notch by being more assertive as a playmaker after finding teammates rolling inside.
Brooks has what it takes to be a breakout candidate this upcoming season.
Xavier Alexander — Villa Park
Xavier Alexander did not put together as grand of an influence in Villa Park’s 24–5 winning campaign last season, but he did provide for bright spots over the season that made him a promising player to watch. The guard is a lengthy lefty 3-point shooter who does not make as big of a jump when releasing. But this will not matter as much if he can consistently get a good feel with the shot. Defense is where can emerge into being a real threat. With his notable wingspan, he can become a shot-blocking guard who also turns turnovers into solo fast-break buckets.
Vast improvements will make Alexander a name to watch next season.
William Jagard — Royal
William Jagard is one talent who is developing on each side of the ball. On offense, he has an intriguing shot form as pushes on the shot while not fostering a steady, balanced tilt through the release. If he can work through his progressions more, then he can assert his presence more as a quick release shooter. Defensively, Jagard just gives quality effort. The 6’2′ talent does not have the strength to overpower opponents within the paint but simply does well to halt possessions by trapping driving lanes and corral in steals.
A breakout season is attainable for Jagard, so look for him to be an under-the-radar talent soon.