2021 Rankings Update: Top Floor Generals

<p>After the strangest offseason ever, the 2021 rankings have been updated. Given the conditions, PHC made it a point to see as many players as possible rather it be a tournament, small group workout, or showcase –we made it a point to check in with almost every player.</p> <p>For the Class of 2021, having a travel season nearly ripped away, players came out hungry and eager to seize the moment and take full advantage of the stage.</p> <p>Here is our latest rankings update, and it is my favorite position – point guards.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770403" first="Myles" last="Purchase"] – Cherry Creek</strong></span></h2> <p>Purchase comes in at the No. 9 spot in the entire state, which is monumental simply because basketball comes second to him. The love of the game is there, and he certainly is one of the most impactful players in the state, but he will be playing another sport at the Division I level next season. But that does not mean that he will not be trying to win a state title on the hardwood. Purchase works extremely hard in both sports and with passion. He has a competitive edge on the court that separates him, and he is a two-way standout. Purchase is just as liable as knocking down an open 3-pointer as he is getting a steal. Purchase plays at his own pace and pushes the tempo. As a junior, Purchase was a second-team All-Conference member in the toughest conference in the state. He put up 13.6 points a game and matched his steals and assist numbers with 3.2 a game. He is a gifted athlete that is a pass-first point guard that wants to spread the wealth. His energy is contagious. Purchase continues to improve, and there are not many things that he cannot do on the floor.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916967" first="Garrett" last="Arnold"] – ThunderRidge</strong></span></h2> <p>Arnold had a bit of a down season in his junior year for the Grizzlies as he was only able to put up 5.9 points and 3.6 assists a game but bounced back with one of the better summers of any guard in the state. He looked more like the guard that we had seen the previous summer as he was able to play freely. His confidence rose, and with that came his ability to score the ball in various ways. This summer, Arnold had his team playing elite basketball as he is a true point guard with excellent court vision and a high IQ. He also showed that he has worked on his jumper as he consistently knocked down 3-pointers and kept the defense guessing. Arnold made the right decisions on the floor all summer and goes into a season where I think that he turns heads. He makes the jump to No. 40.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916960" first="Tommy" last="Apodaca"] – Lutheran</strong></span></h2> <p>Apodaca is another true point guard that is one of the better two-way players in the class. Apodaca plays well about his size and can control the game on both ends of the floor. He pushes the pace and is a creative finisher around the rim with a soft floater and an inside-out presence. He knocks down open shots and, while playing alongside one of the best players in the country, understands the importance of spacing. Apodaca is coming off of a year as the starting point guard, where he led his team to a 21-4 overall record and a 10-0 conference record. This summer, he also made sure to give opposing guards fits as he is a defender that uses his body and stays in front of his man. He comes in at No.50 with room to grow as I expect a year that he showcases his wisdom. He is the quiet storm.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965745" first="Alonzo" last="Paul"] – Regis</strong></span></h2> <p>Paul is a quick and creative guard that stands out due to his savviness. He can score in bunches and is a microwave threat with a solid handle that controls the tempo. Paul gets to where he wants on the floor and either finishes it or dishes it off to open teammates. Consistency was one of his only setbacks as a junior as the small guard put up nine points a game but had moments like against Mullen and Mountain Vista, where he exploded for 25+ points. It was no coincidence that when he became more of a playmaker, the wins started to come. Scoring does not have to be his only option; as long as he is productive for Regis this upcoming season and stepping more into a facilitating role, then Regis will open up as one of the most improved teams in the state that has the chance to make some noise.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">[player_tooltip player_id="916989" first="Ryan" last="Moe"] – Thomas Jefferson</span></strong></h2> <p>Moe is one of the most entertaining guards in the state that not many know about. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands and is a flashy passer with exceptional vision. He keeps his dribble alive, head on a swivel, and is always on the move. When Moe is assertive, it leads to wins as it is difficult to stay in front of him. He makes on-time passes and is also a scoring threat that can space the floor with his jump shot as well. For the Spartans, he is going to be asked to score the ball a bit more. He put up 12 points a game as a junior, but this year it will be on him to initiate offense. I expect a big season from him.</p>