Small-School Section 7 Top Guards

It’s never too early for too-early-season. With fall sports and school underway, it’s only a matter of time before the winter sports season is upon us. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top guards in the small schools in Section 7 [player_tooltip player_id="774819" first="Mason" last="Olson"], Moose Lake-Willow River Olson busted out big time last year, averaging better than 21 points per game for a 23-win MLWR club. He’s got the size, juice off the dribble and is an absolute deadeye shooter. He’s one of the toughest individual players to defend in the area and has the ability to dominate games. [player_tooltip player_id="957236" first="Mason" last="Carlson"], Virginia Carlson was solid last season for the Devils, averaging better than 15 points and six assists for a 21-win outfit. He’s massive for a point guard, standing at 6-foot-4, but he’s a well-balanced player on both ends of the floor. He can shoot it, he gets to the rim and creates for his teammates at a high level. Eli Blue, Esko Esko’s been one of the best programs in Class AA over the last decade thanks to consistent player development despite roster turnover. Blue emerged last year as a rock-solid lead guard for the Eskomos, averaging about 12 points while showing the explosiveness to absolute dominate games. The next step will be for Blue to do it consistently, but when he’s going, he’s a dynamic three-level scorer. [player_tooltip player_id="958738" first="Carsen" last="Turk"], Crosby-Ironton Turk averaged 16.5 points and nearly five assists for a C-I team that relied heavily on young guys last year and while his efficiency numbers can stand to improve, he showed he’s capable of lighting it up from the perimeter, getting to the foul line at a high rate and making plays. Expect a sophomore-to-junior jump. [player_tooltip player_id="774869" first="Bode" last="Magnuson"], Pequot Lakes Magnuson is one of the top point guards in Section 7AA and was the catalyst for a 19-win Pequot Lakes team. He’s got off-the-dribble juice to get wherever he wants on the floor and his consistency on both ends of the floor sets the tone. Expect the Patriots to contend in the section this winter. [player_tooltip player_id="962209" first="Asher" last="Zubich"], Mountain Iron-Buhl Zubich is going to drive opposing coaches crazy over the next three years. The 5-foot-10 point guard averaged 30 points, six rebounds and five assists as a freshman. Perhaps more impressive than the raw numbers were the efficiency numbers as Zubich shot better than 50 percent from the floor, 40 percent from the 3-point line and 80 percent from the foul line. Don’t be surprised if the Rangers make a nice jump from 15 wins this winter. [player_tooltip player_id="962287" first="Nikolas" last="Jesch"], Mountain Iron-Buhl The Rangers aren’t a solo operation. Jesch was one of the best freshmen in the state last year - despite being the second best frosh on his own team - and top overall players in Section 7A. He averaged 18 points plus about four rebounds and three assists while burying 36 percent of his 3-pointers (7.7 attempts per game). [player_tooltip player_id="958846" first="TJ" last="Chiabotti"], North Woods Chiabotti’s been a stud for the Panthers each of the last two years and may be the best guard in Section 7A when you factor in his ability to run a team, score at a high rate, defend and lead. He’s a rock-solid defender who can guard all three perimeter positions. He’s a smooth scorer who can get a bucket from just about anywhere on the floor and he does a great job balancing getting his own shot with distributing. [player_tooltip player_id="958848" first="Ty" last="Morrison"], Deer River Deer River should head into this year with sky-high expectations thanks to the backcourt tandem of Morrison and [player_tooltip player_id="958851" first="Mikhail" last="Wakonabo"]. Morrison is one of the best point guards in the state and at 6-foot-3, he’s got the size, athleticism and skill to dominate games. He’s a terrific slasher who can finish in traffic with ease while also being one of the best playmakers in the area. [player_tooltip player_id="958851" first="Mikhail" last="Wakonabo"], Deer River Wakonabo averaged 18 points per game for the Warriors while providing elite level 3-point shooting. He’s got good size on the wing at 6-foot-4 and he’s so smooth. He’s excellent on and off the ball and gives Deer River a second legitimate go-to scorer.