2022 Rankings Update: Top Point Guards outside of the Top-50

<p>PHC released the 2022 rankings update and, with that, broke down some of the top players in the class. With that, some players fall under the wayside. Here are the top point guards right outside of the top 50.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="618874" first="Josh" last="Lopez"] – Mullen</strong></h2> <p>Last season is a year that Mullen is looking to move on from and will surely be in a position to be one of the most improved teams. Taking a look back at last year, there were not many bright spots for the Mustangs; one, however, was their starting point guard [player_tooltip player_id="618874" first="Josh" last="Lopez"]. Lopez is a player that got plenty of experience. He had to break presses, zones, double teams, and everything else that opposing teams threw at him and was able to put up 8.6 points and three assists a game. He plays under control, takes care of the ball, and hunts for baskets. He is a solid shooter that consistently knocks shots down, rebounds well as a guard, and pushes the pace. He took that into the summer, where he was one of the Miners top players and will be a player to watch this season as I feel with the success of the team will make a huge jump.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967539" first="Titus" last="Washington"] – Cherokee Trail</strong></h2> <p>Washington is a 6’2 guard that spent last season on JV but swung occasionally. We got to see him this summer, and that is where we saw all of the work that he put in and has us ready for the upcoming year. He is very active on both ends of the floor and always seems to be in the play. Washington uses his length and speed to play the passing lanes, and it turns into fast-break layups on the other end. He can knock down the 3-ball and also is a creative finisher inside as well. HE will be put in a position that he takes more shots this season and will be relied on but had a solid summer.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918908" first="A’jzhan" last="Williams"] – Vista Peak</strong></h2> <p>Williams got his feet wet as a sophomore on an outstanding Vista Peak team that turned plenty of heads last year. He was the primary ball-handler when he did receive minutes and ran the offense. He understood that he had to put in work this summer to elevate his game, and from what we saw in private workouts and various tourneys, he is progressing in every way. Williams is improving as a shooter, which was his biggest flaw, and he also has been putting himself in positions to get others involved. He can score in bunches as he cannot be denied at the rim, attacks the lane, and uses his size to get by other guards. He is best when he is getting teammates in good spots, and Vista Peak will need plenty of that this upcoming season. This is a big season for him and will surely be his best year individually, but now he has to show that he can be a player that the Bison rely on as they will have a solid backcourt.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="618866" first="Esmond" last="Griffin"] – Horizon</strong></h2> <p>Horizon was the second-best team in the 5A Front Range last year and will be in what some are thinking will be a rebuilding year after losing their two best players to graduation and a transfer. That puts the spotlight on their guard play, and Griffin will get a crack at more minutes alongside other solid guards. Griffin has the speed to get to wherever he wants on the floor, hits the 3-ball, and is deadly in the open court. He sees the floor well and can break a defender down off of the dribble, and that allows teammates to find their spots. He played extremely well for Colorado Titans this summer and will be asked to do more this year. Expect him to deliver.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="618875" first="Dominic" last="Marrujo"] – Prairie View</strong></h2> <p>Marrujo was Prairie View’s best player in his sophomore season and is a player that had a solid freshman year and built on it. He is an experienced guard despite only having two varsity years as he has seen plenty of different looks that opposing teams has sent his way to try and slow him down and has still been effective. Marrujo put up a team-high 12.8 points a game and showed that he could score in various ways. This small guard remains aggressive throughout the game and had a couple of explosive games last season, like when he went for 28 points in a one-point win over Thornton. He is a volume shooter that does not shy away from the moment and is willing to put the team on his back. Marrujo will again be asked to take every shot this year, and if he can get some help in the scoring department can turn some heads this year.</p>