Big-School Section Section 1 Top Guards

Matt Bigelow

October 5, 2020 @ 07:06 PM

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 from the big schools in Section 1 Jake Braaten, Byron Braaten was one of the best players in the area as a junior, averaging better than 17 points and four assists for a solid Byron team and backed that up with a terrific grassroots season over the summer. He’s a big, physical guard who can score from all three levels plus make plays for his teammates. And he’s a smart and hard-nosed defender. [player_tooltip player_id="774764" first="Jace" last="Bigelow"], Kasson-Mantorville Bigelow flies under the radar a little bit but he’s one of the best players in Hiawatha Valley League and Section 1AAA. He’s a long, athletic guard who can shoot it from the 3-point line, get to the rim and defend multiple perimeter positions. He averaged nearly 18 points per game as a junior and will be in position to put up massive numbers again this winter. [player_tooltip player_id="958646" first="Jasper" last="Hedin"], Winona Hedin enjoyed an excellent sophomore season at Winona last year and backed that up with an outstanding grassroots season. At 6-foot-6, he’s got tantalizing potential because of his combination of shooting ability, smoothness off the bounce, explosive finishing ability and multipositional defensive potential. He’s a guy to watch in the Big 9 this year. [player_tooltip player_id="957155" first="Okey" last="Okey"], Austin Austin is consistently one of the best teams in the state and Okey will be one of the featured players this winter. The 6-foot-2 swingman can shoot it at a high level from the 3-point line and his length is a big asset on the defensive end of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="567121" first="Breyton" last="Buysman"], Simley Buysman has been a solid player for Simley each of the last two years, consistently scoring 12-15 points per game while providing a steady dose of playmaking. He’s got good size and length for a perimeter piece and he uses it to his advantage as a slasher - finishing at the rim - and as a defender who can guard up or down an opposing lineup. Ruot Jioklow, Simley Jioklow has been a double-figure scorer each of the last two years and looks primed for another big step after a good showing on the grassroots circuit this past summer. He’s another lengthy, wiry swingman who can get to his spots and score from all over the floor. Simley is going to be a sleeper in Section 1AAA this winter and Jioklow could be one of the best overall players. [player_tooltip player_id="958731" first="Deso" last="Buck"], Red Wing Buck was a bright spot for the Wingers last season, emerging as one of the best players in the Big 9. Buck is a terrific shooter on the wing and has the size and smarts to get his shot off against just about any defender. [player_tooltip player_id="774734" first="Reid" last="Patterson"], Lakeville South Patterson’s been the go-to guy for Lakeville South and is one of the best players in the 2021 class. He’s a smooth point guard who does a great job controlling the tempo of a game, and balancing distributing to teammates and hunting his shot. He’s a strong long-range shooter and has the strength to play through contact. He’s a feisty defender who helps set the tone on that end of the floor too. [player_tooltip player_id="958681" first="Brayden" last="Williams"], Owatonna Williams was one of the best sophomores in the Big 9 last season, averaging better than 14 points per game while showing off a solid perimeter jumper and the burst to get to the rim and finish. He’s going to take on a much bigger role as an upperclassman and if the Huskies are going to remain competitive in the section, he’ll need to take another step.