Big-School Section Section 5 Top Guards

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top guards from the big schools in Section 5</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="532583" first="Trey" last="Longstreet"], Delano</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Longstreet was a catalyst for a Delano team that was one of the best in the state last year, averaging better than 14 points per game while setting the tone on both ends of the floor. His size is the first thing you notice, as he’s 6-foot-6 with excellent strength. He makes the most of it too, as he extends his arms (an underrated skill that not all naturally long players put to use) on the defensive end and not only does a great job of contesting shots, but limiting penetration. He’s a solid perimeter shooter and a natural playmaker off the bounce. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774746" first="Joshua" last="Strong"], Champlin Park</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strong is one of the best point guards in the 2021 class and gets it done on both ends of the floor. He guards at a high level, putting consistent pressure on the ball. And he’s a heady playmaker who can break down primary defenders and get his teammates shots. And he’s a more-than-capable scorer from all three levels.</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957228" first="Christian" last="Crockett"], Fridley</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crockett is an undersized lead guard who averaged better than 12 points per game for Fridley last season. He’s got an excellent blend of quickness, toughness and shooting ability. Crockett can get hot from the 3-point line and fill it up as well as anybody, but he’s also slippery with the ball and can get into the paint and finish over length. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850710" first="Braeden" last="Carrington"], Park Center</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Carrington was a complementary piece for a veteran Park Center outfit last season and he’ll have a big opportunity to step into a starring role this winter. He’s a knockdown perimeter shooter with the size to defend multiple perimeter positions and the strength to play through contact and create his own shot off the dribble. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774870" first="Evan" last="Kim"], Mounds View</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kim led Mounds View in scoring last year, averaging 16 points per game. He makes it look easy, as he’s a smooth ball handler who can create his own shot off the dribble or use screens to free himself without the ball. He has the burst to elevate and finish over defenders and has improved as a playmaker. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850721" first="Benard" last="Omooria"], Osseo</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Omooria is the steadying influence for an Osseo team that should be much-improved this winter. He’s excellent in the mid-range and around the rim, using a variety of finishing moves in traffic - and he’s capable of getting hot from deep. Omooria is a strong playmaker too, and does a great job probing off the bounce to create opportunities for his teammates. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850723" first="Dylan" last="Wheeler"], Mounds View</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wheeler is a grinder on both ends of the floor, defending multiple perimeter positions and not only supplying solid on-ball defense but quality help. He’s capable of filling it up from all over the floor and his assertiveness getting to the rim makes him a tough guy to slow down when he gets things going. </span></p>