Big-School Section Section 8 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 8</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850738" first="Antonio" last="Bluiett"], Buffalo</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bluiett emerged as a top-notch player as a sophomore for the Bison and if how he played over the summer on the grassroots circuit is any indication, he’s ready to take a big step. He’s one of the best point guards in the state and his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor can’t be overstated. He’s a strong mid-range scorer, finishes over length with ease and balances scoring with distributing at a high level. </span></p> <p><strong>Kristen Hoskins, Alexandria</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hoskins is one of the better football prospects but he’s also a terrific two-way lead guard. Hoskins has the quickness and explosiveness to get to the rim at ease and he’s an excellent passer in traffic. He’s an absolute force on the defensive end of the floor too, as he does a great job putting pressure on opposing ballhandlers and has the strength to get up underneath longer guards and disrupt any sort of rhythm. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="567055" first="Brady" last="Walthall"], Moorhead</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Walthall is another two-way lead guard who impacts the game in a variety of ways. He’s a terrific long-range shooter and excellent decision-maker with the ball. He’s got good length which serves him well defensively. He’s just so solid.</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958639" first="Johnny" last="Tennyson"], STMA</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking of solid, Tennyson embodies that designation as well. He’s a big, athletic combo guard who can contribute at a high level on both ends of the floor. He averaged about 10 points per game last year and it wouldn’t be surprising if he takes a big step forward this winter. He’s an excellent slasher and makes the game easier for his teammates, plus he guards just about anybody.</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957212" first="Gustav" last="Gunderson"], Sartell-St. Stephen</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gunderson is a quality combo guard who can shoot it from the 3-point line, get to the mid-range and finish over length inside. He’s a big guard who does a great job off the ball, utilizing cuts and spacing for opportunities, but he’s also excellent when asked to create for himself. Don’t be surprised if Sartell is strong again this winter. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957611" first="Ethan" last="Opsahl"], Sauk Rapids-Rice</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sauk Rapids-Rice won 11 games last year with Opsahl emerging as a solid No. 2 option, but he’ll have a big opportunity to shine even more this winter. He can score from all over the floor and he’s got the size to present matchup problems for a lot of people. Expect big things. </span></p>