Five 3A guards to keep an eye on this season

<p>Games are less than a week away after what appears to be the longest offseason ever. Teams and players have gotten back into the swing of things and are ready to begin their seasons. It is more important than ever to get off to a quick start with a late start and condensed season. Here we take a look at some players in 3A that we will have an eye on heading into the season.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918901" first="Sam" last="Howery"] – St. Mary’s</strong></h2> <p>A point guard that makes others around him better and takes pride in getting others involved is my favorite type of player, and Howery fits the bill. What’s scarier for the opposition is he takes just as much pride in winning. Howery is an ultimate competitor that is as complete of a player as there is in 3A. He is the top guard in the class, and if you take away one thing, he opens up another lane. Howery is a true point guard whose game translates to the next level and fits into the ANY setting. Howery had one of the most impressive stat lines out of anybody in the state in only his sophomore season, putting up 20.5 points, 8.5 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 steals a game. No player in the entire state can match those numbers and what’s even better is I think his game has improved from just a season ago. He is a captain and leader by example and is one of the first guards I recommend when coaches ask. Howery is the real deal, and we saw that on display for St. Mary’s, for Pluto Prospects this summer, and in showcases and private runs.  </p> <h2><strong>Caleb Stockton – Colorado Springs Christian</strong></h2> <p>Stockton was a consistent force for Colorado Springs Christian a season ago and was the team’s best player. Stockton was one of the scoring leaders in all of 3A as a junior as he put up 18.0 points a game and proved that he could overcome double teams and different looks. Stockton is one of the most complete guards in 3A as he shows up in multiple ways and gives his all in every game. To go along with the points, he led the team in assists (6.0 apg), which was amongst the top in the conference, and helped out on the boards(4.8 rpg). He has one of the most balanced stat lines, and if he can continue his dominance while also picking up a few wins, he has what it takes to be considered one of the most underrated players in his class.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965756" first="Scott" last="Grable"] – Eaton</strong></h2> <p>Grable made a solid 1-2 punch as a guard/big man tandem that the Reds had as a junior and will be looking to improve from a season ago. Eaton is a team that I feel will certainly surprise and make a big jump as their team gets older and wiser and brings back their core. Grable will be leading the charge as the top guard and primary ball-handler for Eaton and is a player that takes care of the ball, scores in bunches, and controls the tempo. Grable is a solid two-way player that I think ups his averages, and Eaton will certainly pick up a few wins along the way.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916960" first="Tommy" last="Apodaca"]  -- Lutheran</strong></h2> <p>Apodaca is my pick for 3A’s best on-ball defender. Apodaca is a perfect fit with the Lutheran team as he is a reliable guard with a high IQ and understands how to utilize the players around him. Apodaca is a great entry passer, which is an undersold skill, takes chances on outlets, and also gets out in the open floor and finishes well around the rim. Apodaca gets himself going on the defensive end as a guard that plays the passing lanes and has active hands. Apodaca is aggressive, and that is exactly what is needed as Lutheran will be the top team in the state. Big expectations for him this year.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="917006" first="Tyler" last="Uyemura"] – Platte Valley</strong></h2> <p>Uyemura is as tough as nails and is a consistent force on both sides of the court. He is not a guard that you can go at, shows up in big games, and plays the right way. Uyemura is a great on-ball defender that moves his feet, defends without fouling, and makes it difficult on opposing guards. He had the most balanced stat line on his team in his junior year at 10 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and led the team with 3.2 steals a game. Uyemura is a calming force that has been on varsity since his freshman season, and his veteran leadership will be tested this year. He’s a player to watch.</p>