The Fast Break: Austin Guards off to an impressive start

Preseason action has concluded in Central Texas and a talented group of Austin players have put together a string of impressive performances during the five-week stretch of non-district games played this season. In The Fast Break Series, we highlight players from the Central Texas area who are off to a fast start to the beginning of their season. This article features a high-scoring and talent-rich list of point guards and shooting guards from the Austin-Metroplex, as well as an honorable mention list, who scorched their competition in non-district play to begin the 2020-21 season. Previous Articles <a href="https://prephoops.com/2020/12/the-fast-break-san-antonio-guards-off-to-an-impressive-start/">San Antonio Guards</a> <a href="https://prephoops.com/2021/01/the-fast-break-san-antonio-forwards-off-to-a-quick-start/">San Antonio Forwards/Centers</a>   Here are the top-performing guards from Austin during non-district play this season: [player_tooltip player_id="779878" first="Coleton" last="Benson"] | SG | Bowie (2021) Benson picked up right where he left off last season by scoring points in bunches and breaking down defenses with his playmaking prowess. The senior shooting guard, and Army West Point commit, is averaging over 23 points per game for the Bulldogs through the non-district slate and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. A relentless scorer, Benson is a sniper from beyond-the-arc and does a fantastic job of creating space for his shot in the mid-range.   [player_tooltip player_id="1039048" first="Jailen" last="Bedford"] | SG | Hutto (2021) Leading Hutto to a 10-3 record in non-district play, Bedford has taken the reins as the top scorer on the team averaging 20.9 points per game, while also contributing 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals. The rangy and athletic shooting guard is rising up the ranks as one of the top guards in Austin and is playing at an extremely high level for the Hippos. Bedford supports a highly efficient mid-range jumper and has done a good job of improving his three-point shot. Not only can he shoot, but he's shown good leaping ability when attacking the rim.   Michael Robertson Jr. | SG | Akins (2021) An underrated prospect in the senior class, Robertson put up some impressive numbers in the first five games of Akins schedule in November. The 6'3" shooting guard averaged 19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per contest for the Eagles in those matchups and has done a great job of providing a consistent scoring option from three-point range. Robertson plays with great instincts and effort, does a great job of moving without the ball, and has a shot that can heat up in a hurry.   [player_tooltip player_id="1102675" first="KeShawn" last="Williams"] | SG | Hendrickson (2021) Williams has taken advantage of his increased playing time in his senior season with Hendrickson leading the team to a 9-3 record while averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Williams has played a pivotal role in the Hawk's success and has done so playing both guard positions, even though he is more naturally suited to play the shooting guard role. Through the preseason schedule, Williams has excelled from beyond-the-arc, shooting 38%, including a 30 point performance where he hit 7 threes in a tough game versus Bryan.   Marcus Martin | PG | Northeast Early College (2021) Another underrated guard prospect in the 2021 class, Martin has done a great job of improving his overall game after a breakout junior season at Northeast Early College. During non-district play, Martin is averaging 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game and has made a big impact on both offense and defense. The athletic combo-guard has done a nice job running the point for the Raiders, showing he can be a playmaker by penetrating the lane and finish around the basket or hitting shots from beyond-the-arc. Martin is also one of the better rebounding guards in the area as he does a great job of attacking the boards and playing physical around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id="1027631" first="Kaden" last="Smart"] | PG | Hutto (2022) Smart's play during the first half of his junior season has him in the conversation for the top overall player in Austin for the 2022 class. In non-district play, Smart is averaging 18.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 4.0 steals per game, and is shooting lights out from beyond-the-arc. The skilled junior point guard is shooting 40% from deep. with five games of 5+ threes made, including an impressive 9 threes made in his 36 point performance against Lake Travis. Not only is he putting up points on the board, but he is also consistently dishing out dimes and setting his teammates up for open shots and easy buckets.   [player_tooltip player_id="787325" first="Nazar" last="Mahmoud"] | SG | Rouse (2023) A rising star in the 2023 class for the Austin area, Mahmoud came out blazing to start the season scoring 20+ points in his first three games, which included hitting 12-of-22 shots from three-point range. In the 9 games of Rouse's non-district schedule, Mahmoud averaged 18.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 39% from deep. The 6'4" shooting guard has a lethal shot with legit range, where he can create shots for himself off the dribble or be a catch-and-shoot weapon from the wing.   Honorable Mention List PG Augustine Arroyo - Manor (2021) SG [player_tooltip player_id="1027620" first="Braedyn" last="Dawes"] - Vista Ridge (2021) PG Albert Garza - McCallum (2021) PG [player_tooltip player_id="887098" first="Eain" last="Mowat"] - Westlake (2021) SG [player_tooltip player_id="1039047" first="Jaylen" last="Thompson"] - Leander Glenn (2021) PG Nate Borchardt - Lampasas (2022) SG [player_tooltip player_id="1027630" first="Jaelyn" last="Brooks"] - Round Rock (2022) SG Zachary Engels - Round Rock Westwood (2022) SG [player_tooltip player_id="1102699" first="Blake" last="Fisher"] - Manor (2022) SG [player_tooltip player_id="1027632" first="Jarmaine" last="Mason"] - Weiss (2022) SG Anthony Sierras - Liberty Hill (2022) SG Dalen Standifer - McNeil (2022) PG [player_tooltip player_id="957936" first="Kaden" last="Gumbs"] - San Marcos (2023)