2022 Rankings Update: Captivating Combo-Guards
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A highly anticipated 2022 class has been updated, and this was our most difficult class yet. We added over 70 players to the class and saw plenty of shakeup from top to bottom. With as much talent that is in…
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Continue ReadingA highly anticipated 2022 class has been updated, and this was our most difficult class yet. We added over 70 players to the class and saw plenty of shakeup from top to bottom. With as much talent that is in the class it was a difficult list to compose, but we got it. Here we take a look at the top combo-guards in the class.
Elijah Knudsen Elijah Knudsen 5'10" | CG Mead | 2022 State CO – Mead
Knudsen is a unique guard in the sense of he is as dangerous of a finisher at the rim as he is a sharpshooter. Knudsen is one of the most electric players in the state that opposing guards have a difficult time trying to slow down as he has improved as a ballhandler, finisher, facilitator, and defender. In his junior year, he was one of the best players in the state as he is a tough cover that can light you up for 30 points on any given night. Knudsen is a speedy guard with a quick release, and all he needs is to see one shot go in and, once it does, lights out. He put up 19.3 points a game as a junior with a high of 45-points in the year. He went on a tear in the playoffs as he scored 130 points total on their state championship run and was the championship game MVP as he scored 30-points in the big game. Knudsen was named the 4A player of the year after his big season and made our 1st-Team All-State team for the 2022 class. He is the No.7 player in the class and announced that he would be playing at Colorado Mesa for the foreseeable future. The No.1 D2 in the country somehow got better—solid year for the flashy guard.
Jackson Keil Jackson Keil 6'1" | CG Sterling | 2022 State CO – Sterling
Keil went from an already solid player for Sterling a season ago that stood out as an underclassman due to his high IQ, ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor, and his inside and out attack. In his junior year, the jump came for him mentally, and that understanding of the game allowed the game to slow down for him. Kiel was the No.1 priority for opposing teams to slow down, and they had a difficult time accomplishing that goal. The dangerous combo-guard put up 17.9 points and 5.5 rebounds a game. Keil uses his strong frame and athleticism to create mismatches and uses his talents to score with ease. He is locked in on both ends of the court, and his ability to create this season separated him from the pack. Keil makes the right decision and counters what the defense throws at him. He put up 3.5 assists a game, does not mind carrying the scoring load, and shows up to compete no matter who is in front of him. Big season for him where eyes starting to roll. He’s the No.9 player in the class.
Aidan Kuhl Aidan Kuhl 6'0" | SG Rocky Mountain | 2022 State #245 Nation CO – Rocky Mountain
Kuhl is one of my personal favorite watches as he has dog in him that not many other players in the state have. Win, lose, or draw – you know what to get out of Kuhl, and that is a two-way stud that is coming right at you. He is a downhill attacker who dissected double teams and still scored, finished amongst the trees, and got teammates involved. In his junior season, Kuhl put up 21.3 points and 5.5 rebounds a game. Kuhl is a 3-year starter who has put up huge numbers and has seen every single defense you can throw at him. He finishes well around the rim, knocks down the 3-ball, and is as tough as nails. He competes hard, shows up in big games, and has a few wins that he single-handedly secured with his stellar play. He makes a massive jump to the No.10 player in the class and No.1 shooting guard and is a player that RMAC schools should be drooling over.
Brock Mishak Brock Mishak 6'3" | CG Fossil Ridge | 2022 State CO – Fossil Ridge
Mishak is a 6’2 combo-guard that can play both on and off the ball that led Fossil Ridge to a 14-2 record. He plays the right way, is always in a position to score, and attracts so much attention that others can get going around him. Mishak is a natural scorer that can create for himself off the dribble and also moves without the ball to get the best look. He is a bucket waiting to happen, and his aggressive nature is what makes him such a prospect. Mishak has high upside, and as he gets bigger will be more dangerous. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands, sees plays develop before they happen, and when he gets going from deep, it makes him a tough cover. This season he averaged 19.2 points and 5.2 rebounds a game, and the best part is his improvement as a passer. He helped set teammates up and was rewarded when he made the smart-reads as he got it right back. He has started off grassroots season well and has intangibles that translate to the next level. He is a Top-20 ranked prospect and the No.4 combo-guard in the class.
Mason Black Mason Black 6'3" | CG Falcon | 2022 State CO – Falcon
Black is a proven bucket that has a deadly mid-range pullup, knockdown 3-point shot, and he is improving as a shooter off the dribble –once that, as well as the playmaking, comes along, there will not be much that opposing teams can do with the 6’3 combo-guard. Black is always in scoring positions and understands the basic concept of basketball; put the ball in the hole. Black has been Falcon’s best player for the past two seasons, and this year started to see a few more wins come in on the strength of his game. Black put up 21.8 points a game and is a player that excels in ISO situations. Black seeks out mismatches and scores with ease, is a microwave scoring option, and when he finds a rhythm, he cannot be slowed down. Black put up 30 or more points up a few times this year, was the go-to option for Falcon, and is a player that can impact the game offensively. I am excited to see how the rest of his game catches up. He comes in at the No. 20 player in the class.