2022 standout guards in the 3A state playoffs

<p>With the season over, we want to take a look back at a season that was before we head onto the grassroots scene. Here we focus on some junior guards that stood out in 3A during their state-run.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918901" first="Sam" last="Howery"] –St. Mary’s</strong></h2> <p>Howery is a 1^st Team All-State guard for 3A, and he had a sensational season where he pushed the team to be the No.1 overall seed heading into the playoffs. He put up triple-double after triple-double this season, and his work as an offensive weapon had St. Mary’s in the driver’s seat all season long. Howery scored with ease, set up teammates for easy baskets as he led the state in assists, and that was on display throughout the playoffs as well. Howery averaged an incredible 17.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 9.7 assists a game which helped his team get to the state championship game. Howery has a high IQ and court awareness. He’s a savvy guard with high upside and was one of the best players in the state in only his junior season, excited to see how he continues to progress.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050953" first="Elliott" last="Cravitz"] – Colorado Academy</strong></h2> <p>Cravitz played well this past summer and went into the season with some momentum. He was Colorado Academy’s best player this season as he had some explosive scoring performances and that did not stop in the playoffs. Cravitz has a deadly first step and does not get denied getting to his spots. He shoots the 3-ball well, blows by defenders, and also makes crisp passes. He put the team on his back in the playoffs and showed that he is not afraid to take the shots. He got shots up and took on the scoring load despite being the focal point of defenses. Cravitz averaged 21.3 points a game in the playoffs and gave his team a fighting chance. His team lost to a solid Manitou Springs team, but he takes that momentum into another summer in which he should add more to his game.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="618870" first="Jackson" last="Keil"] – Sterling</strong></h2> <p>Keil went from a positive role playing piece on one of the best teams in the state as a sophomore to being the team’s best player and focus for his junior season, and he did not disappoint. Keil scorched opposing teams both inside and out and is a sold two-way option that understands when and how to take over. Keil scored whenever he wanted, and that was while seeing double teams and different looks. Keil was already regarded as one of the top players in the state and made a massive jump in essentially every category; the playoffs is where those improvements were on full display. Keil put up 18 points, 23 points, and 18 points respectively in their three playoff wins before giving all that he had in an OT loss to the eventual 3A state champs, Lutheran. Keil showed that he could dominate in games, defend multiple positions, and put the team on his back, and he will be a player that many eyes are on this summer.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1164716" first="Lovelle" last="Marble"] – Manual</strong></h2> <p>It is great to see Marble on the court playing as that is a guard that we have had our eyes on for a couple of years now. It took the crafty junior guard a couple of games to get going, but once he found that rhythm, Manual appeared to be at their best. Marble has a great understanding and natural feel for the game. He breaks defenders down off the dribble, creates his own shot, and puts teammates in the right spots. He offered scoring relief down the stretch and showed up in the playoff games. In the first win over Highland, he had 17 points on an efficient 6-10 from the field. He hit both 3-pointers in the game and went into their big game against the eventual state champs and put up 21 points. Marble is a natural scorer that will have Manual in the position to push even further next season with one of the best backcourt duos in 3A. Big summer for him.</p>