Positional Rankings: Class of 2022 Top 20 Point Guards

True enough, I know football season just started in Louisiana. However, with class B and C about to begin practice in about ten days, hoops season is practically here. As the season approaches, I will begin to preview the season in a lot of ways. Positional rankings is one of them. In this piece, we will look at the top point guards in the class of 2022. There are some sure fire competitors in this group and all of them can play on the next level if they find the right fit. Top 10 [player_tooltip player_id="1275268" first="John-Paul" last="Ricks"] (6’1" / Jehovah-Jireh) <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Ricks-John-Paul-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269751" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Ricks-John-Paul-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Ricks is simply the best point guard in the state hands down. He can score at every level and distribute the ball as well. His resume of winning championships and individuals awards speaks for itself. Now that he is a threat to punch it on opposing defenders at anytime, he is highlight reel worthy, to o. He is truly one of the best. [player_tooltip player_id="981596" first="Alexzaye" last="Johnson"] (6’3" / Helen Cox) <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Johnson-Alexzaye.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1236775" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Johnson-Alexzaye-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> The University of New Orleans commit is probably the best guard in the state at penetrating the paint. When he gets to the paint, Johnson either finishes at the rim or with a short shot within six to 8 feet. His man-to-man defense is high level and he can turn a game around at a moments notice with a steal. [player_tooltip player_id="1275285" first="Adam" last="Mercier"] (6’0" / Parkview Baptist) - pictured above Mercier is a six foot guard who fills the stat sheet on a nightly basis whether it is with points, assists, or rebounds. No longer at Family Christian, Mercier will be playing for Parkview Baptist in district 7-3A against the likes of University Lab and Madison Prep. With the game he possesses, I am sure he is up for the challenge. [player_tooltip player_id="1051631" first="J’Michael" last="Gray"] (6’1" / Franklin) One of the best receivers in class 2A is also one of the top point guards in the state. Gray is a ball hawk on the defensive end and knows how to score the rock on offense. He is a former district MVP as well and leads by example with his play. It is hard to find a better point guard than him. [player_tooltip player_id="781849" first="Rayshun" last="McCullar"] (6’1" / Huntington) McCullar was good for the Raiders last season. If not for a couple of key misses late against L.B. Landry, he might have guided Huntington to Marsh Madness. Off court issues may derail the beginning of his last campaign as a prep. Couple that with other point guards getting better and this is why he lands where he does. If he returns to form though, watch out. [player_tooltip player_id="781846" first="Tyren" last="LeBeauf"] (5’11" / Hahnville) LeBeauf may have had his worst game in the season against Natchitoches Central at Marsh Madness. Aside from that performance, LeBeauf is a lead guard who can flat out shoot it from the perimeter and is deadly when he gets into the paint. He is a very good passer as well. His experience in the state semis will probably fuel his play all season long. [player_tooltip player_id="1206646" first="Jayden" last="Neff"] (6’0" / Baker) <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/54F30090-4E31-4AAB-8AD6-9A8CA9A29A44-rotated.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1196339" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/54F30090-4E31-4AAB-8AD6-9A8CA9A29A44-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a> Neff spent part of the summer making the lives of opposing guards miserable with the way he played defense on the Prep Hoops Circuit. It seemed like he had a steal on every other possession during games. Neff is superb on defense and making decisions in transition. He is streaky from three. If he is making them, he is a whole lot to handle at the one. [player_tooltip player_id="932852" first="LaBrandon" last="Butler"] (6’0" / Rayville) I think that Butler is the best defender at the point guard position. It is not just his on ball defense, he plays help wonderfully and takes more charges than anyone I have seen. He lives at the rim with layups and makes good decisions in transition. Butler is the leader of the Rayville defense and will try to propel the Hornets to another Marsh Madness appearance. [player_tooltip player_id="781850" first="Martin" last="McDowell"] (5’11" / Calvary Baptist) Entering high school, there might have been some pressure on McDowell to be the best point guard in his own home, much less in class 1-1A. Two state runners-up trophies and individual accolades have solidified Martin as one of the best point guards in the state. McDowell held his own on the Prep Hoops Circuit against some of the country’s best. He is definitely battle-tested. [player_tooltip player_id="1211091" first="Ramon" last="Ross"] (5’10" / Tara) The Tara High lefty is a wiz with his handle and makes good use of the dribble to get his shot off. He is very instinctive and is very good at reading passing lanes for steals and deflections. Tara’s fortunes will depend a lot on how well he plays for them. The Rest of the Best (11- 20 in other words) [player_tooltip player_id="1127253" first="Tony" last="Percy"] (5’9" / Rayville) Percy shoots first and shoots second. He is a gunner who is good at kickout passes to the wing and drop-offs in the paint. [player_tooltip player_id="1127249" first="Nick" last="Dyer"] (6’1" / BTW-Shreveport) Dyer is a true facilitator of the offense Coach Kenny Sykes runs. He thinks shoot last. However, he is automatic from the mid-range. Best shooter in the state between 14 and 17 feet. [player_tooltip player_id="1128493" first="Kaleb" last="Miles"] (5’11" / Wossman) Miles spurs the Wildcat defensive identity. He is at his best when he is disrupting the opposing team’s offense and starting the Wossman break. [player_tooltip player_id="1051643" first="Javonte" last="Howard"] (5’8" / Lakeview) <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Javonte_-Howard.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1195977" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Javonte_-Howard-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Small, gritty defender who can score from all three levels. He is one of the best rebounding guards you will find and he is battle-tested. There is no one tougher on a basketball floor. [player_tooltip player_id="1045823" first="Kyron" last="Williams"] (5’10" / Bastrop) Williams is a hard player to stop from penetrating. He gets into the teeth of the defense and makes good decisions regularly. One of the best in NE Louisiana. [player_tooltip player_id="1206640" first="Andrew" last="Zibilich"] (6’0" / St. Paul’s) A pass-first point guard with flair. Zibilich can get into the lane or score from the perimeter. If you underestimate him, he will hurt you repeatedly. [player_tooltip player_id="1051637" first="Elijah" last="Belton"] (6’0" / Hamilton Christian) <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Belton-Elijah-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269669" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Belton-Elijah-1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Belton is more of a scoring point guard. However, his ability to attack the rim may be an asset that helps Hamilton Christian get over the hump this season. [player_tooltip player_id="981610" first="Isaiah" last="Barnes"] (5’10" / Archbishop Shaw) Barnes will more than likely be higher on this list next time. He is the ultimate competitor with a penchant for making plays. He is great on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="1208075" first="Deyontez" last="Baptiste"] (5’11" / Tioga) Baptiste is quick as a hiccup in transition. He is very hard to keep out of the lane. His pull-up jumper in transition is super hard to defend. [player_tooltip player_id="1275315" first="Deion" last="Gipson"] (5’9" / Union Parish) <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Gipson-Deion-4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269697" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Gipson-Deion-4-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> He is probably the best point guard in 1-3A right now. Gipson can score from deep, penetrate, and defend. He is a hard cover for opposing guards. Look for other positional rankings for all classes to come in the coming weeks.

True enough, I know football season just started in Louisiana. However, with class B and C about to begin practice in about ten days, hoops season is practically here. As the season approaches, I will begin to preview the season in a lot of ways. Positional rankings is one of them. In this piece, we will look at the top point guards in the class of 2022. There are some sure fire competitors in this group and all of them can play on the next level if they find the right fit.

Top 10

John-Paul Ricks (6’1" / Jehovah-Jireh)

Ricks is simply the best point guard in the state hands down. He can score at every level and distribute the ball as well. His resume of winning championships and individuals awards speaks for itself. Now that he is a threat to punch it on opposing defenders at anytime, he is highlight reel worthy, to o. He is truly one of the best.

Alexzaye Johnson Alexzaye Johnson 6'4" | PG St Benedicts Prep | 2023 State NJ (6’3" / Helen Cox)

The University of New Orleans commit is probably the best guard in the state at penetrating the paint. When he gets to the paint, Johnson either finishes at the rim or with a short shot within six to 8 feet. His man-to-man defense is high level and he can turn a game around at a moments notice with a steal.

Adam Mercier (6’0" / Parkview Baptist) - pictured above

Mercier is a six foot guard who fills the stat sheet on a nightly basis whether it is with points, assists, or rebounds. No longer at Family Christian, Mercier will be playing for Parkview Baptist in district 7-3A against the likes of University Lab and Madison Prep. With the game he possesses, I am sure he is up for the challenge.

J’Michael Gray J’Michael Gray 6'0" | PG Franklin | 2022 State LA (6’1" / Franklin)

One of the best receivers in class 2A is also one of the top point guards in the state. Gray is a ball hawk on the defensive end and knows how to score the rock on offense. He is a former district MVP as well and leads by example with his play. It is hard to find a better point guard than him.

Rayshun McCullar Rayshun McCullar 6'1" | PG Huntington | 2022 State LA (6’1" / Huntington)

McCullar was good for the Raiders last season. If not for a couple of key misses late against L.B. Landry, he might have guided Huntington to Marsh Madness. Off court issues may derail the beginning of his last campaign as a prep. Couple that with other point guards getting better and this is why he lands where he does. If he returns to form though, watch out.

Tyren LeBeauf Tyren LeBeauf 5'11" | PG Hahnville | 2022 State LA (5’11" / Hahnville)

LeBeauf may have had his worst game in the season against Natchitoches Central at Marsh Madness. Aside from that performance, LeBeauf is a lead guard who can flat out shoot it from the perimeter and is deadly when he gets into the paint. He is a very good passer as well. His experience in the state semis will probably fuel his play all season long.

Jayden Neff Jayden Neff 6'0" | PG Baker | 2022 State LA (6’0" / Baker)

Neff spent part of the summer making the lives of opposing guards miserable with the way he played defense on the Prep Hoops Circuit. It seemed like he had a steal on every other possession during games. Neff is superb on defense and making decisions in transition. He is streaky from three. If he is making them, he is a whole lot to handle at the one.

LaBrandon Butler LaBrandon Butler 6'0" | PG Rayville | 2022 LA (6’0" / Rayville)

I think that Butler is the best defender at the point guard position. It is not just his on ball defense, he plays help wonderfully and takes more charges than anyone I have seen. He lives at the rim with layups and makes good decisions in transition. Butler is the leader of the Rayville defense and will try to propel the Hornets to another Marsh Madness appearance.

Martin Mcdowell Martin Mcdowell 5'10" | PG Calvary Baptist Academy | 2022 State LA (5’11" / Calvary Baptist)

Entering high school, there might have been some pressure on McDowell to be the best point guard in his own home, much less in class 1-1A. Two state runners-up trophies and individual accolades have solidified Martin as one of the best point guards in the state. McDowell held his own on the Prep Hoops Circuit against some of the country’s best. He is definitely battle-tested.

Ramon Ross Ramon Ross 5'11" | PG Tara | 2022 State LA (5’10" / Tara)

The Tara High lefty is a wiz with his handle and makes good use of the dribble to get his shot off. He is very instinctive and is very good at reading passing lanes for steals and deflections. Tara’s fortunes will depend a lot on how well he plays for them.

The Rest of the Best (11- 20 in other words)

Tony Percy Tony Percy 5'9" | PG Rayville | 2022 State LA (5’9" / Rayville)

Percy shoots first and shoots second. He is a gunner who is good at kickout passes to the wing and drop-offs in the paint.

Nick Dyer Nick Dyer 6'2" | PG BTW (Shreveport) | 2022 State LA (6’1" / BTW-Shreveport)

Dyer is a true facilitator of the offense Coach Kenny Sykes runs. He thinks shoot last. However, he is automatic from the mid-range. Best shooter in the state between 14 and 17 feet.

Kaleb Miles Kaleb Miles 5'11" | PG Wossman | 2022 State LA (5’11" / Wossman)

Miles spurs the Wildcat defensive identity. He is at his best when he is disrupting the opposing team’s offense and starting the Wossman break.

Javonte Howard Javonte Howard 5'8" | PG Lakeview | 2022 State LA (5’8" / Lakeview)

Small, gritty defender who can score from all three levels. He is one of the best rebounding guards you will find and he is battle-tested. There is no one tougher on a basketball floor.

Kyron Williams Kyron Williams 5'10" | PG Bastrop | 2022 State LA (5’10" / Bastrop)

Williams is a hard player to stop from penetrating. He gets into the teeth of the defense and makes good decisions regularly. One of the best in NE Louisiana.

Andrew Zibilich Andrew Zibilich 6'0" | PG St. Paul's | 2022 State LA (6’0" / St. Paul’s)

A pass-first point guard with flair. Zibilich can get into the lane or score from the perimeter. If you underestimate him, he will hurt you repeatedly.

Elijah Belton Elijah Belton 6'0" | PG Hamilton Christian | 2022 State LA (6’0" / Hamilton Christian)

Belton is more of a scoring point guard. However, his ability to attack the rim may be an asset that helps Hamilton Christian get over the hump this season.

Isaiah Barnes Isaiah Barnes 5'9" | PG Archbishop Shaw | 2022 State LA (5’10" / Archbishop Shaw)

Barnes will more than likely be higher on this list next time. He is the ultimate competitor with a penchant for making plays. He is great on both ends of the floor.

Deyontez Baptiste Deyontez Baptiste 5'11" | PG Tioga | 2022 State LA (5’11" / Tioga)