Available Nor Cal Guards in the Class of 2022

Gerry Freitas

January 3, 2022 @ 02:46 PM

There are still some solid guard prospects remaining in NorCal in the class of 2022. This report takes a look at the most promising ones available. 6’0 [player_tooltip player_id="766857" first="Ameere" last="Britton"] of Elk Grove HS, Elk Grove, CA It is hard not to like [player_tooltip player_id="766857" first="Ameere" last="Britton"] if you watch him play. He is tough with a capital T and he has a very nice all-around game at both ends of the floor. He contributes in just about every way possible and plays both guard spots efficiently. He’s a low major prospect and a guy that belongs on the radar of any school still looking for a guard. 6’3 [player_tooltip player_id="1113042" first="Rishod" last="Brown"] of Grant HS, Sacramento, CA At this point, [player_tooltip player_id="1113042" first="Rishod" last="Brown"] should be MVP of the All-Dow Jones team for rising stock. He’s a freak athlete who can really score! The more see you him the more you like him. He’s a very difficult matchup and he has certainly proved his value. Word to the wise college coaches: check this guy out! 6’5 [player_tooltip player_id="766845" first="Jeremiah" last="Dargan"] of Clayton Valley Charter, Concord, CA Dargan has been on the radar for a while and it is only a matter of time before schools pull the trigger on him. He’s fairly athletic with solid ball-handling and passing skills and has improved as a shooter. He has always been able to get to the basket on the drive. Dargan is a definite Division I prospect. 6’4 [player_tooltip player_id="947394" first="Austin" last="Johnson"] of Salesian College Prep, Richmond, CA There is no doubt about [player_tooltip player_id="947394" first="Austin" last="Johnson"]’s ability as a hooper. It is very obvious he has the talent. He’s athletic and can score from all three levels (perimeter, mid-range and at the rim). He plays both guard spots very confidently. The issue with Johnson is academics. If he takes care of business in the classroom, he will be a mid to mid plus prospect. 6’1 [player_tooltip player_id="766841" first="Jordan" last="Pope"] of Prolific Prep, Napa, CA It’s a little bit of a mystery as to why [player_tooltip player_id="766841" first="Jordan" last="Pope"] is still out there. He’s athletic and has a solid skillset. He’s an effective playmaker in transition and in the half-court. He has the ability to make plays for himself and others. Pope is a competitor as well who brings whenever he steps on the floor. He’s likely a mid-plus prospect who could turn out to be a real steal for somebody… 6’1 [player_tooltip player_id="946916" first="Ray-John" last="Spears"] of Sacred Heart Cathedral HS, San Francisco, CA Spears is a two-sport athlete, having had success on the gridiron as well as the basketball court. But hoops is his preferred choice in college. He’s a good athlete who handles and passes it well and is effective on the fast break. He’s a good shooter (with 3 range) and a solid driver. He also knows how to play without the ball. Spears is a Division I basketball player and if hoops is his desire, then coaches need to knock on his door. 6’2 [player_tooltip player_id="1118698" first="Noah" last="Thomas"] of Pleasant Valley HS, Chico, CA Thomas has always been a little below the radar, mostly because of his isolated location, not because of his performance. He’s athletic, runs the floor well, is effective in transition- he can pull up and he can finish, and he shoots it fairly well with 3-point range (can catch and shoot). He also drives hard and has a nice first step. If there is such a thing as a “sleeper” nowadays Thomas falls into that category.