Class of 2023 Guards Stepping Up

Earl Austin January 18, 2022 @ 10:02 AM

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a talented group of Class of 2023 guards who have really stepped up for their teams during the past week.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/12C429A8-9175-49D8-88D9-F1C3EF520A5B.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1224854" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/12C429A8-9175-49D8-88D9-F1C3EF520A5B-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> BJ Ward (Chaminade): The 6’0" point guard had a series of big performances in the Red Devils three victories over Yorkville (IL), DeSmet and CBC last week. He had 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a victory over Yorkville at the Highland (IL) Shootout. He followed up with 20 points and eight assists against DeSmet and a game-high 22 points against CBC as the Red Devils defeated their Metro Catholic Conference rivals. He is an excellent floor general and two-way performer who has emerged as a potent offensive weapon this season. He recently picked up a Division I offer from SEMO and more could come if he keeps up this excellent level of play.     <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Nate-Brandt1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1166328" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Nate-Brandt1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1070119" first="Nate" last="Brandt"] (Fatima): The 6’3" guard was selected the Most Valuable Player of the Owensville Tournament after leading the Comets to the championship. He averaged 27 points and seven rebounds in the tournament, including a high of 35 points against Steelville in the semifinals. The athletic guard had a big impact on games at both ends of the court with his athleticism, high motor and ability to finish at the rim.     <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/ACB2BE55-6D92-4C34-B8B0-455DABCB285B.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1143833" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/ACB2BE55-6D92-4C34-B8B0-455DABCB285B-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1166654" first="Josh" last="Reeves"] (Golden City): The 6’3" shooting guard was the Most Valuable Player of the Golden City Tournament after leading the host team to the championship. He scored a team-high 19 points in the Eagles’ 49-48 victory over Dadeville in the championship game. He is a terrific long range shooter who has also diversified his ability to score in other ways. He is also a solid playmaker who can get buckets for his teammates when he faces added defensive attention.     <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/774C42C1-EC7F-4F8D-81C7-DF5658570AEA.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1367818" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/774C42C1-EC7F-4F8D-81C7-DF5658570AEA-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1161318" first="Luke" last="Bushey"] (Dadeville): The 6’4" wing earned All-Tournament Team honors at Golden City after leading Dadeville to a runner-up finish. He enjoyed a big performance with a game-high 28 points in the championship game against Golden City. He’s a versatile talent who can shoot the ball from 3-point distance while also using his height to get inside to score in the lane off the dribble.   Ryan Tracy and Logan Head (NE Cairo): The two guards came up big for the Bearcats in their run to the championship of the Salisbury Tournament. They combined for 28 points in the 55-53 victory over host Salisbury in the championship game. The 6’0" Tracy scored 13 points, which included four 3-pointers. The 6’1" Head scored a team-high 15 points, along with five rebounds and five assists. [player_tooltip player_id="1161298" first="Kyle" last="Eckhoff"] (Lincoln): The versatile 6’3 wing led Lincoln to the championship of the Otterville Tournament with his all-around play. He averaged 17 points a game in the tournament while also rebounding, playmaking and playing solid defense. He can handle the ball and facilitate while also being able to hit the 3-pointer.