Ranked 2024 Point Guards Taking Bigger Roles
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A lot of these players are stepping into key roles for teams that had great seasons a year ago. Whether they played a different role, a smaller role, or simply lose some of their supporting cast, these guys will be…
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Continue ReadingA lot of these players are stepping into key roles for teams that had great seasons a year ago. Whether they played a different role, a smaller role, or simply lose some of their supporting cast, these guys will be counted on to lead the way for repeat success in the coming season. They are some of the most talented guards from their class and each of them are primed for huge seasons and to make that big leap in their Junior seasons.
The Irish lost two of their most productive guards from a season ago and the next man up is Davis. He’ll be tasked with handling the ball, setting up the offense, and finding ways to spread the ball among a very talented team. Davis showed the ability to do just that this summer as he ran point for one of the more talented AAU teams in the state. He makes quick, smart decisions, has great touch on his passes, and has the ability to score inside and out. He seems ready for the task at hand and should be a dynamic player for a team capable of winning it all in the 3A.
Last season, the Mt Si Wildcats were led by point guard Bennett O’Connor who has since moved on to play at Central Washington University. Now, it’s Forrest’s turn to lead a team that came within one game of winning a state title and completing an undefeated season. Forrest played a big role for Mt Si last season but now even more responsibility will rest on his shoulders as he handles the primary point spot. He’s another player who is more than ready for the expanded role and should flourish as a player who can manipulate defenses and provide an attacking mindset on the defensive end as well.
Orness is another player who was apart of a powerhouse team last season that now needs to slide over and run the show. He played mostly off-ball last season as Jonny Olmstead handled the point for the North Kitsap Vikings. The Vikings also lose their leading scorer and one of the top 2A players in the state, Jonas La Tour. There is a lot of opportunity for Orness to seize, not just as a point guard and leader, but as a scorer. He’s capable of both and more and brings exceptional athleticism to the point guard position.
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For Blackmon, it’s not really a role shift, but a new team completely. He moves over from Juanita to play with Woodinville this year and slots into the point spot for a team who finished second in districts last season. He is a great fit for a team losing a lot of varsity players from a year ago. He provides scoring, defense, and playmaking and will have great chemistry from the jump as he teams up with a few AAU teammates. Blackmon goes from 3A to 4A in the Kingco and is a name to watch after a strong summer.
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Woodard was already an under the radar name even though he was a first-team all-league selection in the Mid-Columbia Conference. However, his backcourt mate last season, Twazae Gladney, was also a first-team selection and he has since graduated. Woodard was a solid player last season, affecting the game across all aspects and providing a steady presence for a strong Richland team. This season, it reasons to believe he will be asked to score more and incite even more action for the Bombers. Woodard seems to have the ability to handle the expanded role and should gain some more respect after this season.
Mt. Tahoma finished first in the PCL last season, going a perfect 12-0. They graduated a handful of key players from that team and now Williford returns for his Junior season as one of the more experienced players on the Thunderbirds. He’s a super quick and crafty lefty that thrives on getting to the hole. Williford is also a reliable playmaker that should be handling the ball a ton for Mt. Tahoma this season. It would be unfair to expect a repeat of last season but don’t expect the Thunderbirds to sink too far with Williford at the helm.