2024 Guard & Wing Breakout Candidates
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Here are some players that weren’t necessarily the top names on their respective teams last season but have a chance with more opportunity to be one of the top one, two, or three players for their teams this year. Each…
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Continue ReadingHere are some players that weren’t necessarily the top names on their respective teams last season but have a chance with more opportunity to be one of the top one, two, or three players for their teams this year. Each of them is part of a team with real playoff hopes and should factor in as guys that could be key pieces to winning seasons.
Sullivan was a solid player for the Walla Walla Blue Devils last season, but with a fair amount of backcourt players graduated Sullivan is in position to be one of the top players heading into the winter. He’s a tall guard that has grown to 6’4, gotten stronger and shown a dynamic offensive profile over the summer. Sullivan is an above average shooter with some sneaky athleticism that plays around the hoop and in transition. And he’s an underrated playmaker that should share a lot of those responsibilities this season. Sometimes all you need is the opportunity, and Sullivan should have plenty in 2022-23.
West Seattle loses both their starting guards from a year ago and Gionet is in position to eat up a lot of the vacated minutes this season. He’s a tall guard that has good strength and vision of the court. He can stretch the floor at times, and his consistency from behind three-point could be a key asset for the Wildcats. There’s a lot of potential here for Gionet to develop as a taller, stronger point guard that can add versatility on defense and spacing from beyond the arc.
Woodard was a first-team all-league selection in the Mid-Columbia Conference last season, the only underclassmen in the league to make the first-team. He was a crucial piece of the Richland Bombers who made a strong push for a state tournament appearance but fell one game short. This season the Bombers will look to Woodard and fellow sophomore Luke Westerfield Luke Westerfield 6’10” | PF Richland | 2024 State WA to lead the way. Woodard is a solid point guard who takes care of the ball, can get you 10+ ppg and knows how to create space for teammates by attacking open space on the floor and keeping his dribble alive. He has the mindset you want in a point guard, prodding and keeping the play going.
David Wacenske David Wacenske 6'3" | SF Kennewick | 2024 WA
David Wacenske David Wacenske 6'3" | SF Kennewick | 2024 WA
Wacenske is a wing that can win one-on-one’s, create his own looks off the bounce, and score from each level. He’s a nice piece in Kennewick’s scoring attack as a stronger wing that has good rise on his pull-up and can stop quickly on the dribble to leave defenders and get a clear look. He has excellent touch from mid-range and can step out behind the arc every once in a while. Wacenske just has a knack for scoring and it’s evident by his ability to finish through tight defense.