Early Season Breakout Guards
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Some of these players have been on our radar and are starting to really show the potential we’ve been screaming for the last year or so. However, there are a few guys here who have burst on the scene to…
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Continue ReadingSome of these players have been on our radar and are starting to really show the potential we’ve been screaming for the last year or so. However, there are a few guys here who have burst on the scene to enter the discussion for breakout guards this season. All of these players have shown confidence that only comes from putting in the practice hours to perfect their game. It’s still early, but take a look at some guards finding huge success in the young season.
Nash Dunham
Nash Dunham
Dunham has been one of the most pleasantly surprising players of the early season. It is still very early, but Dunham was electric in his first game with Mead against Gonzaga Prep. He was unconscious from long-distance, splashing home three after three with his quick release, hitting off the catch or using his dribble to set up the shot. He did it inside too, showing some real finesse scoring over bigger defenders and at one point hit a high-arching left-handed hooking layup over the defense. Dunham was confident as hell and was an absolute killer against a highly talented Bullpups team.
It is not surprising to see Snellman have this sort of early season success, but more of a validation of what he showed over the summer. He comes over to a Ferris team with a lot of upheaval from last year’s starting five and he immediately has inserted stability and leadership to this Saxons squad. He played an outstanding game against North Central on Tuesday night, scoring the ball from inside and out, while also making great decisions across the board. He knows when to take chances and recognizes how to attack defenses to not only get his own looks, but to shift defenders and create gaps for teammates to make plays. He was nearly flawless against the Wolfpack and he should continue to have this sort of impact throughout the season.
Jayce showed flashes of being this player last season, but boy did he come out hot against Mead Tuesday night. Swanson made it look easy from behind the arc, hitting almost every open look without hesitation and was a constant force for Gonzaga Prep on the offensive end all evening. He is so cool and easy scoring from all levels and played like their leading option offensively. He also brought the heat defensively, using his super agility and instincts to hound the ball and create turnovers. He went right at the opposition all night and looked like an extremely polished player ready to take a big leap from last season.
So many young guards stepped up through the first two weeks of the season, and Hernandez was another shining example of poise and control. In their game against Kamiakin he was in full control, dictating pace, picking and choosing when to get his shots and when to spread the ball. He is a calm finisher in the paint that is effective with the floater and can step outside to drain deep shots. What is special about his game, is his ability to push the ball fast up the court but still show patience when searching for the best shot. He has great instincts guarding the ball as well and is the engine that makes Davis go.
Denali Hatcher
Denali Hatcher
Hatcher went up against a Bellevue team deep with guard play and was able to prove effective attacking the interior of the defense, bringing both aggression and a cool head to the court. He is a bit undersized but was smart about how and when he attacked, showing great touch with short-range jumpers from dead spots in the defense, while also stepping outside to spread the floor. He is a super composed finisher inside and played with good change of pace throughout the night. Liberty wasn’t able to pull out the win, but Hatcher’s play is promising for the Patriots going forward.