2023 Rankings Update: New Guards (Pt. 2)

Devin Ugland February 28, 2023 @ 12:50 PM

<p>There's no better time to revamp a class ranking after a full season worth of viewing teams and players and that's exactly what we did with the class of 2023. There were many prospects who played their way into the latest rankings and in this piece we take a closer look at the guards who cracked the SoCal Top 175.</p>   <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814805' first='Yanmife' last='Oke'], Sonora</h4>   <p>Oke, better known as "Yoda," burst onto the scene due to his combination of size, athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-6 do-it-all senior led the Raiders to 26 wins a 10-0 Freeway League championship and did it all while flirting with triple-doubles in each game he played. Oke picked up an offer from Division II Biola University toward the end of the season and his production combined with upside earned him that scholarship opportunity and a debut ranking of No. 74 overall.</p>   <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814810' first='AJ' last='Robinson'], Crenshaw</h4>   <p>Robinson is a quick and dynamic scoring and playmaking guard who thrives in transition settings. The 5-foot-9 point guard uses his length and quick hands to anticipate passing lanes for steals which results in him getting downhill and to the rim on the break. Despite his smaller stature, Robinson is a crafty finisher around the basket and uses his athleticism score through and over contact.</p>   <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1815292' first='Jonathan' last='Choyce'], Westchester</h4>   <p>Choyce established himself as one of the better perimeter shooting threats in the Los Angeles City Section this season. The wiry 6-foot-3 shooting guard knocked down perimeter jumpers off the catch and off the bounce for the Comets which created space for his teammates to attack driving lanes and big men to get touches around the rim.</p>   <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1815294' first='Tyson' last='Jackson'], Birmingham</h4>   <p>Jackson was another City Section guard who put together a strong senior campaign. Birmingham relied on the 6-footer to not only run the show at the point guard spot but also expected him to be an aggressive scorer and the head of the Patriots' all-out pressure defense. Jackson's contributions helped lead Birmingham to 20 wins, a tie for the West Valley League championship, and a semifinal appearance in the City Section Open Division playoffs.</p>   <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1815296' first='Kenneth' last='Bailey'], Crean Lutheran</h4>   <p>Bailey was a key contributor to the Saints' 22-win season and 10-0 Empire League championship. The 6-foot-3 senior can be categorized as "big guard" due his combination of size and strength and ability to use those physical traits to get paint touches. On those paint touches Bailey made high IQ decisions on passes to open shooters and really put his teammates in positions where they could succeed. Bailey scored plenty himself, as well, by knocking down catch and shoot three's or taking smaller guards all the way to the rim.</p>   <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1815298' first='Chris' last='Willis'], Lakewood</h4>   <p>Willis is among the best sub 6-foot guards when it comes to finding a way to get a basket. While not the biggest or most athletic guard on the floor, the left-hander is creative with his ball handling and change of speeds and direction which allow him to create space from defenders to get his shot off. Willis had multiple 20-plus point performances this season and can score at all three levels of the floor.</p>

There's no better time to revamp a class ranking after a full season worth of viewing teams and players and that's exactly what we did with the class of 2023. There were many prospects who played their way into the latest rankings and in this piece we take a closer look at the guards who cracked the SoCal Top 175.