Changing the Game for the Better: Guard Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Featuring: Hoover High School, Wenonah High School, Huffman High School, Chelsea High School, and Mountain Brook High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the highly competitive world of high school basketball, the guards play a pivotal role in setting the tone for their team's success. In the Birmingham area, there are some exceptional players who have stepped up their game and are changing the way basketball is played. These guards have developed their skills, increased their basketball IQ, and are showing their dominance on the court. Their ability to handle pressure, make smart decisions, and create scoring opportunities for their teammates is making them stand out among their peers. This article will showcase some of the top guards in the Birmingham area and highlight how their game is evolving to make them some of the most talented and sought-after players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I always say let's dive into some Alabama basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1398555"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1398555' first='Peyton' last='Wiggins'] is a guard who has improved his game tremendously over the past year. He has worked hard to improve his ball-handling skills and has become more confident on the court. He has also improved his defensive skills, becoming a more aggressive defender and reading the offense better. His basketball IQ has grown, and he makes better decisions with the ball, always looking for the best option to help his team. He is currently a sophomore and I truly see him being a dominant player in the future for many years to come.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/wiggins_peyton/status/1615492924623421442?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1091949"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another great player who is changing the game is [player_tooltip player_id='1091949' first='Ty' last='Davis'] who is a guard who has shown significant improvement in his game during the past season. He has worked hard to improve his dribbling skills, making him more difficult to guard. His vision and decision-making have also improved, and he has become a better passer. He is very vocal on the court, directing his teammates and communicating well with his coach. He has also improved his defensive skills, becoming more of a threat on that end of the floor. He is a coachable player who is willing to put in the work to improve his game. Ty has averaged 18.2 points per game and was solid from the three point arch by making 37% of three he's shoot which is lethal. Ty will be another guy to keep a heavy eye on in the future.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/mtnbrookhoops/status/1638582692756299780?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1398516"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"This kid is a AHSAA State Final MVP.  Salim has average 14.9 points per game but also handling business defensively also with 1.9 steals per game. Salim is a 6'4 baller from Hoover High School who is not afraid to back down to any competition. He was a crucial player in leading his team to a state championship victory and was rightfully awarded the championship MVP. London's work ethic and dedication to the game are evident in his improvement throughout the season. He has a high basketball IQ and always puts in the extra effort to make sure he is performing at his best. London's athleticism and quickness allow him to be an effective defender and his ball handling and passing skills make him a reliable playmaker. He also has a great shot, which he has worked hard to improve. London's leadership and ability to stay cool under pressure were instrumental in his team's success. It is clear that London's passion for the game and his commitment to improving make him a valuable player on any team at the next level.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/TMarkwith14/status/1615069676035244032?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1385932"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1385932' first='Dasean' last='Sellers'] had an incredible season for Huffman High School, establishing himself as one of the best combo guards in the state. With impressive averages of 20.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.4 blocks, and 3.5 steals per game, Sellers was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. His ability to fill up the stat sheet showcased his versatility and all-around skills as a player. It is no surprise that he was named a Class 5A first team all-state player, as he consistently dominated his opponents with his athleticism and basketball IQ. Sellers' scoring ability was particularly impressive, as he could hit shots from beyond the arc and drive to the basket with ease. His defensive prowess, highlighted by his impressive block and steal averages, made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Overall, Sellers' impressive season has solidified him as a top player to watch in the state.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/Wenonah_Sports/status/1607516895531642881?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["836591"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='836591' first='Paul' last='Lanzi'] has had an impressive high school basketball career, marked by his consistent improvement year after year. He finished his career at Chelsea High School with an impressive 1,370 points and 185 3-pointers made. Throughout his time on the court, Lanzi has displayed a remarkable ability to lead his team, and has proven to be an unselfish player with a great basketball IQ.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDuring this past season, Lanzi's skills were on full display as he averaged 18.8 points per game, along with 6 assists per game. His scoring ability, combined with his court vision and passing skills, make him a valuable asset for any team. College coaches should definitely take notice of Lanzi's talents and consider him as a key player for their programs. [player_tooltip player_id='836591' first='Paul' last='Lanzi']'s defense as a combo guard for is another impressive aspects of his game. He has exceptional quickness and footwork, which he uses to stay in front of his opponent and force turnovers. Lanzi also has great court vision and awareness, allowing him to anticipate his opponents' moves and make calculated steals. His defensive prowess has been a key factor in his success on the court and has helped him stand out as a top player in his class. His ability to create scoring opportunities and defensive stops for his teammates, as well as his own scoring and defensively abilities, will make him a valuable addition to any team that is looking for a talented and hardworking combo guard.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/ChelseaBoysBB/status/1637830456744845314?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64208d21cefbc"} /-->