Stock rising guards from final 2023 rankings update part 2
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Our final 2023 rankings update saw some guards make jumps up the rankings with strong ends to their senior season. In this article we’ll spotlight five guards who jumped up the rankings. Grant Burkholder OH #78 PG #21 HEIGHT 5'9"…
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Continue ReadingOur final 2023 rankings update saw some guards make jumps up the rankings with strong ends to their senior season. In this article we’ll spotlight five guards who jumped up the rankings.
Burkholder helped lead Newark to a district title behind an excellent offensive performance. Burkholder is a winner from the point guard position who just gets stuff done on both ends. Newark basketball requires toughness and defensive intensity and Burkholder competes on that end and is always in the right place and not shy about sacrificing his body to take a charge. Offensively, I think Burkholder has taken steps as an athlete which helped him create for himself. Recently picking up an offer from Mount Vernon, Burkholder also has heavy Division III interest as well, I expect him to impact winning at the next level.
A big postseason run for Pickerington Central saw them back in the state title game for a second straight season and Johnson hit the shot to send them to that game with a lefty runner with under 2 seconds left to break a tie with Centerville. What I liked most about Johnson’s game was his defensive intensity, which took a leap as a senior. A quick guard who can attack off the dribble and make shots from the outside, I think Johnson can make an impact at the Division III level early in his college career.
Jaynes impressed me when I caught Whitmer in the playoffs by his burst and quickness. I always knew that Jaynes was a fast player with the ball in his hands but his ability to accelerate and blow by defenders caught me off guard. After an impressive senior season with Whitmer, Jaynes should be a target for regional Division III schools looking to add an athletic lead guard.
Cunningham is another prospect who won a district title and made a big impact in his teams deep playoff run. I like Cunningham’s feel for the game and he seems to just find a way to make plays whenever I watch him. He will need to hit the weight room before he’s ready to compete physically at the college level but with his shooting, pace and feel for the game, if he gets stronger then there’s a lot to work with for a college program that’s willing to put in the time with developing Cunningham.
Timberlake is a big-time shooter who played a key role for a Stow team that was balanced across their starting five and had an excellent season. Finishing fifth in 3-point percentage across the state according to the OHSBCA, Timberlake made 72 triples this season. Fast at running off screens with a quick release, that skill will translate to the college level. Every program is looking for shooting and there’s few better than Timberlake in the state.