WPIAL Guards To Follow This Spring

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Pittsburgh Jam Fest approaching, it's time to dig a little deeper in the dirt to bring up some names to watch on the Spring Circuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hayden Merchant</strong>&nbsp;| 6'5″ | G| Seton 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Merchant took on a leadership role as a junior next to [player_tooltip player_id='1116023' first='Connor' last='Spratt']. A long and lean guard who likely projects as a 23 at the college level. Merchant can put the ball on the floor and has a high motor. He's a good shooter and a threat on the outside. His size will make him a recruitable guard and he's going to be driving the bus for the Rebels this coming winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1188607' first='Jayden' last='Davis']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jayden-davis-2/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;</strong>| 5'10” | G| Char Val 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis is one of the most electric players in the state for the class of 2025. He's already over 1,000 points and could make a legit run at 2,000. Davis showcased excellent ballhandling ability this season. He has the lead guard ability and talent to move the ball in the halfcourt. He has an electric first step to the basket and can score at multiple levels. College coaches will be watching closely the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1454309' first='Julian' last='Semplice']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-semplice/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;</strong>| 5'11” | G| Char Val 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Semplice came in with a lot of hype and was able to showcase his ability as a freshman. He showed poise beyond his years and when he had his moments, he was able to prove that hitting shots, moving the ball and being tough on the press are going to be trademarks of his as a lead guard. He's going to be a key player to watch the next few years. He and Davis could give the Colts WPIAL title potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991412' first='Tyree' last='Turner'] </strong>| 6'1″ | G | Greensburg Central Catholic 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Centurions season got cut short in the opening round of states but Turner, a multi-year contributor, showed he's skilled guard who can run an offense and is good with the ball in his hands. He's well built guard who can play with physicality and can attack the rim. He's got a good basketball IQ and be one of the top players in Westmoreland County next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187981' first='Elijah' last='Guillory']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elijah-guillory/"></a> </strong>| 6'4″ | G | Moon Twp 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though Moon didn't get to make a run in the playoff, Guillory used the regular season to burst on the scene. He's a strong guard with a tight handle and a great understanding of the game. He gets to the rim off the bounce. Athletic football player who is taking off as a basketball recruit. He has a D1 offer from Drexel and should continue to increase his exposure as we hit the AAU circuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->