Volunteer State Standouts: Top 2024 Combo Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Volunteer State in the 2022-23 campaign, it's time to look back at some of the top performers from around the state in different positions. After kickstarting my new series by breaking down some impressive point guards, it's time to move onto some outstanding combo guards that are set to return to the court for their senior seasons. Here's my list of the top 2024 combo guards in Tennessee to watch for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213161"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a09ad68af38"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1213161' first='Julius' last='Thedford'], a 6-foot-3, 180-pound combo guard at Cordova High School. Thedford was one of the most explosive weapons on the Wolves' roster during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In addition to excellent size, speed and versatility on both sides of the floor, Thedford contributes strong ball control, solid passing, smart shooting and an outstanding effort on the defensive side. The rising senior out of Germantown, TN. is definitely an intriguing combo guard in the state of Tennessee to keep an eye on this upcoming season. Thedford is committed to Missouri State University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1336530"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a09ad68af9c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing at number two on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1336530' first='Christian' last='Gilliland'], a 6-foot-2 combo guard at Northpoint Christian High School. Gilliland was a highly explosive weapon for the Trojans on both sides of the floor during his junior season of high school basketball last year. In addition to impressive size, speed and versatility, what stands out about Gilliland is his explosiveness on the perimeter and in the paint, showcasing excellent passing, rebounding, pin-point accuracy from range and the ability to muscle his way to the rim. The rising senior out of Memphis, TN. is without question one of the top combo guards in the Volunteer State and is worth keeping an eye on next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213165"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a09ad68afe3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claiming a third place finish on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1213165' first='Marcus' last='Gray'], a 6-foot-2, 175-pound combo guard from St. Benedict at Auburndale High School. Gray made a huge impact on both sides of the court during his junior stint of high school basketball with the Eagles last year. What stands out most about Gray is his overall explosiveness, ability to attack the rim and his accuracy from beyond the arc. Another aspect of Gray's game that impresses is his well-rounded playstyle and effort to do what's best for the team. The rising senior out of Cordova, TN. will definitely be an intriguing combo guard in the state of Tennessee to watch for on the court next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1215389"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a09ad68b026"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At number four on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1215389' first='Brandon' last='Nicholson'], a 6-foot-0, 180-pound combo guard at MUS. Nicholson was a gamechanger for the Owls on both sides of the court during his junior season of high school basketball last year. With excellent size, speed and versatility, Nicholson showcased impressive game knowledge, including solid ball control, smart passing and strong shooting from around the perimeter, and in the paint. The rising senior out of Memphis, TN. is definitely a combo guard prospect in the state worth keeping an eye on this upcoming season. Nicholson is committed to Stanford University on a football scholarship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1471799"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a09ad68b06d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1471799' first='Kylon' last='Jones'], a 6-foot-0, 165-pound combo guard at St. Benedict at Auburndale High School. Jones was one of the most explosive weapons on the Eagles' roster during his junior stint with the Eagles last year. In addition to impressive size, speed and versatility on both sides of the court, what stands out most about Jones is his ability to protect the basketball, make smart passes and contribute to the boards. Jones additionally proved his ability to quickly adapt and stay locked in on both sides. The rising senior out of Cordova, TN. is without a doubt one of the more talented combo guard in the Volunteer State to watch out for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->