2024 Guards Stepping Up This Summer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The summer season gave rising seniors a jump start to preparation for their final season. Summer tournaments and showcases gave them a chance to show off their talents and hone their skills for their moment in the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147759' first='Damon' last='Alexander']</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, KC Washington, Taylor Made Athletes (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexander really impressed this spring and summer. He's got great length and spring, making him a real handful in the full court press and at the top of an attacking zone. He plays with intensity and turns defense into a lot of offense. He's skilled and versatile, not always looking to score, but always looking to impact the game. He's preparing this summer to become a leader and difference-maker for a loaded Washington team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314813' first='Tamir' last='Anderson']</strong>, 6-foot-3 guard, 2024, Highland Park, HOH:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson has criss-crossed the state the past couple of summers, looking to be challenged and to up his game. This summer the Topeka wing traveled to Wichita to compete with the high-level Heart Over Hustle group. Whatever team he's on, Anderson is a defense stretching shooter. He didn't get a ton of exposure as a junior due to the depth of the Highland Park team. But anyone who watched Anderson knows he's a lights-out shooter and dangerous offensive weapon. With his length, he may have to play more in the paint and guard bigs as a senior for the Scots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tucker Groh</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Chase County, SSA:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Groh earned a ton of respect with SSA this year for his gritty effort and athleticism at the guard spot. He can guard just about anyone on the floor using his size, quickness and strength. His offensive talents may have been a bit underutilized at Chase County, but that won't be the case this year. The Bulldogs graduated a lot of talent from their 19-4 team. Groh will be called on to handle the ball, produce points and lead as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jalen Manning</strong>, 5-foot-6 guard, 2024, Wichita South, PGUHoops:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A solid contributor last year for South, Manning flies under the radar somewhat because his stats don't wow you. But anyone who watches him knows he's a traditional point guard who's making his teammates better. He handles pressure, gets the ball to shooters and pressures defenses with his up-tempo attack. He's a strong and pesky defender too. South may be pretty talented next year, and Manning will be an important leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387724' first='Brooks' last='Powers']</strong>, 6-foot-3 guard, 2024, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, SSA:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powers impressed a year ago for his summer play. He ran into a loaded roster at Kapaun that didn't have a lot of minutes to spread around. He played an important supporting role for the 5A runner up. He's looked so good this summer, it's hard to imagine he won't have a bigger role next winter, although Kapaun will always have the type of roster that makes it tough to get playing time. Powers is a tall guard with vision and understanding how to run the point but who can also excel as an attacking off-guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->