2025 Guards Stepping Into Bigger Roles

Colby Giacubeno

August 3, 2023 @ 06:05 PM

The month of August here at Prep Hoops MD/DC is utilized for updating rankings, dishing out reflection articles on the grassroots season that wrapped in July and publishing some way-too-early high school content. Rankings will come later in the month, but for this series, I'll be shedding light on some 2025 prospects that are expected to take on a bigger role in 2023-24 for their respective schools. Let's start with the guards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1414529' first='Omari' last='Witherspoon'] | St. John's DC   Witherspoon made the move from Archbishop Carroll to St. John's (DC) where he'll fill a much-needed void at the lead guard spot for the Cadets. After the departure of [player_tooltip player_id='1089572' first='Daquan' last='Davis'] (OTE), Witherspoon can settle in as the true primary playmaker in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-3 rising junior ended summer with a strong showing at the NCAA Academy with [program_tooltip program_id='2078456' first='DC' last='Premier'] 16s to put a bow on what was a productive summer overall.   Pat McDonough | Georgetown Prep   Adam Ayalew and I were already fans of McDonough's game coming into this spring, but after seeing him on multiple occasions with District BC 16s over the last few months, he only helped his case further. He's a 6-foot point guard with a tight handle, good feel as a processor and can torch nets from deep with the slightest of clearance. The positive thing with McDonough is whether or not his shot is falling, he brings 110 percent effort at both ends of the floor. He's a prideful defender, a willing playmaker and a leader out on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1370501' first='Jaren' last='Curtis'] | Bishop McNamara   I bought stock in Curtis a calendar year ago because of his tenacious approach on the defensive end. Since then, his offensive skill set has improved to the point where I am very comfortable considering him a two-way impact and a player that can change the course of a game for his team. McNamara is stacked with young, talented prospects throughout, but now that Martin Somerville will head west and join Southern California Academy for his senior season, it means Curtis will be expected to shoulder more of the production.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598809' first='Mason' last='Ellison'] | Loyola Blakefield   The upside and potential have always been the draw with Ellison for me personally, but the 6-foot-4 guard is really starting to match his potential with on-court production. Loyola Blakefield will take on a new look under head coach Josh Czerski schematically and much will revolve around Ellison's scoring ability. The Dons are another program in the DMV that has a healthy list of talented guards throughout, but Ellison's dynamism on the offensive end will be key to their success.   [player_tooltip player_id='1494081' first='Rodney' last='Scott'] | Mt. Carmel   Scott is the perfect point guard when he is surrounded by talented scorers. His ability to create for others whether that be spot-up shooters, bigs who need guards to set the table for them or slashers that require timely passes while defenders are rotating, Scott is your guy. He showcased this summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill'] not only that he can engineer a team to a championship (UAA 16U champions), but he can also get his when his number is called. Scott is extremely quick, shifty and precise with his drives. He plays off two feet in the paint and does an excellent job of keeping the entire floor available to him.

The month of August here at Prep Hoops MD/DC is utilized for updating rankings, dishing out reflection articles on the grassroots season that wrapped in July and publishing some way-too-early high school content. Rankings will come later in the month, but for this series, I'll be shedding light on some 2025 prospects that are expected to take on a bigger role in 2023-24 for their respective schools. Let's start with the guards.