2025 Preview: Two-Way Backcourt Prospects from South Front Range

Clayton Conover

October 17, 2023 @ 03:54 PM

These guards have shown immense value outside of scoring the ball, either providing excellent perimeter defense or rebounding consistency on both ends of the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1816669' first='J'Twane' last='Mike'] - Palmer   Mike provides immense value on the defensive end, excellent at the point of attack. The guard does well keeping arms out consistently to deflect passes and pressure opposing ball handlers. Especially quick laterally, there are few guards in the Colorado Springs region with his instincts and quickness defending the perimeter. Mike is getting more opportunities on the ball, an area of intrigue given his quick burst and twitchy handle. The junior will be among the more impactful two-way backcourt prospects the southern region has to offer, following averages of 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.    [player_tooltip player_id='1958558' first='Tayvon' last='Evans'] - Pueblo Central   Evans is a wiry defensive guard who is adept at blocking shots and hustling for rebounds. Proving dependable as a help side shot blocker, Evans has excellent anticipation for the opponents' next move. Through his previous season with Pueblo Central, the guard put up 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Given his ability to get up vertically rather quickly, Evans is an excellent two-way rebounder, active on putbacks. His growth as a playmaker will be one area to track, given his high motor as is.   [player_tooltip player_id='1479894' first='Christian' last='Bertholf'] - Falcon   Bertholf is a strong guard, capable of overpowering smaller opponents for finishes or passing lanes from around the rim. Effective at getting low, minimizing his center of gravity to move around his opponent. Bertholf has continued to utilize his high motor to out maneuver opponents for rebounds and loose balls. There is no doubt the guard brings a valuable playstyle, impacting the game in a variety of areas without the ball. His continued growth as a ball handler will be important in determining his upside, already a quick decision maker and high motor athlete.   [player_tooltip player_id='1638441' first='Tyler' last='Cox'] - Falcon   Cox is a strong complementary guard who brings an efficient brand of basketball. Effective attacking downhill off the rip through, the junior is quite strong while getting towards the basket. Having no trouble getting downhill through a bump,  Cox looks to become an especially consistent finisher through contact. His continued growth as a perimeter shooter will be one area to watch. Defensively, the guard plays to his literal strengths, staying low and forcing opponents out of position. On multiple occasions this summer, Cox showcased his vertical a few times this summer, getting out for runaway dunks off of steals. The guard put up 8.3 points and 3 rebounds per game this past season with 13-11 Falcon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1578019' first='Jonathan' last='Rice'] - Palmer Ridge   Rice shows value along the wings, effectively attacking closeouts and filling open space. The guard has excellent awareness of when to fill out onto the perimeter, capable stepping out for three point attempts from all over the arc. Boasting good size at 6'3, Rice has a chance to get a notable opportunity with Palmer Ridge. His consistency on the defensive end will be one area to watch, given his positional reach and fluidity.

These guards have shown immense value outside of scoring the ball, either providing excellent perimeter defense or rebounding consistency on both ends of the floor.