WPIAL Shooting Guards You Need to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>District 7 boasts plenty of quality guards. But too often, the point guards get all the attention. But what about the shooting guards? This article highlights five WPIAL shooting guards you need to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Joe Marquis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"North Allegheny","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJoe Marquis stands out as a Senior shooting guard whose game has matured immensely over the years. One of Joe's strengths is his shooting ability. When he gets his feet set, his shot is consistent, fluid, and reliable. This alone is a significant threat at the high school level, but Joe adds another layer to his offensive arsenal with his capacity to pull up off the dribble.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJoe has the ability to finish at the rim, especially during fast breaks. He may not be the fastest player on the hardwood, but he compensates with determination and an intrinsic understanding of angles and timing.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhat sets Joe apart is his basketball IQ. While many players are solid with the ball in their hands, Joe showcases his profound understanding of the game while moving without the ball. He boasts the ability to read defenders and exploit their weaknesses. Whether it's a timely back cut or using screens to free himself up, Joe plays the game with a finesse and intelligence that harks back to the classic guards.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Max Butler","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Latrobe","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMax Butler is an excellent shooter. Whether he's spotting or pulling up off the dribble, his shot is smooth. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eA notable part of his game is his physicality. At 6'2u0022, he has a decent height for a guard, but it's his build and strength that truly set him apart. His ability to rebound is reminiscent of bigger forwards. This physicality extends to the offensive end, where he often capitalizes on mismatches to post up smaller defenders. Max has a knack for finishing through contact. Instead of shying away from defenders, he barrels through them, often converting challenging plays into and-ones.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBut his love for physicality shines on the defensive end, too. He's a true team player, unhesitatingly putting his body on the line to take a charge at any time.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1187896"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEvan Berger is one of the WPIAL's premier talents. Defensively, his long wingspan and great vision allow him to disrupt passing lanes, get steals, and quickly turn defense into offense. Evan is the kind of defender that opposing teams have to plan aroundu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOn the offensive end, Evan's shows plenty of versatility. He's comfortable shooting from beyond the arc, but he isn't limited to just being a perimeter threat. His ability to drive to the basket, combined with his exceptional ball-handling skills, makes him a dual threat that defenses struggle to contain. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEvan's statistical accomplishments speak volumes. Averaging 23 points and 8 rebounds in his Junior year, he received plenty of accolades, including the Pittsburgh Post Gazette All Section 1st Team and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette All WPIAL recognition.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePerhaps what stands out most about Evan is his sheer athleticism. Quick, strong, and with a penchant for highlight-reel plays, Evan is every bit the prototype of a top-tier shooting guard.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAs for his collegiate potential, Evan's skills and physical tools certainly point towards a bright future in college basketball. At the very least, he's a high Division II prospect, but don't be surprised if mid-major Division I programs come calling.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1890923"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCooper Rankin's mid-range game is where he excels. In an era where the emphasis often shifts to either long-range threes or hard drives to the hoop, Cooper reminds us that the mid-range game hasn't left basketball completely. Cooper's range extends beyond the arc, especially when he establishes his footing. His form is consistent, making him a threat any time he is given space.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhether running a fast break or working in half-court sets, he makes good decisions when the ball is in his hand. His passing ability is particularly noteworthy. He has a talent for feeding the post, setting up his big men for easy scores.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDefensively, Cooper's hustle sets him apart. His tenacity and relentless pursuit, even in seemingly lost plays, is commendable. He embodies the mantra that defense is as much about heart as it is natural talent or athleticism. His speed and quickness enable him to stick with most guards in the league and recover when beaten off the dribble.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1403750"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSenior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1403750' first='Cam' last='Mills'] brings a maturity to his game. His first step is particularly notable, allowing him to blow by defenders or create space for his shot. His ball-handling skills further make him an offensive threat and play maker.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMills showcases a consistent shooting ability. He's a reliable spot-up shooter with impressive range, especially when his feet are set. A particularly interesting move in his toolkit is his baseline floater.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePhysically, Cam doesn't shy away from contact. His willingness to take charges speaks volumes about his commitment to defense. This physicality also translates into his rebounding. His efforts on the offensive glass often result in second-chance points.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOn defense, u0022hustleu0022 is the term that best describes Mills. He's perpetually in motion, challenging opponents. His quickness paired with his tenacity makes him a solid defender, capable of guarding multiple positions.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537c5d9a3b5a"} /-->