Who Are The Top Guards In Class 1A to begin the season?

The season is coming alive with exceptional displays on the court by some pretty dynamic players. These guards may command attention with their scoring and playmaking abilities but they each have an impressive array of skills and qualities that set them apart as players.   [player_tooltip player_id='2640003' first='Kishann' last='Smith'] - Joppatowne   [player_tooltip player_id='2640003' first='Kishann' last='Smith'] has a game that defies his age. He's a smooth, patient operator, who's already become a reliable scorer as a sophomore. He plays a smart game, getting boards with good positioning and timing, consistently using his frame and athleticism to beat out other players on the boards.    Smith is a natural for the SG position, with the willingness and ability to distribute the ball. On an average Joppatowne team with better passers, he's tasked with finishing plays in the half court, relegating most of his playmaking to the open court.   He's an engaged defender, and despite his youth plays an aggressive style of defense without picking up cheap fouls.   Jamir Roberts - Pocomoke (Sophomore)   Let's get the obvious out of the way, Jamir Robert's will never be the biggest player on the court. What he might be is the most skilled. A standout sophomore for a solid Pocomoke team, Roberts shows his eye-popping ability to make plays each game. He's a dual threat capable of giving you ten points or ten assists.   While his size makes it easier to take advantage of him defensively, Roberts battles every play, and uses his quick hands and foot speed to make up for what he lacks in height. He's the catalyst for Pocomoke's trio of guards — whether getting easy baskets for his teammates on the break — or orchestrating their half-court offense.   Michael Ames - Pocomoke (Sophomore)   Another rising star from Pocomoke, Michael Ames' well-rounded game provides stability to the backcourt. A steady ball-handler, Ames versatility in playing either guard spot brings depth to a smaller Pocomoke team that relies not only on his scoring — but also his ability to disrupt opponents' offensive rhythm.   Ames is also the best shooter of the Warriors guards, displaying touch from three and the free throw line that should continue to improve as his game grows. I think Ames has potential to be one the best players in the region, with more opportunity to control the game, he could show more playmaking and set up ability as well.   Jared Haskiell - Southern (Junior)   A scoring force with a defensive edge, junior Jared Haskiell is a quintessential 3-D player. Haskiell's defensive dimension elevates his value as a knockdown shooter. He's reliable off the catch, spotting up in the half-court or on the break. He's got solid size but more than that, he's instinctual in the way he positions himself defensively, beating ball handlers to the spot or holding his own inside. Haskiell is a college shooter worth getting eyes on. He's smart, hustles and plays within himself while still standing out. Coaches, get eyes on this Appalachian mountain hooper now.   [player_tooltip player_id='2722714' first='Amir' last='Morton'] - CMIT North (Sophomore)   There's plenty of room to grow for [player_tooltip player_id='2722714' first='Amir' last='Morton'], a sophomore sensation from CMIT North with a knack for both scoring and setting up teammates. Morton plays like he hasn't quite decided what kind of guard he wants to be but his balanced game reflects his impact on the court.   Still in the early stages of his development, Morton seamlessly transitions between scoring and facilitating on a CMIT team that boasts strong guard play across the board. He's become a better shooter from his freshman year, boasting a legitimate three-point range. He turns the ball over less, playing within himself and allowing his shots to come within the flow of the game.   Jean-Marc Nken - Pikesville (Junior)   Pikesville is having a poor season. The Panthers are 1-12 overall and 0-5 in Baltimore County. Guards Jean-Marc Nken and Antwoine Moye have been the lone bright spots of the year, combining to score almost 30 ppg for a team with not much else around. Nken has been a scoring machine for Pikesville, putting the ball in the basket regardless of how many defenders focus their attention on him.   His efficiency won't turn your head, but it's easy to picture Nken scoring productively on a better team. He can create for himself or others with ease and is a dependable shooter from all over the court. For Pikesville, he's a go-to player able to score without a structured half-court offense.

The season is coming alive with exceptional displays on the court by some pretty dynamic players. These guards may command attention with their scoring and playmaking abilities but they each have an impressive array of skills and qualities that set them apart as players.