2025 Rankings Update: Combo Guards Worth Another Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guards improved with their greater opportunities throughout the season. Certainly athletes worth following over this next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2025","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"77244","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","state":"77240","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6603750b68bd1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Improved Guards </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1687829' first='Estevan' last='Espinoza']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Espinoza is a proactive guard for 18-11 West Mesa, looking to push the pace and put pressure on the opposing defense. A high energy defender, the guard is active on help side, assertive getting into the opponent to grab a steal. Whether an opposing ball handler picks up their dribble or attacking middle, Espinoza makes an effort to get a hand in the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1913990' first='Damian' last='Avila']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8.1 → 13.1 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.6 → 3.9 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avila has taken advantage of a larger opportunity with Belen. Nearly tripling his shot attempts during the 23-24 season compared to his 22-23 season. A willing downhill scorer, the guard looks to attack even versus aggressive closeouts and contact. Bringing in a quick pace of play with the ball, he looks to stay aggressive in transition or halfcourt. He is capable of changing speeds, effectively creating space for pull-up jumpers in the mid-range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1687824' first='Jasode' last='Harris']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.6 → 11.3 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.5 → 3.1 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>21 → 47% 2P</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris has improved his game with a larger role, taking greater discipline with his shot selection. A more efficient jump shooter, he has shown a willingness getting to a wide variety of pull-ups. He looks to attack driving lanes, often times setting up a perimeter shooter for an open look even with a rotating defense. His progress in playmaking for this group will be important to their continued success, bringing in one of more intriguing backcourts for that 2025 class with Belen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2293832' first='Jonathon' last='Sanchez']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A creative ball handler with Albuquerque, the guard showed comfort handling the ball in traffic. Effective changing speeds and operating with either hand, Sanchez has no easy cover along the perimeter. A pass first guard, he looks for teammates off the initial drive or on handoffs. They are proactive kickstarting fast breaks for outlets for driving teammates. He played a vital role for Albuquerque throughout the playoffs, facilitating and knocking down triples when available.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1914101' first='Zeke' last='Delao']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high energy guard, Delao puts it all on the line from the defensive end, active flying around for steals. His quick reactions create chaos on the break, capitalizing on opponent mistakes. Capable of creating advantages with the ball, he is a spontaneous playmaker, quick to change speeds against his defender. Active getting deep into the paint for short floaters or high hand finishes, his shifty handle allows him plenty of opportunity at the rim.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1914013' first='Channing' last='James']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15.2 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6.7 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.7 APG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.4 SPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical scorer, James looks for attempts at the rim, effectively moving around opponents while handling the ball. Most active on straight line drives and three point attempts off the catch, the guard is a diverse scoring threat. James' positional size allows him to guard up against the biggest opponents within that 1A level, certainly a formidable matchup. Playing a vital role for 19-9 Pine Hill, although a small school, his contributions did lead to a successful tenure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->