Stock rising guards from 2024 Rankings Update
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Our final 2024 Rankings Update saw some guards make pretty drastic moves up our list, in this article we’ll discuss six guards who improved their stock with strong ends to their senior season. Quinn Barnett OH #43 SG #10 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingOur final 2024 Rankings Update saw some guards make pretty drastic moves up our list, in this article we’ll discuss six guards who improved their stock with strong ends to their senior season.
A huge playoff run included a dominant performance against St Edward in the district final and Barnett almost led Brunswick to the regional title, falling just short against eventual state champion Saint Ignatius. One of the most improved players in the state from Junior to Senior year, Barnett is an extremely quick guard who is a rhythm shooter off the dribble. I was really impressed with the production jump Barnett made against top competition, turning his physical traits and natural talent into production. Currently committed to Gannon, they’ll have to replace Head Coach Jordan Fee who led them to the elite 8 in Division II.
One of the top scorers in Ohio, Dragas had a huge senior season with some big individual scoring efforts for Madison this winter. While I wasn’t able to catch him in person, Dragas highlight tape showed some shot making improvement. Making 67 3-pointers this season is a clear improvement from what I saw over the summer. Without a ton of talent surrounding him, Dragas was forced to take some tough shots and carry a heavy load of self-creation. I expect him to fit in well at West Liberty, their frantic style of play is a good fit for Dragas skills and his volume shooting confidence is what the Hilltoppers look for in their guards.
I’m not sure if any player ended the season shooting as well as Brenner was from the outside. Brenner had a three-game stretch in late February/early March where he scored 34 PPG on 74% from 3-point range! One of the elite shooters from northwest Ohio, I’m surprised Brenner hasn’t gotten more scholarship love after the season he had with Archbold. The Division III national champions hosted him on a visit this fall, maybe more programs should be taking notes from them.
A player who showed some potential on the Prep Hoops Circuit with Hopson Elite , the jump Murphy made from the summer to the winter was one of the bigger ones in the senior class. Playing with much more confidence as a shooter, Murphy was putting up big time numbers against top competition in the Toledo and Detroit area. Always been an impactful defender, the length and anticipation of Murphy allows him to jump passing lanes and force turnovers. Based on what I saw his senior season, I think Murphy should be a priority for small colleges around NW Ohio, he could force his way on the floor early with his shooting and defensive abilities.
The all-time leading scorer in Wadsworth history, Bosley had a strong senior season that saw him explode for some big scoring outbursts. I caught Bosley twice this winter and he impressed me with his competitiveness. A guard who will do anything to help his team win, Bosley is the ultimate competitor on the court. Named first team all conference and special mention All-Ohio, Bosley’s play was noticed locally and statewide. A player who can play at the small college level, we’ll be following Bosley’s journey if he decides to continue his career at the next level.
Highlights
Another player who we scouted on the Prep Hoops Circuit, Germany took a big step as a scorer this winter. A guard who had a good frame, made an impact defensively and could make plays for others, Germany became a much-improved shooter on a Bishop Ready squad that needed the scoring punch after graduating their top three scorers from a season ago. College coaches can catch Germany at the 270 Hoops Unsigned senior showcase on Thursday at Central Crossing High School.