Top new guards from 2024 Rankings Update
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Our final 2024 rankings update saw over 25 players to debut in our list. In this article we’ll profile six players who were added to the rankings during this last update. Aiden Harris OH #136 SG #29 HEIGHT 6'3" POS…
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Continue ReadingOur final 2024 rankings update saw over 25 players to debut in our list. In this article we’ll profile six players who were added to the rankings during this last update.
Pandora Gilboa won a district title and were led by Harris, the conference POY. I was impressed with his athleticism, ball handling and creation for a guard his size. Harris shot the ball well in the regional game I caught at Bowling Green. An active defender as well, Harris has solid physical tools to use at the next level. Named to an all-state team in Division IV and also exceeding 1,000 points as a scorer this year, Harris wraps up a decorated high school career.
A breakout senior in central Ohio, Joy had an excellent season for one of the top teams in the region. A microwave level scorer, Joy can get hot from the outside in a hurry. A contested shot maker, Joy excels at knocking down the ‘kill shot’ when the Pioneers had momentum. With his shooting and athleticism to defend, Joy has a role at the small college level. Already showing the ability to perform in big games against top regional competition, Joy could fight for minutes sooner rather than later.
Highlights
One of the top scorers in the ECC, Jones had a big senior season with six games of 20+ points. With huge games against Anderson and Moeller in the playoffs, Jones was playing his best basketball at the end of the season. With 43 made 3-pointers from the point guard position, Jones showed the ability to make shots off the bounce and create for himself. A tough cover off the dribble, Jones was able to get into the lane with his ball handling ability. The biggest step Jones can take as he prepares for his college career is taking care of the basketball. With a negative assist to turnover ratio, Jones will need to flip those numbers around, which could improve when he’s surrounded by more talented teammates.
Highlights
Combining these two Alter guards who put up very similar numbers, Brand and Leen combined for 21 PPG. Brand was more efficient from 2-point range and the foul line, while Leen shot slightly better from 3-point range. Leen averaged more assists while Brand took better care of the basketball. Brand scored a career-high 23 points in the state title game against Maysville as the Knights achieved ultimate glory with this pair of seniors playing a big role. Both would be capable of playing at the small college level if they so choose.
I caught Indian Lake in January and really enjoyed watching their fast style of play, led by Nicol, who was the engine of the offense. He also had some clutch moments during the grassroots season when I caught him playing over the summer. Finally making a deserved debut in these rankings, Nicol has put up big numbers in a small-town league for a few years now and leaves a legacy at Indian Lake as the school’s all-time leading scorer. Definitely capable of playing at the small college level, we’ll be following Nicol’s journey if he chooses to continue his basketball career after high school.