Pre-Season Highlights: Breakout Guards

[player_tooltip player_id='1560922' first='Michael' last='Best'] plays with exceptional pace and a keen anticipation of defensive movements, allowing him to stay one step ahead of his opponents. His ball-handling is strong and tight, with precise dribbles that minimize turnovers and maximize his control. As an efficient shot-maker, Best displays an outstanding three-point jumper, both off the catch and off the dribble. His walk-up pull-up shot is particularly lethal and adds another layer to what makes him one of the top shooters in the state, able to score in rhythm with ease and consistency from beyond the arc.     [player_tooltip player_id='1593858' first='Noah' last='Armstrong'], a lead guard, showcased a well-balanced offensive game, excelling at both setting up his teammates and scoring seamlessly within the flow of play. His impressively smooth footwork was a standout feature, as he effortlessly used jump stops and pro-hops to navigate into the lane, playing off two feet to maintain control. From there, Armstrong displayed an outstanding ability to find open shooters or finish at the rim with layups, making him a versatile offensive threat who could adjust to any situation on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='1359759' first='Connor' last='Yocom']'s three-point shooting prowess is the hallmark of his game, displaying a lightning-fast release and wrist flick that leaves defenders with little chance to contest his jumper. His quick-twitch muscles allow him to create his own shot effortlessly, using crossovers or swift step-backs to generate separation, whether moving left or right. Yocom thrives under pressure, consistently hitting off-balance attempts, draining contested threes with defenders draped over him, and sinking deep shots in crucial moments. His fearless mentality and ability to perform under pressure situations make him one of the most exciting shooters in the state to watch.     [player_tooltip player_id='1358316' first='Jackson' last='Townsend'] possesses a well-rounded and reliable shooting game. He's an accurate jump shooter both at a standstill and on the move, making him a constant threat. Defenders can't afford to give him any space, whether he's spotting up, curling around screens, or receiving a dribble handoff. His consistent shooting mechanics in a variety of scenarios make him a tough cover, as he's able to score from multiple areas and in different scenarios with equal effectiveness.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556917' first='Ashton' last='Parker'], a [player_tooltip player_id='2557630' first='6'0' last='']" guard, was a fastbreak catalyst known for his standout defensive prowess. He excelled as a ball hawk, cutting off straight-line drives and hedging on penetrations, often using a quick swipe to disrupt ball handlers. His defensive pressure frequently led to bad passes or immediate steals. Offensively, Parker was adept at getting into the paint, using misdirections and crossovers to keep defenders off-balance. His ability to secure and protect the ball with cuffs, swing steps, and precise footwork made him an effective penetrator and playmaker in tight situations.