Preseason Preview: Talented Plains Guards

Featuring some of the best from last year's playoff contenders in the Eastern end of the state, ranging from 4A to 2A prospects. A few of these names played pivotal roles in deep playoff runs, proving to be successful deep down the stretch.    Leading one of the better run programs in the state in Yuma, Sheffield is a backcourt name to follow. Leading the top 3A program to the state title, Sheffield deserves praise for his routine success at such an early stage. Following the title and superb averages of 18.6 points and 3.3 assists per game, the guard has been excellent throughout the club season. Especially skilled handling the ball versus pressure, he is rarely sped up by an opposing defense. Sheffield is arguably the most complete perimeter name out in this area, comfortable from all three levels. Equally dangerous out the pick and roll, he does a great job leveraging the screener for openings across the floor.     Bollers comes in as one of the best guards out of this section of the state, given his strength and assertiveness around the paint. Following production of 18.8 points, the guard is among the best finishers inside the arc. The senior year guard holds a variety of junior college offers, including Colby, Northeastern, and Division III program Lakeland. The dependable handle paired with his raw strength to move around opponents while attacking the paint makes him a particularly formidable opponent. This looks like another dominant season for Strasburg, following a 21-3 effort last year. Defensively, he has the size to compete aganist both backcourt opponents, holding his own on the glass.     Edstrom's scoring upside has been especially helpful for Anarchy and dating back to Platte Valley last season. Putting up 10.5 points and 3.4 assists per game, the guard has a great mix of scoring gravity and court vision. His urgency on both ends makes him a bit of a spark plug, effectively generating energy for his teams from exciting plays. Defensively, the guard competes in the passing lanes, active in generating deflections through his activity. This is all on top of consistent spacing behind the arc, adept on attempts off the catch.     Hughes brings good size in the backcourt, willing to attack the rim to draw contact or at least challenge the opposing defense. He was among the more productive athletes out in the area, posting 21 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His particularly quick first step makes him a handful one on one, few opponents at the 3A level can stay in front consistently. The quickness plays a role in his success on the boards, effective flying around early for loose balls or second chance opportunities.      King brought scoring value for Hobbs last season, contributing an efficient 37% behind the arc on top of 15.7 points per game. A confident scoring option from distance, opposing defenses must work to contain him, especially off the catch. Assisting that Hobbs group towards a 16-7 record, the wing was a productive asset for that group all season.

Featuring some of the best from last year's playoff contenders in the Eastern end of the state, ranging from 4A to 2A prospects. A few of these names played pivotal roles in deep playoff runs, proving to be successful deep down the stretch.