Five MPA Guards to Watch this Winter

Will Armishaw November 27, 2024 @ 07:21 PM

Today, we head to Maine, to continue our preseason look at players to watch throughout New England's high school association.   With Thanksgiving falling later than normal this year, member institutions of the Maine Principals Association have already hit the floor for practices, with the start of the regular season just around the corner.   With that in mind, we'll spend the next few days profiling some guards, wings, and forwards to watch in Maine this winter!   [player_tooltip player_id='2325850' first='Jamier' last='Rose'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2547136' first='Wyatt' last='Benoit'] are two of the state's top guards, and, while we've covered them quiet a bit in recent months, it's worth mentioning again just how much of an impact they'll have on the hardwood this winter.   Rose, a lead guard at Noble, might be the most well-rounded guard in the state. He's a stat-sheet stuffer that will rack up points, rebounds, and assists this season; on top of that, he's a terrific, physical perimeter defender that isn't afraid to guard the opposing team's best player.   Benoit, a combo guard at Thornton Academy, had some big scoring games last winter, averaging over 20 points per game as a junior. He has good size on the perimeter, plays with a toughness that carries over from the football field, and can get buckets at all three levels.   Below are five more guards you should know before the season tips.   [player_tooltip player_id='2811969' first='Jace' last='Bessey']   A crafty lead guard at Spruce Mountain, Bessey has made an impact at the varsity level since Day 1 of his freshman year. He's capable of getting into the paint off the bounce, does a good job of moving without the basketball, and can make threes in bunches. He makes good decisions on the offensive end of the floor while proving to be disruptive, particularly in passing lanes, on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553812' first='Adam' last='Fitzgerald']   One of the state's top perimeter shooters as a sophomore, Fitzgerald will suit up for Scarborough this winter and should elevate their offensive attack. At 6'2", he has good size for a combo guard, has some wiggle off the bounce, and does a great job of running off screens and into catch and shoot jumpers. He's quick into his shot, has deep range, and has a high release, allowing him to get his shot off at any time.   Bryce Guitard   Guitard teams with Rose at Noble to form arguably the top backcourt in the state. He has in the gym range on his jumper, does a good job of utilizing screens to create space, and can get into his mid-range game off the bounce. He plays at different speeds, can quickly change direction with the ball in his hands, and has become a consistent rim finisher as he's added strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547082' first='Justin' last='Jamal']   Jamal is a quick twitch athlete that will lead the attack for Deering this winter. He's a blur in transition, knows how to navigate tight spaces in the half-court, and does a good job of creating for his teammates. As a scorer, he's developed into a consistent threat from behind the arc, while proving capable of finishing over size in the paint. Defensively, he's tough on the ball and willing to guard the length of the floor.   Sammy Nzeyimana   A lightning quick combo guard, Nzeyimana will be a key piece for Cheverus this season. He's a good point of attack defender with quick hands that moves well laterally, allowing him to stay in front of the ball while generating plenty of steals and deflections. Offensively, he's at his best in transition, but has proven to be a strong perimeter shooter and a capable secondary ball-handler with some flair as a passer.

Today, we head to Maine, to continue our preseason look at players to watch throughout New England's high school association.