Must Watch Western Region Backcourt Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guards have cemented themselves as dependable contributors within their programs, stepping into larger roles this coming season out west. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2410534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673b80320cb57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howard took major strides between freshman and sophomore seasons at Palisade, cementing himself as a premier guard in that side of the state. He brings a tight handle to be a dependable playmaker against aggressive opposing defenses. Improving as a decisionmaker, Howard has shown upside as a lead guard, particularly thanks to his ability to pressure the rim. Progressing from 4.7 to 13 points per game with Palisade, keep tabs on the guard to set the precedent for Palisade on both ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1764298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673b80320cbb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wells led the Elite 8 program in blocks per game, bringing sneaky athleticism around the rim. The high motor guard is an especially skilled shotmaker, although he has made strides as an on-ball playmaker, set to take on a larger role with a few departing 2024 graduates. Jumping up from 8.8 points to 14.9 points per game on even better shooting efficiency in year 2, Wells just finds ways to improve his game. Working on his playmaking abilities throughout the summer, his progress as a lead guard could cement himself as a premier name in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2638391"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673b80320cc02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newbanks was another dependable shooter over with Eagle Valley, capable of flowing into shot attempts off of movement. Posting 13.8 points on 38% behind the arc, he is a legitimate floor spacer who has taken major strides through his career. At his best while flowing off of screens, he is quick to set his feet or attack the out of position defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2638387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673b80320cc41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing a pivotal role in an incredible regular season run with Pagosa Springs, posting 12.8 points and a team high 4.9 assists per game. A dynamic lead guard who finds success while attacking downhill, he is a quick decision maker with the ball. Capable of sparking fast breaks while going through multiple defenders, he reads the floor at a much higher level than most names in the southern and southwest regions of the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2391125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673b80320cc7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In just about the farthest Southwest corner of the state, Hall found repeated success over at Montezuma-Cortez, posting 11.5 points while converting 35% of his three point attempts through his initial season. A capabel three point shooter off the catch, he found success even against aggressive incoming closeouts. Bringing a refined game particularly for that region, not to mention his 2027 class, he has shown early signs as a premier combo guard down south. His 60% clip on attempts inside the arc make him not only a consistent scoring threat but a dependable decision maker, not fazed by aggressive defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2532264"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673b80320ccb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sollars should garner quite a bit more opportunity this season, following the departures of quite a few 2024s last season at Glenwood Springs. A steady three point shooter at 39% off of 41 attempts, he has already shown clear upside as a floor spacer. His next steps will be the playmaking consistency, although he was active slashing to the rim, picking his spots within the halfcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->