Spotlight in the Shadows: Guard Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guards, ranging from popular names to under-the-radar standouts, are each making their own impact. Whether they are in the spotlight or thriving in the background, their influence on the game is undeniable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431745' first='AJ' last='Anderson']</strong> <strong>Paradise Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a new and improved roster this year, I expect AJ to have a big year, but until the new part of the roster is eligible, I expect him to have a monster start to the first half of the season. With his tough shot making ability and finishing through contact, he can help Paradise Valley sneak back into the playoffs by the end of the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2326931' first='Matt' last='Quinlan'] <strong>Rancho Solano Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the departure of Sagith Vargas and Jake Miller for the Mustangs, Matt is the next guy up to handle the Point Guard spot. Watching him at Section 7 this summer, I think he is ready to take on that role as a leader. Matt does all the right things you'd want from a point guard, he can facilitate, knock down shots, and can defend a little as well, averaging 1.2 steals per game last year. I can see Matt having a big season for this Rancho Solano squad this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620346' first='Joshua' last='McManaway']</strong> <strong>McClintock</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Josh is a pure tough shot maker, he uses his length to shoot over defenders and creates his own shot at ease. With a bunch of competitive opponents on McClintock's schedule, I expect Josh to produce this season and take a leap from last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2302768' first='Hayden' last='Stebbins'] Notre Dame Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Anthony Batson and [player_tooltip player_id='996764' first='Brennan' last='Peterson'] no longer at Notre Dame, there is a decent amount of volume left behind. Hayden can take advantage of that with his elite shot making ability and his ableness to drive and make a play. With Notre Dame having it's eyes on playoffs, look for Hayden to be a big contributor to that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2280207' first='Jackson' last='Moore']</strong> <strong>Cienega</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Isaac Sdobnev no longer in the picture, there is points left on the board because of it. Jackson will be one of those guys that will get an up tick in usage this season. Last season he averaged twelve points per game last season whereas to this season I could see that go up to fifteen or more. He creates turnovers on the defensive end which leads to easy layups and he knows how to get to his spots on the offensive end. I'm excited to see what this year holds for Jackson and the Cienega squad this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->