Ten CIAC Guards to Watch this Winter

Preseason coverage of New England's state associations heads to Connecticut and the CIAC.   We'll start with a look as some of the state's notable guards and follow that up with a look at the wings and the forwards.   Below are 10 guards to watch this winter in the CIAC.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696699' first='Colin' last='Tozier']   Tozier, a talented scoring guard at Stafford, is coming off a sophomore season in which he averaged over 20 points per game. A crafty ball-handler that knows how to keep the defense off balance, he does a good job of getting into the paint off the bounce. Defensively, he can guard either spot in the back-court and generates a lot of turnovers in passing lanes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2396749' first='Amyre' last='Gray']   A crafty scorer at all three levels, Gray will look to help get St. Bernard's back to the state championship game this winter. Tough to cover with the ball in his hands, he does a great job of getting to his spots in the mid-range, while also being a consistent scorer from behind the arc. He's ultra competitive and isn't afraid to guard the opponents top scorer when asked.   [player_tooltip player_id='2546991' first='Anthony' last='McKeown']   McKeown, a creative ball handler that can play on or off the ball, will look to have a big season at Hall this season. He's dynamic off the bounce, capable of getting downhill while attacking with his left or right hand, has terrific floor vision, and does a good job of putting pressure on the defense in transition. He's a tough, physical guard that can score at multiple levels too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547004' first='Anthony' last='Thompson']   A blur in transition, Thompson is one of the state's fastest guards and will be a major piece of the puzzle for Northwest Catholic this winter. He has a terrific first step with the ball in his hands, can get into the teeth of a defense off the bounce, and shows good vision and feel as a passer. Defensively, he's a pest on the ball the creates a lot of turnovers off of his deflections.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547120' first='Sincere' last='Monroe']   Monroe, among the CIAC's top scorers last winter, has a chance to have an all-state type of season for Windsor Locks. He does a great job as a decision maker in ball screens, can really turn the corner and get downhill with his dribble, and loves to get out and score in transition. He's another guard that does a terrific job of hounding opposing ball-handlers in the full-court.   [player_tooltip player_id='2633567' first='Kehari' last='Walker']   A talented lead guard that can impact the game in a variety of ways, Walker is a name to know out of East Hartford. A tough, on-ball defender, he does a great job of moving his feet and keeping opposing ball-handlers out of the paint. His speed is dangerous in the open floor as he does a great job of getting out in transition and putting pressure on the rim as a scorer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553788' first='Sean' last='Wilson']   Wilson, a three level scorer that just knows how to score on the offensive end, will be Trumbull's go-to-guy in the back-court this winter. He's consistent in catch and shoot situations, showing the ability to get hot from behind the arc and knock down shots in bunches. He's a bigger guard that uses his frame to his advantage and does a good job of being a physical finisher around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553716' first='Xavier' last='Goode']   A dynamic, multi-level scorer, Goode will be instrumental to any success that Fitch has this season. He has great body control as a finisher around the rim, uses his dribble to his advantage to create space in the mid-range, and can score from behind the arc on standstill threes, off the bounce, or while running off screens. He's tough, has great burst in the open floor, and plays with an edge.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553784' first='Jayvon' last='Robinson']   Robinson, one of the best facilitators in all of Connecticut, teams with Goode at Fitch to form potentiall the best back-court in the CIAC. A 20 point per game scorer as a sophomore, he should have an even bigger impact on the game this year as a scorer, set-up man, and leader. He's got a lightning quick first step, next level floor vision, and isn't afraid to take the big shot in big moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='1980943' first='Michael' last='Singleton']   A physically gifted lead guard, Singleton should play a major role in the back-court this winter at Wilbur Cross. He has great length that he uses to his advantage as a rim finisher, when being a disruptive defender in passing lanes, and as a rebounder on both ends of the floor. He's a good athlete that looks to get downhill with the ball in his hands and isn't afraid to finish through contact at the rim.

Preseason coverage of New England's state associations heads to Connecticut and the CIAC.