Takeover Senior Guards to Watch

These guards have proven all season they can take over games and lead their teams through the critical moments. As playoffs get underway, these are the guys to keep an eye on who should shine brightest as the heat cranks up and the moments get even bigger.    Dykstra has come a long way from his freshman year, and it's clear he has put in a ton of work on his body in order to put himself in position to be a closer for his Lyncs. He's a sneaky explosive guard who can finish with strength at the rim, and succeeds at creating space on the perimeter, getting on balance for shots, and taking advantage of openings with some quick lift and shot-making. Look out for Dykstra and the Lyncs as they navigate district playoffs starting tonight against Mount Baker.     Jones is an exceptionally high-motor guard who has been the driving force for Puyallup's big season. He continues to get better every time I see him, showcasing good athleticism, decision-making, and a comfortability in tight spaces that allows him to find room for shots that other players would pass up on. He's dangerous from any spot on the floor and is a true catalyst with his effort on both ends of the floor.     This guy has long been a heady player who shows all the signs of the brain to play at the next level but he's taken it to another level this season and the individual stats plus the team success can't be denied. He's been a leader on one of the best teams in the state regardless of classification, and he's been consistently putting up big scoring totals to add to his stat-stuffing ability. He's already had a number of big moments this season and will surely have a big say in how the 1A tournament shakes out.     Crow is a dynamic, bursty guard who thrives at getting down the lane and creating to the rim. He's got the twitchy lower body but he's also strong up top and can take contact at the rim or stop on a dime and turn back to hit those in between shots. He's been a big factor scoring the rock, leading to wins over Lincoln (Tacoma), Liberty (Renton), and Mount Si. He's a kid who has been through the big moments and tight games this season, with seven of their eight losses by single digits.     Ask any of Selah's league rivals about Pepper's ability to swing a game and turn on takeover mode. He's of the mindset that he doesn't care how many shots he's missed, he's going to keep playing his game and knows he can heat up in an instant. He's a pure shot-maker who doesn't need a ton of space to get shots off, can work from all three levels, and has Selah humming right now. Since losing their first two games of the year, Selah has gone 17-2. And even though Pepper can be that takeover scorer, he's also someone who likes to get his guys involved and can make sure his teammates benefit from his ability to stretch and move defenses.

These guards have proven all season they can take over games and lead their teams through the critical moments. As playoffs get underway, these are the guys to keep an eye on who should shine brightest as the heat cranks up and the moments get even bigger.