Guards who are Ready to Step Into Bigger Roles this Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of guards and wings who have a chance to break out this season into bigger roles after the graduation of their standout teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2090504' first='Ben' last='Karsten'] (Vianney): The Golden Griffins had one of the top players in the state last season in Luke Walsh, who averaged 32 points a game. Walsh is now at Southern Illinois University. The 6'3 Karsten will step into the lead role as a senior. He is an excellent shooter who made 92 3-pointers while averaging 12.8 points last season. He has also worked hard on his ability to create offense off the dribble. During his sophomore season, he had a big statement game when he made six 3-pointers in a victory over Sikeston in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2347377' first='James' last='Aydelott'] (Timberland): The T-Wolves were 26-2 last season behind the dynamic duo of guard Jacob Aydelott and forward Mason Carroll, who both averaged 20 points a game. Both have graduated, which leaves two big holes. Jacob's younger brother [player_tooltip player_id='2347377' first='James' last='Aydelott'] is a 6'2 2027 guard who becomes the prime scoring option. He averaged 11 points a game as a sophomore. He has really developed into a creative offensive player in his first two varsity seasons. He entered high school as a catch and shoot 3-points marksman, but he has developed his ability to attack the basket and create offense off the dribble, much like his brother Jacob.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] (Oak Park): The Northmen had a tremendous group of perimeter players on last year's Class 6 state championship team. Moving on from that team are graduated standouts Corbin Allen, Caleb Estes and Zeek Brown. The 5'10 Tanner has been excellent point guard for Oak Park. He is primed to take on some added responsibility on offense. While watching him in June, he looked very much ready for the task. He looked like TJ McConnell out there. He was relentlessly attacking the basket and knocking down pull up jumpers. His aggressiveness can also open up things for his new teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2968298' first='Prestin' last='Kinyon'] (Chadwick): The Cardinals rolled to back to back Class 1 state championships behind the extraordinary Clayton Garrison and guard Tristan Smith. With their graduation, look for Kinyon, a 6'1 2027 guard, to step into the role as top player and an All-State candidate. He had some big games during the state championship run last season. It will be required on a nightly basis this season. He is a high energy player who attacks the basket and can really shoot it. He can also be dynamic on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2893140' first='Kaden' last='Benne'] (Mexico): The Bulldogs advanced to the Class 4 state quarterfinals behind senior All-State guard Jayden Eldridge and the very athletic PJ Perkins. They leave a big void in the lineup. Returning to fill a big part of that void is Benne, a tough and talented 6'3 2026 guard who has good athleticism and a nice offensive skill package. He can really shoot it from downtown, but he also attacks the basket with tenacity and force. He has a nice float game in the lane and he can also score in the post. He should put up some impressive numbers this season after averaging 12 points a game as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2675265' first='Chase' last='Williams'] (John Burroughs): The Bombers are in a rebuilding season after the departure of five starters, including major college recruits [player_tooltip player_id='1557399' first='Sheek' last='Pearson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1850526' first='Tristan' last='Reed']. JBS will build around Williams, a talented 6'3 2028 combo guard who can fill many roles. He has good size and physicality to operate in the low post against smaller defenders. He will also handle much of the offense as a primary ball handler and facilitator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->