Central Florida Perimeter Report: Early-Season Guards to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633075' first='Tucker' last='Fox'] | G | Victory Christian | @tuckerfox15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fox has come out of the gate scoring the ball at a high level, averaging 18.0 points per game. He's one of the more dependable shooters in Polk County, getting his shot off quickly and comfortably from deep. Defenses have to stay attached to him, and he's also buying in on the defensive end. His ability to space the floor and compete makes him a strong piece in any guard rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2622579' first='Johnas' last='Maurice II'] | G | Lake Howell | @J_babyj15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maurice plays with a physical edge and brings real toughness to the guard spot. He attacks the basket, absorbs contact, and competes defensively every possession. The perimeter shot is coming along, which will open things up even more for him. Averaging 17.2 points early in his sophomore season, his motor and aggressiveness are already separating him from the pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alexander DiPaolo | G | 2026 | Central Florida Christian | @alexdipaolo8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DiPaolo is a steady, reliable combo guard/wing who understands how to play within a system. At 6-6, he spaces the floor, makes simple reads, and stays disciplined defensively. He doesn't need the ball to impact the game and consistently does what's asked of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler McKnight | G | New Smyrna Beach | @TylerMcKnight_3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKnight has been one of the more productive guards in the area, averaging 23.2 points through six games. He plays with poise, understands tempo, and knows when to score versus when to set others up. His shooting consistency and calm approach make him a dependable option late in games. New Smyrna relies on him to keep the backcourt organized, and he's delivered early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297073' first='Tico' last='Smith'] | G | 2028 | Forest | @datboitico</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is off to an impressive start, averaging 20.0 points per game as a young guard. He plays with confidence, isn't afraid to take big shots, and shows creativity finishing around the rim. As he continues to get stronger, his ability to score at all three levels should keep trending up. He's firmly on the early breakout radar in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800170' first='Luke' last='McCrimon'] | G | Osceola | @showtime_lukee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCrimon has quietly put together a strong start, averaging 17.0 points through seven games. He's a steady guard who can create his own shot, knock down jumpers, and lead by example. His effort on both ends stands out, and he brings consistency night to night. If his offseason work continues to show, he has the tools to be one of Central Florida's more complete senior guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->