5 WPIAL Guards That Need to Be on Your Radar

It's been a great start to the season for guards in the WPIAL. Here are five that have stood out.    You can see [player_tooltip player_id='2849852' first='Jude' last='Rottmann']'s abilities in the way he scores as a true catch-and-shoot threat with range, quick mechanics, and the confidence to make big ones when momentum is swinging. However, he has become more dynamic this season as defenders are trying their best to not allow him any space to get a shot off. To counter, Rottmann has shown speed to rip baseline, get into the paint, and finish through contact. Add in the intangibles like smart movement without the ball, playing under control, and not making mistakes with the ball in his hands, and it's easy to see why he has commitment to continue his career at Penn State Behrend.     [player_tooltip player_id='3042446' first='Drew' last='Cook'] checks almost every box you want in a top guard. Offensively, he's dangerous in multiple ways. He can space the floor as a spot-up threat, he can create separation off the bounce, and he's an instinctive transition playmaker. He's the type of guard who can finish in traffic, elevate through contact, and still keep his balance. Defensively, he shows quick hands, aggressive on-ball effort, and a disruptive presence in passing lanes. What separates Cook is his impact in big moments during big games. He is currently leading the WPIAL in scoring at 27ppg.     Christopher McKnight has the physical profile and skill package you want in a modern guard, including legit size for the backcourt with the speed and athletic pop to pressure the rim, plus the discipline to play within a team concept.<a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/pa/north-huntingdon/norwin-knights/basketball/24-25/roster/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"> </a>What separates McKnight is how his athletic tools translate into winning possessions. He can hurt you as a catch-and-shoot threat when his feet are set, but he's also comfortable putting it on the floor. Defensively, his quickness and length give him real upside as an on-ball stopper. McKnight has already proven this season that he can swing high-leverage games as he was named MVP of the Mike Rettger Tournament at Franklin Regional and hit a clutch go-ahead three late to help Norwin close out a win.<a href="https://www.westmorelandsports.com/news/knights-boys-cap-perfect-week-crosby-makes-college-decision-hall-retires-after-legendary-career-at-shu"></a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1406910' first='Jake' last='Foster'] impacts winning in the exact ways championship teams need. He plays fast without playing rushed, he makes smart reads, and he can swing momentum with big plays when they are most needed. Foster is a decisive ball-handler and distributor and the type of guard who keeps possessions organized and eliminates empty trips. Offensively, he's a legitimate shooting threat. Defensively, Foster plays with quick hands, competes physically, and makes the hustle plays.     [player_tooltip player_id='3191462' first='Smaj' last='Reason'] is a true impact guard and his play can swing momentum in a hurry. He plays with the kind of edge you want from a top perimeter player. He's comfortable spacing the floor and punishing late closeouts with confident deep shooting, but he's not a one-dimensional player. When defenders overplay his range, he puts it on the floor, attacks the paint, and seeks contact to get to the foul line. He also fits in the flow of an offense, moving the ball and making the simple read instead of hunting tough looks, while still having the mentality to take big shots. Defensively, he's disruptive and competitive on the ball and plays with the kind of energy that lifts his team.

It's been a great start to the season for guards in the WPIAL. Here are five that have stood out.