District Playoffs: Junior Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's district playoff time, and all of these impact junior guards have something to play for with spots at the state tournament on the line. Here are five players who will have a lot to say about their teams' fates, and when their seasons end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140813"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6994f221a8364"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Buol's leap from limited minutes last season to starting in a key role, and being named Co-MVP in his junior year, has been pretty impressive. The lengthy, athletic guard has shown some legit improvement handling the rock and shooting the three, but he's also developed good shot selection and decision-making that's made him one of Olympia's more reliable scoring options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140846"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6994f221a83e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The junior guard has had a huge impact for Beach this season, and has really elevated some of his scoring numbers and work on the ball over the last couple of weeks with [player_tooltip player_id='2194480' first='JJ' last='Crawford'] out. Ili-Meneese has been efficient with his dribbles, getting to his spots, showcasing the strength to separate and the touch to cash in over defenders. He does a great job finding gaps around the paint, utilizing some excellent footwork to stay balanced while weaving around defenders, and has the power to finish strong around the basket. He also continually displays great instincts to find the ball off the rim and convert second-chance points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2392727"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6994f221a8437"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hintz is an athletic scoring guard who has been a huge factor and energy creator for the Lyncs this season. He's averaging 22.4 PPG while showing efficiency from all levels (51.6/35.6/86.5 splits) and is the type of shooter who won't miss the same shot twice. His quickness with the ball, array of moves off the bounce, and elite athleticism make him a tough cover one-on-one and a guy who can create momentum with his scoring runs. He's also snagging 2.7 steals per game and usually capitalizes on those turnovers with highlight finishes on the other end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140866"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6994f221a8486"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stone has been a steady force for Kennedy this season, setting things in motion on offense, stepping up to hit big shots, and showcasing the ability to turn defense into quick offense. He plays with a good mix of shots offensively and can really find weaknesses in the defense to work wherever they're vulnerable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2835606"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6994f221a84e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bedlington does a great job prodding defenses and scanning the floor while making penetration. He's got the quick little bursts to get by his man, change speeds in tight areas, and keep his dribble alive in order to pull the ball back out and keep it flowing. He's also shown some impressive acrobatics and finishing in the paint when he does get space to go all the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->