2030 Watch List: Strong Guards With Big Upside

In this article I feature 5 class of 2030 guards who are already prepared for the physicality of high school basketball. Look for them to make big impacts for their respective teams.    BJ Jolly is certainly one of the top incoming freshman, and he'll be a rotational player for the Losee Lions from the get go. He can score in a variety of ways, and uses his IQ + patience to get his shot off in the paint. He's also a capable 3-point shooter and a willing passer. On the defensive end, Jolly contests shots frequently and he knows to throw it ahead after securing a turnover. Overall, there's a lot to like and he'll be an entertaining player to track this fall/winter and beyond.     [player_tooltip player_id='3663893' first='LeZerius' last='Winbush'] is a class of 2030 prospect who I've seen play a few times now. He consistently makes an impact with his power, strength, and physicality. On offense, he can get downhill much like a running back. And isn't an easy guard to bump off his line. He also goes up strong with it every time, and can convert lay-ups through contact. In addition to his production on offense, Winbush has a knack for making his matchup uncomfortable thanks to his relentless energy and active hands. Expect him to be a day 1 contributor with the Knights this upcoming season.     Speaking of running back, class of 2030 speedster [player_tooltip player_id='3711055' first='Trey' last='Washington'] enters high school and he's enrolled at Bishop Gorman. He'll likely be on the football field until the Gaels' season comes to a close, but he's sure to be ready to roll once he takes the hardwood. He has incredibly explosive first and second steps, and there's not many defenders that can keep up with him when he floors it. Washington is a pest on defense as well, and will make deflections/come up with steals. With his elite athleticism, he's sure to turn heads often these next 4 years.     [player_tooltip player_id='3663941' first='Elliott' last='South'] is a highly intriguing prospect due to his size and passing abilities. He already stands at about 6'5, but is much more of a floor general than a forward. He facilitates the offense with his court vision, and really doesn't mind making the extra pass. His next step will likely be adding more moves to his bag to create his own shot and connecting on triples. But there's a great chance that he'll become more a more proficient scorer with more experience and as the game slows down for him. If you're a college coach, throw him on your radar.     [player_tooltip player_id='3663894' first='Johnny' last='Wheeler'] impressed back in June down at the Section 7 with Democracy Prep. He scores from all 3 levels, dishes out dimes, and gets out in transition. While on defense, Wheeler Jr. gets in his opponents grill, and is a guy who can cause turnovers with his length and anticipation skills. If his development continues at its current rate, he could very well stuff the stat sheet for the Blue Knights early in his high school career.

In this article I feature 5 class of 2030 guards who are already prepared for the physicality of high school basketball. Look for them to make big impacts for their respective teams.