The Preview: Guard Standouts

The Preview brought together many of the New York City area's top programs and provided an early look at several guards who should shape the upcoming season. Established seniors delivered the scoring performances expected of them, while younger prospects showed why they are in line for expanded roles. From true point guards controlling the action to explosive scorers taking over games, these guards separated themselves throughout the weekend.    Dottin opened the weekend with an efficient 17-point, eight-rebound and five-assist performance in a convincing win over Thomas Jefferson. The sophomore has been viewed as a potential high-level prospect since arriving at St. Francis Prep and now appears ready for a breakout season. With excellent positional size, a willingness to battle around the rim and the ability to impact multiple areas of the game, there is not much Dottin cannot do on the floor.     St. James has a new-look roster this season, and Mekiah “Kye” Gray will be responsible for distributing the ball to its many new weapons. A tough lead guard who can also become aggressive as a scorer, Gray looks like an ideal fit for head coach Book Richardson. He finished with 14 points, four assists and three steals in Sunday's win over Holy Cross.     The recent Hofstra commit kept LuHi within striking distance against Blair, knocking down one important three-pointer after another as the Crusaders pushed Blair Academy throughout all four quarters. The Florida native is clearly unafraid of taking big shots and could emerge as a leader for a LuHi roster without much returning experience around [player_tooltip player_id='3563377' first='Ike' last='Davids']. Fuller's confidence and perimeter shooting should make him an important piece throughout the season.     One of New York City's premier scorers, Romeo closed Friday night with a 30-point performance. Twelve of those points came at the foul line, where the Brooklyn native attempted 15 free throws. Between his quick first step, strength and confidence as a finisher, there is little PSAL defenses can do to keep him out of the paint. Expect a big final season from one of the Empire State's best guards.     Another one of the PSAL's top returning players, Tutt was a bright spot for Forest Hills in its opening-night loss to Monsignor Scanlan. The tough and quick guard used his strength to consistently reach the paint, where he either scored himself or found open teammates on the perimeter. College programs would be wise to get eyes on him this winter.     A true point guard in every sense, Almodovar already displays special passing instincts and an advanced ability to put his teammates in position to score. The freshman routinely connected on long outlet passes and located cutters shortly after crossing half court. He is a capable enough shooter to keep defenses honest but clearly prefers creating for others first. Keep an eye on both Almodovar and Scanlan during what should be a wide-open season in the CHSAA.     Simply put, Smith looked like anything but a freshman as he scored 13 of OSLs first 22 as the Falcons opened an early 20 point lead in first quarter and never looked back. An athletic 6-foot-2 combo guard, Smith knocked down a handful of deep threes to go along with his signature drives to the basket. He will be a big part of a new look Our Savior team that will feature a ton of underclassmen talent.

The Preview brought together many of the New York City area's top programs and provided an early look at several guards who should shape the upcoming season. Established seniors delivered the scoring performances expected of them, while younger prospects showed why they are in line for expanded roles. From true point guards controlling the action to explosive scorers taking over games, these guards separated themselves throughout the weekend.