2023 Guards Taking a Leap (Part 1/2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guards have asserted themselves this season as crucial scorers and playmakers for their teams. Growing in the points column takes trust from the coaching staff alongside total confidence in one's self as a contributor. These names have made significant leaps in the points column to start the season, while retaining above average scoring efficiency from the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420186' first='Max' last='Vacco'] - Prospect Ridge Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1687303,"width":254,"height":232,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/12/AnyConv.com__max-vacco-PH.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/12/AnyConv.com__max-vacco-PH-1024x939.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1687303" width="254" height="232"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Steve Trembly, <a href="https://stevetremblyphotography.smugmug.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Trembly Photography</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17.3 PPG (21-22) --&gt; 24.3 (22-23)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vacco has shown progression as a ballhandler, notably through controlling the pace within the halfcourt. The guard is especially nimble off the ball, utilizing weak side screens to create opportunities to curl into the mid-range for drives. The shooting guard brings immediate intensity around the rim, looking to put pressure around the basket before all else. Should the ball clank off the rim, Vacco is consistently available lurking on the glass for putback attempts. Through three games, Vacco has posted 24.3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals on 83% shooting from the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420272' first='Luke' last='Justice'] - Frederick</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1589273,"width":267,"height":205,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/99-Luke-Justice-e1663541901152.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/99-Luke-Justice-e1663541901152-1024x790.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1589273" width="267" height="205"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13.4 PPG --&gt; 27 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Justice has opened the season on a tear on all three levels. The southpaw guard is a dynamic shot creator off the dribble, stretching well beyond the three point line. An area of notable intrigue resides in his rate of drawing fouls, going 8-10 versus Mead and 4-4 versus Mountain View. The shooting guard had repeatedly shown his scoring potential throughout the summer, now is the time for him to reap the fruits of his labor. Throughout his first two games, Justice has posted 27 points, 3.5 assists, and 2 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zach Schmeekle - Silver Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DNP --&gt; 23 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmeekle has catapulted himself into the primary scoring role for Silver Creek, along with a 29 point performance versus Eagle Ridge Academy. The 6'2 guard has clearly earned his team's trust, taking an average of 17 shot attempts per game while contributing 47% of his field goal attempts. The guard is most effective getting to his shot off the catch, whether that be from a standstill or coming off of movement. Schmeekle understands his own gravity, using the perimeter pressure to force opponents into screens and open up driving lanes. The guard has shown confidence getting downhill with the right hand, often finding the open teammate should help approach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578206' first='Noa' last='Phillips'] - Mountain View</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9 PPG --&gt; 19.3 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The northern Colorado guard has taken another leap in a variety of ways on the offensive end. The 6'3 guard has shown toughness on the glass as a rebounder, showing excellent timing to stretch above the opponents. Phillips has shown confidence as a shooter, notably through his increased volume out from distance. The guard has proven to be an efficient scorer within a couple dribbles, given his quick jumper combined with the high release point. Through four games, Phillips has posted 19.3 points and 4 rebounds per game while contributing 35% of his three point attempts. Phillips could be a volume shooter from beyond the arc, keep tabs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->