Downhill Playmakers from the 2023 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A wide variety of guards from the 2023 class have made immediate impacts. These names have proven themselves through leadership and playmaking, often by creating opportunities inside the paint. Each of these senior guards represent winning programs searching for playoff success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='973002' first='Peyton' last='Taylor'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A crucial component to Eaglecrest's halfcourt offense. Taylor currently leads the 4-1 group with assists, providing a steady approach to setting up the offense. The point guard keeps the opponent on their toes, often looking for outlet passes to roaming forwards. Taylor has also shown potential as a lengthy perimeter defender, swatting away shots on multiple occassions around the rim. His wiry frame and quick hips make him a tough matchup on the defensive side, sticking like glue to plenty of guards. Throughout his first five games, Taylor has posted 7.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while knocking down 50% of field goal attempts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420276' first='Jameer' last='Satchell'] - Palmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Satchell has been especially potent to start the season, largely due to his increased volume of drives. Within the Colorado Springs area, Satchell is dominant getting into the paint with the right hand. His ability to get downhill is due to his quick first step, aided by legitimate acceleration. Through his first six games, Satchell has produced 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. His passing vision will be a key skill for Palmer, given his above average acceleration. A big improvement from Satchell has been the driving volume, already at 36 free throw attempts this year opposed to the 2021-22 season, attempting 102 through 23 games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='921099' first='Christian' last='Drummond'] - Doherty</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drummond has found intuitive ways to get into the paint both on and off the ball. The 6'3 guard possesses excellent speed getting to the rim through his long strides. That plus reach creates opportunities as a finisher above defenses. The fullcourt is another area he excels, given his pace of place and wide movements laterally. Drummond has already committed to local Division III program Colorado College. To start the season, Drummond has posted high volume numbers, averaging 22.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. I look forward to Drummond's progression as a passer throughout the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JJ Nsubuga - Lewis-Palmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nsubuga has signficantly improved his scoring efficiency to start the season, largely thanks his low risk shot selection. Another Colorado Springs guard, Nsubuga has played a valuble role for Lewis-Palmer as a playmaker off the dribble. The guard does a great job getting the defense off balance and attacking downhill. Through the start of the season, Nsubuga has averaged 10.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while scoring 70% of his two point attempts. Part of what makes Nsubuga so effective is his electric pace of play. The guard enjoys attacking you head on, leaving no time to react. Nsubuga's off ball cutting will be another key area for the guard, given the immediate gravity from [player_tooltip player_id='1284588' first='Cohen' last='Edmondson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1577986' first='Eli' last='Robinson']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->