2024 Review: Notable Guards Worth Another Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1897882' first='Jack' last='Johnson'] - Albuquerque Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is a gritty defender, capable of taking charges and staying physical versus his opponent. Capable defending opposing lead guards, the senior gets into their comfort zone early, taking bumps and staying physical. Johnson was effective throughout last year's playoffs, active facilitating in the half court. Often utilizing his shooting gravity as an avenue to clear up driving lanes, Johnson has shown value as a kick out off of the bounce. The guard returns to a talented 2024 class within the Albuqurque Academy roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1680007' first='Noah' last='Victorino'] - Grants</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Victorino sets the tone every possession, proving effective as team first player in a variety of areas. Active as a hustler on loose balls, the guard shows value getting into the thick of it on rebounds, having no trouble bumping around with others. He provides another layer of unpredictability and relentlessness attacking rebounds, a skill few guards display for his consistency. Victorino has always shown value running pick and roll opportunities, effectively leading his man to set up easy shot attempts at the rim. Capable of scoring out of pivot moves around the rim, the guard does well maximizing his skill set for crafty finishes. Throughout his junior season with Grants, Victorino posted 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1444542' first='Deonte' last='Bynum'] - Alamogordo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bynum is a steady playmaker, rarely rushing decisions or opportunities. The guard does well surveying the floor to get into his sweet spots, effective risihing up into pull-up jumpers or setting up teammates with easy looks. Bynum is a very intriguing off the dribble scorer, capable altering his base while nailing off balance jumpers or pump faking attempts to fool the defense. Since Bynum does so well getting into the deep mid-range, opponents have to take a step over, ultimately allowing more space for a passing opportunity. No doubt Bynum is an effective facilitator, leading 5A in assists per game last season at 4.3 per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1897848' first='Ozias' last='Aguilar'] - Centennial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aguilar see's the game at a high level on both ends of the floor, clearly showcasing above average anticipation. Effective reading passing lanes before they happen has aided the guard on the defensive end, staying up to deflect passes away from the opponents. Aguilar is equally adept utilizing his vision as a facilitator in the half court, seeking skip passes for perimeter shotmakers. Adept at attacking pressure points, carefully awaiting help defense before dishing it off to teammate. Should help fail to arrive, the guard is a capable scorer off of floaters and contested layups. Aguilar's continued growth as a perimeter shooter will be intriguing, given his balanced impact in other areas.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2368939' first='Jude' last='Thomas'] - Navajo Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas is a highly effective 6' guard who is comfortable playing at a fast pace. Effective attacking downhill into the paint, the senior has shown value scoring or facilitating, reading the defense before his decision. Active in getting high passes to bigs upon dump off passes, Thomas has been among the most exciting players in 3A New Mexico basketball. Thomas has shown value knocking down three point attempts off the catch, typically from spot-up attempts. Putting up 17 points, 4.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game, Thomas will be one to watch for colleges going into this high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->