2025 Combo Guards to Watch Heading Into New Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new year is right around the corner as New Year's Day is only four days away. The 2025 class has started the season strong and should make an impact in the New Year. Here are the 2025 combo guards to watch in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1389143' first='Griffin' last='Linstra'], 6'3 Manasquan</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linstra has taken on a leadership role with the Warriors this season, which has led to an expansion of his offensive game. The 6'3 guard uses his handle to get into the lane and knows how to finish around the basket. Linstra is comfortable playing without the ball in his hands and rises up nicely on his jumpers. He is a good passer and slides his feet on the defensive end. Linstra is a gritty, guard prospect whose will make plays at both ends of the floor for the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1949287' first='Kenny' last='Smith'], 5'11 Hammonton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith has been more of a distributor to start the 2023-24 season, but he has the potential to put up points in bunches. The 5'11 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the rim. Smith is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and can knock down shots from behind the arc. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is a tough on-ball defender. Smith has the ability to put up points in bunches, which should lead to a big 2024 for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1859529' first='Tyshawn' last='Pearson'], 6'0 Westfield</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pearson has started the 2023-24 season hot and is looking to carry it over into the New Year. The 6'0 guard uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense and makes it difficult for his man to get to his spot on the floor. Pearson moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing him for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He is an underrated passer and sets his feet before he shoots. Pearson has the potential to breakout with his ability to defend the ball and finish around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107790' first='Kevin' last='King'], 6'0 Mendham</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King has opened the season with a bang as he has three 20-point games so far this season. The 6'0 guard attacks the basket strong as he finishes well around the rim and is unafraid of contact. King gets to his spot on the floor and rises up nicely on his jumper. He moves well without the ball in his hands and is an underrated defender. King's ability to score inside and out is something that will help his stock in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943558' first='Asa' last='Wharton'], 6'1 Timber Creek</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wharton is an intriguing prospect to watch in the class as he can impact the game in a number of ways. The 6'1 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to get to the rim and finish through contact. Wharton plays with composure on the ball as he rarely gets rattled by on-ball pressure. He uses his length to get deflections on defense and is an underrated passer. Wharton is a lanky guard prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->