2025 Rankings Update: Shooting Guards Worth Another Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These shooting guards asserted themselves as dependable producers at the varsity level. Either leading their teams in a particular category or further elevating a winning organization, these names have been nothing short of impactful. Keep tabs on their progress throughout the summer, as their are always risers within new situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2025","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"77248","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","state":"77240","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66048312684d2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2143685' first='Sebastian' last='Hernandez']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7.8 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3.6 APG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6.2 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>58% 2P</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hernandez works hard to get around screens, staying on his opponent like glue to contain shot attempts. His active hands make for effective contests, forcing the defense to make a move rather than stay in position, threatening a steal. The guard often looks to attack the rim, actively getting into pivot moves versus his defender. An active facilitator, Hernandez looks early for kickouts to perimeter scorers, quick to make the extra pass while in traffic.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1914028' first='Landon' last='Begay']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7.5 → 10.2 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.4 → 2.4 APG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>44 → 51%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Begay's improved shot selection has facilitated his improved shooting efficiency inside the arc. Up to 51% on two point attempts, the guard has continued to get more comfortable scoring past contests. Bringing in a bit more gravity while attacking the rim, the guard has leveraged the extra space for more passing opportunities, significantly improving his assists totals. Remaining at 35% from behind the arc, the guard has shown stability as a fairly high volume three point shooter for multiple seasons. Bringing a quick release off the catch, the guard's volume next season is likely to take another step up, following the departure of multiple key 2024 contributors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1488493' first='Rian' last='Gonzales']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical backcourt and wing defender, Gonzales played a vital role taking on bigger opponents for this group. His strength aided this group on the glass, excellent holding his own on box outs. Capable of knocking down the open three when provided space, he was an excellent complementary shotmaker when needed. He showed urgency attacking closeouts against a rotating defense, creating greater openings for kick out passes within the halfcourt. Volcano Vista looks to make noise yet again next year, coming off of a title victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1538638' first='Julian' last='Hernandez']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A willing defender with active hands, Hernandez possesses quick reactions in help or at the point of attack. Quick to get both hands up for a steal, Hernandez has been impactful all season just from his energy. His quick instincts are in play on finishes at the rim, quick to make a move after grabbing a steal. He will be stepping into an even larger role for West Mesa next season, following the departure of multiple 2024s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1687876' first='Boudy' last='Melonas']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11.4 → 14 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3.4 → 8 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melonas is a pesky defender at the point of attack, possessing quick hands to swipe away the ball. Proactive taking away space from opposing ball handlers, Melonas does well making opposing playmakers uncomfortable, creating plenty of steals this season. Off the catch, the guard is a capable three point shooter when provided enough space. Following an 18-11 season, Grants will be in decent shape next season, returning with multiple 2025 contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->