Top New Guards from 2024 Rankings Update Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our final 2024 rankings update saw over 25 players make their debut, in this article we'll spotlight six guards who were added in this latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2313642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the top scorers from NW Ohio, Barnesky had a huge game to lead Sylvania Northview to an upset over conference champion Findlay. A big-time competitor, Barnesky uses his frame to create contact with defenders and can make contested shots. A high IQ player coming from a winning high school program, I'd expect Barnesky to be ready for the expectations that college coaches will have during practice and off-season work. Top 10 in school history in scoring and 3-point makes, Barnesky was one of the top shooters in Sylvania Northview history.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2304806"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Warrensville Heights completely changed their culture and won a district title as one of the most improved teams in Ohio. It was due to seniors like Brownlee who helped change the story on their program and get them back to competing against some of the top teams in northeast Ohio. I thought Brownlee played tough on-ball defense and made shots from the perimeter. I also thought Brownlee was strong with his left hand as a finisher or passer. Definitely some skills to work with at the next level, I wouldn't be surprised if Brownlee carves out a nice college career as a complimentary wing guard.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2377834"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"I caught Cruz against Brownlee Jr in the regional semis and it was Cruz who walked away with the win as Canfield advanced to the regional final. Cruz also caused havoc defensively turning steals into transition opportunities. A leader for his team on the court, I know college programs will value the leadership he brings to his team. I also thought Cruz was efficient as a shooter, taking looks within the flow of the offense. One of the top guards in the Youngstown area, Cruz had a strong senior season for a Canfield squad that made the elite 8 in Division II.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2328298"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Another Youngstown area guard, Carter played for another squad that made a regional final. I thought Carter was a really high level passer who set the table for his teammates. Undersized but with his quickness and vision, Carter was able to find his teammates in positions to score. Cardinal Mooney was as close as any team in northeast Ohio has been to defeating Lutheran East in the playoffs in the past 7 seasons and the ability for Carter to create shots for his teammates was a driving force of Mooney's success this season. If college programs are looking for a pure point guard, Carter is an option.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1889580"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"A third consecutive player who helped lead his team to a regional championship, Butler had an excellent senior season where he was named to first team all Ohio in Division IV. One of the most efficient players in NW Ohio, Butler had one of the longest consecutive free throw streaks in the state this season. An efficient scorer, Butler can attack a closeout and was a perfect piece to a balanced Toledo Christian offense. A physical guard as well, Butler used his strength to create space against defenders in the paint. I really enjoyed watching Toledo Christian play and Butler was arguably their most important piece.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["2316113"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Towns was one of my favorite Columbus City League prospects to watch this year. A tough guard who comes from a family name that holds a lot of weight in the Linden-McKinley program, Towns is a flat out winner. A tough guard who gets after it from the point of attack defensively. I also thought Towns had filled out since the last time I watched him, growing an inch or two and getting stronger. Able to get to his spots to score in the mid-range, hitting pull-ups and floaters are key for Towns game as it's tough for guards his size to get all the way to the rim.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d727e0e124"} /-->