MPA Upperclassmen: Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our preseason previews series continues as we turn the page on the underclassmen and begin to take a look at the upperclassmen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we head to Maine, where we'll take a look at five <em>Guards to Watch</em> out of the MPA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2711266"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6926669263765"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pow, a junior guard out of <em>Kennebunk High School</em>, could be one of the state's breakout performers this winter. He has good size at the guard spot, plays at his own speed, and sees the floor well with the ball in his hands. He's capable of scoring in a variety of ways, particularly as a shooter from behind the arc, and has really developed as a playmaker. Defensively, he has the size and mobility to guard either spot in the back-court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2630907"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69266692637c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tracy, a junior guard out of <em>Thornton Academy</em>, is a true combo that has the ability to beat a defense in a variety of ways. He can really get out and score in transition, but also impresses with his vision as a facilitator. He's got the length and burst needed to finish around the rim and also has a plus motor that allows him to be a strong two-way rebounder. Defensively, he makes plays in space that lead to turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2696707"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692666926380a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson, a senior guard out of <em>South Portland High School</em>, is a high-level playmaker that does a great job of creating scoring opportunitites for his team. He has a creative handle, a variety of finishes over size in the paint, and the ability to make tough shots in the mid-range. On the other end of the floor, he can really move his feet which allows him to be a disruptive on-ball defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2950400"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6926669263850"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">James, a senior guard out of <em>Windham High School</em>, is one of the state's top prospects and does all the little things that impact winning. A true lead guard, he has a quick first step and the unique ability to change directions on the drive. He's a crafty scorer, makes good decisions when he draws the help defense, and can really knock down shots from behind the arc. On the other end of the floor, he competes at a high level and does a nice job of keeping opponents out of the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2955171"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6926669263895"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maiwen, a senior guard out of <em>Edward Little High School</em>, is a high-level defender that should showcase more of his offensive repetoire this winter. At 6'2" with long arms, he has great positional size and impresses with his burst and vertical athleticism. He can really guard, particularly in the full-court, creating turnovers at a high clip and making it hard for opposing guards to score. Offensively, he's at his best when he gets downhill, getting into the paint off the bounce, and scoring over size with his length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check back in tomorrow when we highlight upperclassmen <em>Wings to Watch</em> in the MPA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->