Class of 2023: Guards To Know

This group of guards is some of the best shooters in the state of any class. Their sizes range from 5-3 to 6-0 but make no mistake, they all require the same amount of attention from defenses.  A few of them have played in state finals, with a couple of them being state champs.  As I always say, "pull out your pencil and paper and take notes."  First up is the guards. Here are some from the 2023 class. <strong>Audreonia Benson | 5-6 | SG | Hewitt-Trussville</strong> Known as just Audra, she is quick and can shoot the 3-ball, so you do not want to leave her open.  If you close out on her, she will put it on the floor and finish even with contact.  She has been instrumental in leading her team to a couple of final four appearances, and this year will call upon more to fill the hole left by graduate Aniya Payne, who has moved on to Middle Tennessee State. <strong>Makala Hodby | 5-5 | G | Charles Henderson</strong> Makala is one of the players who won a state championship in her freshman year, and this year was the second team in the 5A class. Makala is another quick guard that can handle the ball, shoot and make plays.  She is a ball defender that aids in her ability to make steals. <strong>Anna Ree McNeese | 6-1 | CG  | McGill-Toolen</strong> Anna had a great sophomore year. However, she was injured this past season. With her long 6-0 frame, she has a nice shooting touch from 15ft-18ft and can shoot the three.  She runs the floor well and is a decent rebounder.  Look for her to improve in finishing with contact and getting stronger. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="330733" first="Jaylen" last="Pleasant"] | 5-6 | CG | Mortimer Jordan</strong> Jaylen is the actual point guard in this group, sees the floor very well. She can catch and shoot or put it on the floor and go to the basket. She is also a true playmaker when needed. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="324026" first="Ruthie" last="Smith"] | 6-0 | W | Lauderdale County</strong> Ruthie is a member of 1,000 point club and was named second-team in Class 3A.  With her height at 6-0, she can use that size to help defend any guard and make her difficult to guard. She likes to score on the wing or under the basket and does not mind the contact. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="323432" first="Kallie" last="Tinker"] | 5-3 | G | Pisagh</strong> Kallie is the winner in this group, 3-time state champ, winning her first state championship as an 8th grader, and was named the second team in the 2A class all-state team this year. She is not to be left open because she will make you pay and can also defend.