Coaches’ Box-Top Guards Mid Season

The first half of the season has provided so much great guard play. Teams are coming out firing early in the season. There has been some top-notch talent that I have faced as a coach this season. Here are a few of the players that have stood out from the coaches' box. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305891" first="Natalie" last="Herrin"]</strong> I 5’7 I PG I 2022 I Pierce County Herrin is one of the top scorers in the state. I have seen her on numerous scouting reports.  She is a player that knows how to get open off screens and create her own shot. Always moving without the basketball which makes it hard for anyone to slow her down. Has the ability to score at all 3 levels. Great free throw shooter and always has the ball in her hands when her team needs a basket. She is the leading scorer for her Pierce County Team. I expect her to receive numerous post-season accolades. <strong>Destiny Griner</strong> I 5’7 I SG I 2023 I Liberty County Griner is a workhorse that never stops working. Knows how to use her body to finish through contact. High IQ player that gets better as the season goes on. Her teammates thrive off the energy she provides on both ends of the floor. Sees the floor well in transition and knows how to attack the basket in transition. If her team needs a bucket, she wants the ball in her hands. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253954" first="Taniyah" last="Bowman"]</strong> I 5’3 I PG I 2023 I Bradwell Institute Bowman is probably one of the fastest players I have seen in the state. Knows how to get downhill and attack her defenders. Has the ability to get to the basket, score from mid-range, and knock down the triple. A game-changer when she is healthy.  Has battled injuries early in the season but is definitely hitting her stride going into the second half. Region 2-AAAAAA player of the year last season and should be in consideration for the same award this season. <strong>Makiyah Matthews</strong> I 5’6 I PG I 2024 I Richmond Hill Matthews has really improved her game from last season. High IQ guard that knows how to read the defenses. Uses her speed to her ability and has a nice pull-up jump shot in transition. Knows how to attack the basket hard and finish through contact. Plays tough on both ends of the floor. <strong>Akeelah Bryan</strong> I 5’8 I SG I 2024 I Brunswick Bryan is an athlete that can play inside out. Crashes the boards hard from the guard position and knows how to score through contact. She creates match-up problems with her athleticism and size.  Always in the right place on the floor to get easy baskets. Hard-nosed defender. <strong>Kayley Wedlow</strong> I 5’6 I SG I 2024 I Statesboro Wedlow is a game-changer that can score at all 3 levels. She can consistently knock down the 3 ball and always looking to be in attack mode.  High IQ guard that knows how to create her own shot and scoring opportunities for her teammates. Plays both ends of the floor with high energy. Young guard that has made noise early in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="352715" first="Reya" last="Johnson"]</strong> I 5’6 I PG I 2024 I Statesboro Johnson is one of the top newcomers in the state. She has blossomed into a great scorer and leader for her Statesboro team. She is the leading scorer at 10.5 ppg. One thing that stands out is her ability to control the game. She knows how to set up the offense and make the defense work.  Great ballhandling skills which allow her to blow by her defender and get to the rim.  A player to watch in the region and state.