2025 Rankings Update: Noteworthy Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These backcourt prospects bring immediate value on the defensive end, while providing winning impact with or without the ball. They are all incredibly competitive, maximizing every possession on both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='327670' first='Nevaeh' last='Lucero'] - Skyview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucero has quick instincts on either end of the floor, providing immense value for Skyview. The incoming junior is a capable ball handler, not wavered by traps or aggressive help defense on drives. Should the double approach, Lucero is more than capable making the extra pass to the shooter or baseline cutter. The junior has the ball on string attacking either direction, utilizing crossovers and spins to free herself from the point of attack defender. Another aspect of her downhill scoring is that she does not attack wide, instead digging into opponents and getting physical while keeping the dribble going. Her instincts translate to the defensive end, where she is assertive on help while keeping either hand up for the immediate contest. She was especially efficient scoring inside the arc, all while providing consistency from beyond the arc. Bright future ahead for the lead guard, who has a bankable skillset at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='353326' first='Kyra' last='Kuennen'] - Chatfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kuennen brings value on the defensive end through her mobility and endurance. The guard is assertive on traps and help defensive rotations, flying around the floor to make an impact. She is very quick in the full court, getting back impressively fast to slow down opposing drivers. Offensively, Kuennen provides additional value as a facilitator, converting good looks into great ones through extra passes. Her progression as a perimeter shooter will be intriguing, given her immediate value in multiple other areas of the floor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='645297' first='Victoria' last='Rose'] - Rangeview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rose brings value on the defensive end alongside potential as a complementary scoring threat. The guard is active on defense, getting into her defensive stance and maximizing her impact against bigger opponents. Rose is eager to dig into opponents, getting a hand into the opponent's comfort zone to tip away the ball. On the opposite end, Rose is active attacking downhill following a hard closeout or late rotation. Similar to her defense, Rose does not mind getting physical at the basket, drawing fouls from opponents. Her continued growth as a shotmaker will be important to her long term upside, given the baseline of defensive value.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='327672' first='Leila' last='Estrada'] - Skyview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":620107,"width":284,"height":159,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/03/64-Leila-Estrada.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-620107" width="284" height="159" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estrada is your prototypical two-way perimeter prospect, possessing strong hands on the defensive ends complemented by soft touch on shot attempts. The incoming junior guard has shown value on the defensive end, ripping away the ball with ease from opposing drivers. She is assertive in help situations, jumping driving lanes to force opponents into quick decisions. On the opposite end, Estrada is a knockdown shooter off the catch, capable of being a legitimate threat off of kickouts. She is equally dependable pushing the pace in transition, turning steals into coast to coast layups. Skyview's backcourt with Estrada and [player_tooltip player_id='327670' first='Nevaeh' last='Lucero'] will be tough to beat, certainly one of the more exciting backcourt duos 5A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->