2024 Rankings Update: Unsigned & Improved Combo Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One final look at the 2024 class, highlighting a few athletes who made contributions for winning programs across the state. Effective either on or off ball, they are malleable to a variety of matchups and schemes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2024","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"12121","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","state":"9141","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6601fdee2e04c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Improved Combo Guards</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='263616' first='Maeve' last='Salveson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12.1 → 17.6 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.7 → 4.4 SPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>36 → 42% 3P</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salveson's growth in efficiency from distance continues to cement her valuable perimeter play. 21-6 on the season, that group was successful within 3A, reaching the Final Four and going toe to toe with the title champs. She is a quality decision maker while attacking the rim, keeping her head up for the extra pass through a tight defense. Responding well to the larger opportunity, Salveson has made steady improvements to her handle and shotmaking ability off the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='645471' first='Lily' last='Venneberg']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16.1 → 20.9 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett's success was aided by their high powered offense from [player_tooltip player_id='645471' first='Lily' last='Venneberg'], a consistent shotmaker out on the perimeter. Leading this 17-5 group over the course of this season, the guard lept into a high usage opportunity. A dependable three point shooter, regardless of a contest, the guard has upside as a floor spacer at the next level. Although at the 3A level, she is easily among the most productive perimeter playmakers in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='331322' first='Gabby' last='Jima']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7.2 → 10.2 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jima has been a consistent performer with Frederick, which recently made it to the Elite Eight. Active crashing the glass for rebounds, the guard is particularly active causing chaos on the boards. Jima duals as a versatile defender who is effective at defending the post when necessary. Her activity was a crucial component to Frederick's success all season and up through the first two rounds of this year's 5A playoffs. Her continued growth in efficiency shooting the ball outside the arc will be essential in rounding out her offensive game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='583985' first='Sarah' last='Davis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8.7 → 11.7 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>34 → 38% 3P</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis brings value along the perimeter, ready to convert three pointers off the catch. Rock Canyon's perimeter centric offense benefitted from her production from beyond, forcing plenty of defenses to stretch out along the perimeter. She was a proven decision maker while attacking the closeout, comfortably finishing at the rim past the help defense. She is a capable playmaker within a balanced offense, deliberate with her plays in three or fewer dribbles. Rock Canyon was among the best teams in the state, bringing in a balanced offense between their core producers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jennessee Byrd</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11.2 → 12.7 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 → 3.9 APG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.8 → 3.9 SPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrd responded well to a different opportunity at Denver East, doubling her assists per game over the course of her farewell season. She looks to get into the passing lanes, kickstarting fast breaks for finishes around the rim. Effective setting up East's halfcourt offense, she was prevalent sending in post entry passes once a valuable matchup presented itself for a teammate. Off the dribble, she can get to a few combo moves in traffic, effective creating space for pull-up jumpers. No doubt she has been one of the most skilled 2024 backcourt playmakers in the Denver metro this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->