5A Northern Area Point Guards To Watch For This Season

Northern Colorado has boasted some of the top point guard talent in 5A the last few years and there's more to come. Check out this list of both young and seasoned talent north of Denver. Also, don't be surprised to see one or more of these ladies in the final 4 or even state championship this season!      If there were a coaches vote for potential top point guards in all of northern Colorado I'm confident Darby would get lots of votes. She is the definition of a true lead guard that contributes to "winning" in so many ways, which is why Mead is again projected to be a state title contender. Darby is particularly difficult to defend because she is a very efficient three point shooter (38%), but when teams plot to take the deep ball away she is just as dangerous attacking the rim. A master at controlling the pace of the game Darby never seems to get sped up by opposing defenses. With Darby's leadership, talent, and experience Mead will be a dangerous match up for any team in March.     Nola is one of the best up and coming combo guards in the state. After starting as a freshman all season for Windsor and finishing second on the team in scoring, she played last summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='715876' first='Mountain' last='West Premier'] EYBL team and tore it up. Nola can score at all three levels, is a jet up and down the court, supremely athletic, and has major ups. Greenwald made a team high 28 three pointers last season but based on her performance this summer seems to have improved comfort and accuracy letting it go from deep, so expect an improved percentage this year. Nola finished both all-conference and second team northern Colorado last year, so I expect her to level up in a major way in her sophomore campaign.     At five foot three Mekayla is a true "baller" in every sense of the word. Watching her play last season reminded me of a New York City point guard with talent and plenty of flare to go with it. She drips with confidence offensively because of her great moves off the dribble and ability to start and stop on a dime. As a sophomore Macias was Thompson Valley's second leading scorer at 9ppg, but also was one of the leaders for the entire state in steals at 4 per game. She has the unique ability to control the game with her pace, decision making and pesky defense. I anticipate Mekayla making huge strides in her junior season and starting to get some college looks.     [player_tooltip player_id='903265' first='Rylee' last='Gallegos'] has been an unsung hero in the Frederick girls basketball program. She is smooth and natural in every part of the game and has an uncanny ability to make the "right" play in almost every situation. She's always been a crafty passer that loves to get her teammates open looks, but last season she showed a deadly mid-range attack and the ability to finish around the rim as well. As Gallegos has gotten stronger she has also really gotten good at defending quick guards, which has made Frederick's tough defense even more potent. I expect a big senior year for Rylee!     Aniah Dothard has been a bright light during a tough couple of years for girls hoops at Skyline High School. She is a multi-sport athlete with premier athletic ability. Aniah is a playmaker that creates offense for everyone with her attacking nature - Her 3 assists per game lead the team. However, another way that she makes positive plays is through relentless rebounding - Oftentimes attacking from the lead guard position, she still averaged a team high 5 rebounds per game - Many of the boards on the offensive end leading to bonus opportunities for herself and her teammates. Don't be surprised if this is a breakout season for Aniah!

Northern Colorado has boasted some of the top point guard talent in 5A the last few years and there's more to come. Check out this list of both young and seasoned talent north of Denver. Also, don't be surprised to see one or more of these ladies in the final 4 or even state championship this season!