3rd Region Girls Basketball Preview: Best Point Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great point guard makes a coach's job easier in so many ways. From breaking defensive pressure and creating space for teammates to delivering pinpoint passes that lead to easy baskets, point guards are often the coaches on the floor. They control the tempo, make decisions under pressure and bring out the best in everyone around them. The 3rd Region features several talented guards who can score, create and lead their teams, making this group one to watch as the season gets underway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are seven of the best point guards in the 3rd Region who bring a combination of scoring, playmaking and leadership to their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["782512"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2de73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='782512' first='Breigh' last='Jones'] easily could be the best point guard in the region. Although her season was cut short last year, we expect a huge junior campaign. Jones can score on all three levels, averaging 17.8 points per game, but what really separates her is her basketball IQ. She plays like a coach on the floor, understanding how to get her teammates involved while recognizing when she needs to take over offensively. She is also a strong defender who can impact the game on both ends. Don't be surprised if the Lady Cougars make a serious run at the region title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1831532"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2dee4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucas is a smooth, lengthy point guard who has the ability to create shots for her teammates off the dribble while also attacking the rim as a scorer. After averaging 8.5 points per game as an eighth grader, she enters her freshman season with plenty of potential to take a major step forward in both production and consistency. Her ability to see the floor and create opportunities for others makes her an exciting young prospect. With Lucas and junior [player_tooltip player_id='932146' first='Jaycelyn' last='Nevitt'] leading the way, the Lady Wave could make some major noise in the 3rd Region this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["812951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2df32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Owensboro Catholic will look to repeat as 3rd Region champions, and Mannahan will be a major part of that effort. Her quickness, ball-handling ability and confidence with the ball allow her to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. She averaged 12.4 points per game last season and now brings valuable senior leadership to an experienced Lady Aces squad. Mannahan's ability to control the pace, make plays in crucial moments and keep the offense moving will be important as Catholic pursues another championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171202"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2df7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Floyd is a rising sophomore with the tools to become not only one of the best players in the region but also one of the top players in Kentucky's class of 2029. She simply knows how to play the game and make an impact when the ball is in her hands. Floyd led the Cougar offense while also leading the team in rebounding, averaging 13.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Her ability to score, create opportunities and contribute on the glass makes her a difficult matchup. With another year of experience ahead, Floyd could take another significant leap as the Lady Cougars look to establish themselves as a regional contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206692"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2dfc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Lady Cats have some major production to replace, and Sowders will be counted on to provide the senior leadership needed to keep them competitive. She will serve as the conductor of the offense, balancing her scoring responsibilities with creating opportunities for her teammates. Sowders averaged 17.2 points per game and nearly eight rebounds per contest from the guard position, showing her ability to contribute well beyond traditional point guard duties. Her experience, scoring ability and willingness to do the little things will be critical as EC looks for new players to step up around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1940655"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2e014"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barron will provide senior leadership for a new-look Lady Panthers squad and could be asked to take on an even bigger role this season. That means handling the ball more frequently, creating offense off the dribble and finding ways to get her teammates involved. Her experience should be a valuable asset as Daviess County works to maintain the success it has enjoyed over the past several seasons. With talented wing [player_tooltip player_id='1265427' first='Riley' last='Hayden'] alongside her, Barron will have an important role in helping the Lady Panthers find their rhythm and continue competing at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1940657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb915a2e059"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Apollo is in a rebuilding phase, but sophomore point guard Curry provides an exciting building block for the future. She averaged 5.6 points per game as a freshman, led the team in three-pointers made and contributed four rebounds per contest. Curry's ability to handle the ball, stretch the defense and create scoring opportunities will be vital as she takes on a larger role. With another year of experience and increased responsibility, she has an opportunity to become a key piece of Apollo's efforts to take a positive step forward this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->