I wouldn’t consider this a “drop” by any means. Guyton has proven herself as a force, excelling as a primary and a secondary option, as well as standing out  on a AAU program that housed top-tier players. Her immediate impact in Iowa City will depend on the team’s changes; if a key player is lost, her intensity and scoring ability will definitely fill that void, but there’s also potential for another layer of growth if she plays a supporting role and learns up close. Guyton is in a win-win situation.

One half of Peoria’s 1-2 punch is off to college, leaving Guyton to take sole control of the ship. The future Hawkeye has been known as an elite scorer for a majority of her career, however this final season she will be able to show her ability to be an elite combo guard as well. Her aggression, handles, and confidence that her team will instill in her will be key to the leap she takes.

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• Contributed by Byron Xerxes Livsey
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Guyton has proved this past spring period that she’s the number 1 available prospect on the board for the 2024 class. With numerous high major offers being secured over the past couple months, the high scoring guard showed off tons of skill. She plays much bigger than her size, her stamina is strong and her ability to still stand out amongst other top players is a badge on her jacket as well. If her talents land in the right system, Aaliyah should be able to continue her dominance at the next level.

The confidence, the swag, the walk.. Guyton knows she’s talented but never seems to play out of the role that shes needed for. She can go on a scoring streak, facilitate for a 5 minute stretch, or simply find the balance of both and completely take over a game. She’s aggressive on both sides of the court and continues to be effective and efficient.

A top tier Coach was in the building for the State Tourney, and when the Coach was asked “who are you here for?”, they immediately said “Guyton”. I can understand why. Aaliyah is all that plus more. Her ability to create for herself just as well as she can for others, its a plus from any high caliber guard. She can score on levels, defend from baseline to baseline, and can switch in and out of Alpha/Beta without a drop of impact. Handles are strong, vision is clear and the game seems to be in slow motion for her. A big AAU season coming up for Guyton, and i believe she’ll continue to same dominance that she displayed at State.  

While Nazareth did a nice job limiting Peoria in the Semifinal, Guyton went absolutely nuclear in Peoria’s 3^rd Place game with 33pts, 12reb, and 6ast. She is a dynamic, playmaking Point Guard who can hurt teams with her shot-making from deep as well as scoring and facilitating in the lane. Aaliyah is a reliable decision maker with the ball and plays with great toughness at both ends of the court.

Guyton will impress you within the first 10 seconds of the ball being in her hands. She has a natural feel and athleticism for the game that most people can’t grasp. She’s explosive, aggressive, quick, decisive, and has the ability to simply put the team on her back if it’s called for. She scores at all levels, will lock down your best player with ease, and just plays the game with tons of confidence and heart. State games are different.. and they require a different type of mindset. Guyton will fit right in. She already has the win by any mentality.