2024 Guards Worth Another Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These prospects all bring shotmaking value on the offensive side of the floor. They are fundamental defenders who do not gamble on that side of the floor. Exciting times ahead for these perimeter prospects, a couple of which will be playing this weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='720583' first='Gianna' last='Wurth'] - Mead</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wurth brings value as a complementary scoring threat, maximizing her impact off the ball. The guard is an active shooter along the perimeter, proving most efficient off the catch. Although a knockdown shooter, Wurth is equally active cutting to put pressure on the rim. Should opponents overplay the perimeter or ball watch, the guard does a great job of filling space towards the basket on cuts. Even through contests, Wurth is capable of utilizing finesse finishes to score around immediate defenders. The guard brings two-way value, proving physical as a help side defender, rotating over to block drives.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='720582' first='Bella' last='Chang'] - Fairview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chang is a highly active guard, constantly seeking opportunities to pressure the defense. The incoming senior is a capable ball handler, dependable attacking downhill with either hand. She does well drawing in the defense before making passing reads, getting deep into the paint before making the kick out pass to a shooter. Another aspect of Chang's proactive passing in in transition, finding ways to be valuable on half court outlet passes to teammates. She has upside as a shotmaker from all over the floor, proving consistent from the free throw line this past season at Fairview. Her continued progression as an efficient shotmaker will be intriguing, given her immediate value as a facilitator.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='495775' first='Maddison' last='Neale'] - Ponderosa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neale looks to grow into a larger role, showing immediate value as a versatile shotmaker throughout the summer. The guard has a very quick release, allowing her step into pull-ups under a variety of circumstances. An incoming senior, Neale will look to display her mid-range shotmaking, proving quite consistent on shot attempts between 14 to 18 feet out. Although typically utilized as a score first player, the guard has a tight handle that allows her greater upside as a playmaker depending on team needs. Her passing assertiveness will be an area to track, given her willingness to toss outlet passes to transition scorers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='722639' first='Lilliana' last='Bateman'] - Denver North&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bateman is a valuable shotmaker with Denver North, proving effective off the catch and efficient scoring in the paint. The 5'8 guard has upside as a volume shooter off the catch, given her quick release and efficiency last season. Should opponents close out too aggressively, she can attack downhill and finish with either hand in traffic. At her height, Bateman is asked to guard up against taller opponents, doing her part to deny entry passes and fight for defensive rebounds.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='331319' first='Josephine' last='Wilson'] - Denver North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is an effective defender versus taller backcourt opponents, staying strong and staying in front without fouling. She does well keeping both arms wide without being baited into reaching, holding her position consistently.&nbsp; The incoming senior will be a valuable contributor next season, providing positional versatility at the point of attack on the defensive end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->