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DEL.ICIO.USTake Ten: Best HS point guards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here at Take Ten, we have a special appreciation for the little guy. Or the big guy who can handle the rock like a little guy. Scanning the NBA and WNBA, there’s a place in our hearts for floor generals Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Jameer Nelson and Steve Nash. We look for the same in the high school ranks. We like those who can play tough perimeter defense, set the tempo offensively, can knock down jump shots and are precise distributors of the ball. So here they are: Ten of the state’s best male and female point guards, in alphabetical order of course. Read ‘em, and get at us.
BOYS
Kevin Anderson, Peachtree Ridge: Proving that classifications don’t mean a whole lot in basketball, the senior transferred from Class A Whitefield Academy where he led the Wolfpack to the state finals last season. His play is key to the Lions’ title hopes.
Adam Callaway, South Cobb: Steady, solid, he was the most underrated player on the Eagles’ Final Four squad last season. Tenacious defender and smart ballhandler.
Junard Hartley, Whitefield Academy: Considered by many to be the top point guard in Cobb County, the 6-foot-3 senior averages 15 points, six assists and six rebounds a game.
Andre Hicks, Lovett: The 5-foot-9 junior is a quick, strong athlete who is the catalyst for the Lions’ basketball and football teams. The hoop squad started out 1-7 while Hicks was playing basketball. It is 9-2 since he joined the fight.
Chris Kupets, Cedar Shoals: Floor leader is also one of the top scorers for the 16-1 Jaguars, ranked third in Class AAA. A frequent visitor of the 20 (points) and 10 (assists) Club.
Brandon Nolley, Hancock Central: A big-time football recruit, the senior made a name for himself last season by playing well against former SACA standout and current Georgia Tech starter, Javaris Crittenton. Sees the floor well and runs the team extremely well.
Lance Storrs, Columbia: Three-year starter who has committed to Georgia Tech is the consummate point guard. Good shooter, solid ball handler and decision maker. Doesn’t commit turnovers.
Zac Swansey, Dunwoody: One of the top scorers all time for the Wildcats, the senior Georgia signee is one of the state’s deadliest perimeter shooters. He is also a deft ball handler and decision maker.
Mfon Udofia, Miller Grove: Just a sophomore, the 6-foot-2 floor leader is a big reason the three-year old Wolverine program is already holding its own with Columbia, Stone Mountain and Tucker in Region 6AAAA.
Dustin Ware, North Cobb Christian (in the Georgia Independent Schools Association): A GISA player makes the list? The junior is obviously good enough to Dennis Felton (he has committed to Georgia already), so he’s good enough for Top 10.
GIRLS
Anne Marie Armstrong, Wesleyan: The 6-foot sophomore is a big reason why the Wolves are in the hunt to defend their Class A state title.
Kendra Berry, Westover: The 5-foot-10 senior is one of the state’s best all-around backcourt players.
Ashlie Billingslea, Stephenson: Keeping everybody happy on a team as talented as the undefeated Jaguars can’t be easy. The South Carolina signee has accomplished this and managed to shine on her own as well.
Christian Hunnicutt, Landmark Christian: The Mundy’s Mill transfer is the cornerstone of the War Eagles’ team, ranked No. 1 in Class A.
Morgan Jennings, Douglass: The Astros have stormed to respectability over the past two seasons. An infusion of young, talented players like Jennings, a junior, is a big reason for the program’s rebirth.
Tammy Lanier, Westlake: The senior is the clear leader of a Lion team that is 17-2 and streaking toward a Region 4-AAAA crown and a state playoff berth.
Angelica Mealing, Avondale: Steady floor general led the Blue Devils to the Class AAA championship last season. The senior has battled injuries all year this season but should be ready for the title run.
Aamira Terry, W.D. Mohammed: Hofstra signee is a fiery competitor, leading a team of underclassmen. She has signed with Hofstra University.
Morgan Toles, St. Pius: Someone has to figure out a way to get the ball inside to 6-foot-6 All-American center Kelley Cain. Toles, just a sophomore, and a foot shorter than Cain, keeps doing it.
Alex Winchell, South Gwinnett: Knocking off Collins Hill or Stephenson to win a Class AAAAA state title won’t be easy. The 5-foot-7 senior will try to get it done.
Worthy of mention:
Pierre Jordan, Dunwoody: The 6-foot junior is already a shade taller than his older brother, Kierre, who led the Wildcats to the Class AAA state title last season. Pierre shares the reigns of this year’s team with Swansey.
Kiara Weems, North Clayton: At 5-foot-10, he’s not the tallest point guard in the state, but he’s one of the most complete. He does it all and has the Eagles in the hunt for a region title and state playoff berth.
Go on. Take Ten. Check Seth’s list and tell us if these guards’ game is MVP like Steve Nash. Then rip us for shamelessly quoting a Nelly Furtado lyric to get Take Ten Nation (that’s you) sending in comments.
Take Gwin: Listmania goes Gwinnett. See what Take Gwin is up to each week.
Permalink | Comments (50) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By jsleazy
January 24, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Nice list, but yall whiffed on not having Todd Salter from Mundy’s Mill on deck. I don’t know if yall forgot, or just haven’t heard, but dude is only a junior and the best PLAYER in Clayton County. He leads his team in scoring, and led his team to elite 8 last year. Once again ajc, the southside does have talent as good as any in the state, check up on it.
By jsleazy
January 24, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Yall also forgot about your boy Trevor Gaskins from Chattahoochee, or whatever North Fulton school he plays at now. I saw him last year at Milton hold his own against Meadowcreek in the state tournament, dude is for real. Any body got a reason why dude is allowed to play for every school in Alpharetta, but doesn’t miss any games?
By jeff
January 24, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
HHigh School BB is a joke….schools pull kids from other cities, counties or where ever to play for them…Just llok at Cherokee High School…what a bunch of crooks
By sammy miller
January 24, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this
nice wiff on Sam Miller out of Lake View acadamy! he is a dead eye from perimeter, and handles the rock well!
By Ron
January 24, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this
Good List, but Winford Ivey out of Jordan High School in Coulumbus is excellent. Only a junior but is averaging 18 to 20 points with six assists. But his best characteristic is his decision making on a team where he is basically the coach.
By klever
January 24, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this
What about the kid from Norcross. I know he’s only a sophomore but he seems to hold his own and does a good job of managing all the talent he has round him.
By Seth Coleman
January 24, 2007 01:07 PM | Link to this
Jsleazy, You are exactly right about Todd. I haven’t had a chance to see him play this season and completely forgot about him. He is the truth and should be on the list. And speaking of the southside, Michael Griffin of Luella, also a junior, should be on the list as well. Thanks for reading!!
By The Truth
January 24, 2007 01:44 PM | Link to this
My vote goes to Norcross’ point guard, He’s a very talented player, that can handle the ball, score and dish it to Aminu and Lawl the two Nigerian Nightmare’s.
The best point guard with the best outlook in my opinion is my man Mfon Udofia from Miller Grove. This kid has emerged into one of the best players in the state, while competing in the toughest region in the state 6-AAAA (No.1 Columbia, No.2 Tucker, No. 5 Stone Mountain).. He has already gained interest from every major D-I’s Duke, Arizona, Tech, UGA, Florida.. you name it..
Hey Seth, Sports writer-to-sports writer.. Good write-up.. Go ahead and do the rest of the starting five.. shooting guards, forwards, centers..
By crs
January 24, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this
I have watched Swansey from Dunwoody quite a bit, he definatly plays hard, I disagree that he has a great shot, he seems to score a lot of points by breaking down court early after an opponent scores a basket. I don’t know he will have great success on the next level. Plays smart though and shoots free throws well which is a lost art.
By Carl
January 24, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure what criteria you used to make your picks, but you obviously overlooked much of the North Georgia talent. Check out Kori Penland at single “A” Gordon Lee in Chickamauga, a legit D-1 prospect in the eyes of many.
By senoia33
January 24, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
Todd Salter the best player in Clayton County? You must be kidding. I don’t even think he is the best PG in Clayton County. PG at Jonesboro Antionio Bell and PG at North Clayton (Weems) would rank ahead on my list. Best player in Clayton County would probably have to be Chris Barnes (Riverdale). If Salter is the best player in Clayton County, how come his team is so mediocre. The other point guards on the list have something in common. Those teams are winning……….
By Patrick
January 24, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this
Carl above has a point… The Penland girl is definitely among the state’s elite guards although a junior.
By Cody
January 24, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this
Is Zac Swansey the real deal. Will he be a good player for Georgia. What kind of game does he play?
By Cody
January 24, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this
Is Zac Swansey the real deal? Will he really be a good guard for Georgia or is he one of those Wayne Arnold/Marcus Sikes signings? What are his strengths?
By Cody
January 24, 2007 02:31 PM | Link to this
Is Zac Swansey the real deal or is he another Wayne Arnold/Marcus Sikes signings? What will he bring to this Georgia team next year and will he be able to contribute right away?
By Akeem White
January 24, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this
Everybody is overlooking SOUTHSIDE HIGH
By scott jackson
January 24, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this
As usual, you have missed the great talent in North Georgia. I can’t believe you have missed Darlington’s Corey Roper. He has led his team to the number 5 spot in AA, with his leadership and his ability to play the point as well as anyone in the region. Corey broke the school single game record in a game with a last second shot to win the game over a top-ten AA school. Corey Roper is the real deal.
By SouthGaRebel
January 24, 2007 02:48 PM | Link to this
Nice to know the best players in the State are from the Atlanta Metro area. Do you guys ever report outside of Atlanta? There is a young man down in Albany, Ga. by the name of Andre Young who is also a GISA athlete and his Deerfield-Windsor team beat your boys’ North Cobb team and I believe he outscored your Atl boy. When will Atlantans realize the State doesn’t revolve around them (take a look at Ga. Trend’s ranking the consistently release, less than 20% of their rankees are from outside of the Metro Area) and the athletic talent outside of the Metro Area is actually much better than inside? Try looking towards Macon, Columbus and South Georgia. Much more talent and we have the Titles to prove it.
By bchatman
January 24, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this
glad to see that someone took notice of the guys in smaller schools. Hancock Central always has good players but not being in a metro area hurts them when it comes to recognition.
By Stanley Vicks
January 24, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t overlook the Southside. Buck Caldwell at OLM has handles. I have not seen him get ripped. I saw him for the first time at the SEBA showcase and he is a true point guard with an eye for the floor. Maybe because he is at OLM you don’t know. He is also on the recruiting circuit too. Check him out on the reels everybody used for Javaris last year!
By jeff
January 24, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this
Hey southgarebel..why do you think they call it the Atlanta Dailey Journa. What a moron
By MiddleGAHSBBfollower
January 24, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this
wow the ajc making notice of players outside of ATL…. central Ga players….GOOD for the AJc…but they had to add something in it about ATlanta school….um i wonder if he (Brandon Nolley) wouldn’t have did Javaris Crittenton up will he be in the top 10……..
By dawgdan
January 24, 2007 03:25 PM | Link to this
jeff, you might want to check the name of the paper you’re reading before calling someone a moron.
By GC
January 24, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this
How dare you leave Chris Allen off this list?
By Biggest Fan
January 24, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this
I want to thank you for recognizing Lance who has and continues to work diligently to become a true baller. He is the kind of player who is very coachable and understands his role as a leader, both on and off the court. I know this is a surprise to him being named one of the ten best HS point guards because he does not consider himself a point guard. He knows what he needs to do to take his team to the next level and he does whatever his coaches request from him. I must admit, Coach McCrary has to take the credit for turning Lance into a point guard. I’m one of Lance’s biggest fans!!!!
By Johnny
January 24, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this
Great list, but how about Derek Kuipers?? The kid from DUMC can really shoot the rock and is a deft playmaker. I think he signed with Maryland.
By jsleazy
January 24, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this
Senoia33, ok anytime a individual claims someone is best is mostly opinion based. You were right, Mundy’s Mill is easily the most overrated team in the state at this point. But with practically the same team returning as last year, and with Todd at the wheel, they are not dead. Bell from Jonesboro is good, but not better than Salter. Look at the teams. Salter is the only real perimeter dual threat on his team, Jonesboro is a guard dominated outfit that reminds me of that Villanova team from last year. Weems from N. Clayton is good as well, no argument there. And no guy 6-9(Barnes) should be on the losing end of a game against Forest Park if he is playing, just saying.
By jsleazy
January 24, 2007 04:13 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah Seth, I second the blogger above who stated that you should do the same with all other positions. Make it happen.
By GC
January 24, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this
And what about Tanner Smith?
By GC
January 24, 2007 04:34 PM | Link to this
And Alex Richey?
By bobby
January 24, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this
Team record does not necessarily represent the best player in a position.
The best female point guard I have seen this year is Holy Innocents A.P. Taylor. She can hit the three at will, has a great eye for the open shooter, and can play D. What other point guard on the list has a 65% shooting %? What other point guard averages 38 points per game and 14 assist? Game over.
By bobby
January 24, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this
The best point guard is A.P. Taylor of Holy Innocence. What other pg avgs 42 points per game, 9 assist, and 4 steals? Game over dude.
By TR
January 24, 2007 07:22 PM | Link to this
Hey SouthGaRebel, Young was not mentioned because he is not that good of a player. You failed to mention that Dustin Ware’s team destroyed Deerfield by 20 points during the Christmas break. Maybe you were inside the barn all day and did not read the Albany Herald. The GISA basketball Championship has been won by teams from Atlanta the pass two years. It will be no difference this year. NCC will be State Champs in AAA.
By robert
January 24, 2007 08:42 PM | Link to this
If youever got down to the se corner of the state you might know about one of the best guards and basketball players period in the state. Ben Drayton of theCamden County Wildcats who have vaulted to the top of Region 3AAAAA and past the tradional powers in savannah. Remember his name.He is only ajunior. Y’all need to come down sometime and watch.
By LJ
January 24, 2007 08:43 PM | Link to this
South Ga Rebel. This paper is the AJC= Atlanta Journal and Constitution.. No the GJC or NGJC but AJC… Dont be so sensitive …
If you want to hang with the big dogs move out of the country and come up to the city.
Gwinnett County has some guards coming up next year pay attention to Brookwood, Collins Hill, Mill Creek and N. Gwinnett
By lazyboy
January 24, 2007 08:52 PM | Link to this
I agree on Swansey all he does is cherry pick and get lay ups will be exsposed in college. Just telling the truth.
By lazyboy
January 24, 2007 08:53 PM | Link to this
The kid from norcross is supposed to be a senior ge shoukd be good for a sophomore.
By gwen mays
January 24, 2007 09:05 PM | Link to this
I’m writting because week after week i read the high school sports page, and i never see any articals about the stone mountain pirates.These young men have worked very hard to get to where they are. they won the orlando tournment, their record is 18 and 3. week after week they go out and give their best.no one is given them the credit that is due. this friday they are playing north springs high school. i’m inviting you and your readers out to see this young men and women. game time is 5:30pm at stone mountain high.
By Warriors Crying
January 24, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
You guys forgot one he’s Devoron Ashmon from Lithia Springs High. He’s avg 16 ppg 5 assist 4 rpg and 2 block shots a games. D-1 scouts needs to take alook at him
By B
January 25, 2007 07:48 AM | Link to this
Each year teams have great kids who are doing it on the floor and never get any pub. for it. Looking at your picks for the top point guards in the Metro, I see that you left a “Great One” off. Cedric Brown is a 6’0 point guard at Greenforest/McCalep Christian Academy who has averaged the same if not more than some of your picks you have. Cedric’s game average is 15 points 8 assist and 4 steals a game this season. This young man, we feel have all the tools of being a great point guard on the next level.So when you name some of the Top Point Guards in the Metro Area, do not forget to add Cedic Brown to the list anymore.
By tonii M
January 25, 2007 09:14 AM | Link to this
Lance Storrs is NOT an excellent PG, he also commits a lot of errors and mistakes. There is a lot of politics involved with Lance. Y’all check yo sources…..Lance has not been playing PG for three years….this is his 1st year as PG cuz they tryna build up his skill as a PG…..this makes me sick to my stomach…he step dad bribed folks to get Lance in the papers , polls etc.
By MtS
January 25, 2007 09:24 AM | Link to this
The list wouldn’t be as bothersome to south Georgians if it had been labeled “best point guards in the Metro Atlanta area.”
This is not a regional paper. It has the highest overall readership in the state. The Journal’s motto was “covers Dixie like the dew.”
And does the Constitution not sell copies from state line to state line? I don’t see the Cordele Dispatch having a rack in McCaysville.
We’d just like to be tossed a bone occasionally and know that we still exist. We do still win a state title every now and then.
By Laydee
January 25, 2007 09:33 AM | Link to this
I still see that Judean Hanks from St. Francis is their best kept secret. There is no way she should be left off the list. Your girl is nice with the basketball. Her penetration to the hoop is sick. She can read the floor like no other and can score at will. Give her some love.
By Shajuna
January 25, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Hey we have a great ball player at North Clayton High School named Latia Williams the girlfriend of Kaira Weems who made the list…. But she is one of the best in the state!!!! Just check her out she can’t be stopped so her name needs to be on the list
By Seth Coleman
January 25, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks to everyone who takes time to check out our Top Ten each week, and to follow up with a comment. We appreciate it!
Wesleyan and guard Anne Marie Armstrong are going for their fourth title in Class AA, not Class A. Sorry for the error.
And to our South Georgia readers (and those in upper North Georgia and West Georgia as well), you have a point. It is difficult for us to cover your schools as much as we would like. You can help us out by calling in your scores (with the name of the leading scorer in the game, and his or her total points scored) to 404-526-5331 after the game. Also, if you feel there is a special player in your community who deserves some love, send a quick note to our basketball guru, Derrick Mahone, at dmahone@ajc.com .
As always, thanks for reading, and keep hitting us up at the Top Ten!
Seth Coleman AJC Sports scoleman@ajc.com
By loverofthegame
January 25, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this
What girl is averaging 42 pts and 9 assts?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA yeah right!! Good try…. But I agree with the top ten on both lists, although I think Kiara Evans from Berkmar should be added on the list for the girls!
By BMG
January 26, 2007 03:50 AM | Link to this
Todd Salter is the most overrated PG in Clayton County. His coach has been trying to pump his name to anybody who will listen. I dont understand why. He cannot get by a good Pg who plays average defense and he can’t stop nobody. His mid-range shot is ok. Ismael Johns, Daryl Williams (Riverdale)shut him down. He can’t create a shot for his teammates. Last year Rashad Jones was a better true pt, but Willingham was in to Todd too much. He is an undersized 2 guard.
By black
January 26, 2007 02:57 PM | Link to this
that boy adam is being overlooked like no other he is without a doubt the best point guard in region 5 aaaaa…no one can stop so please look at this kid and you will be satisfied
By DR
January 27, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this
Also that kid from Cross Keys High School very overlooked..number 3 in the state for assists…don’t sleep, i’m sure he’ll be seen D7 or D3, short but can play and knows the game.
By Superstar
January 29, 2007 06:46 PM | Link to this
Tonii M …Your an idiot…first of all ..Lance is not a point guard ,however he does what he has to do to help the team…Since he started running the point, columbia is 53-2 and he averages 8-10 assist per game…not bad for a kid hows not a point guard… how many other point guards can say that… No need to bribe, you got two eyes dummy