My reasons: Elizabeth Jester, Dunwoody

By Michael Alpert

For the AJC

Elizabeth Jester averages 11 points for Dunwoody, which was 8-9 entering games this week against Cedar Grove, McNair and Towers. The 5-foot-6 shooting guard, who scored a season-high 18 points in a 62-30 victory against Druid Hills, gives her reasons why guards are vital to the game:

1. Teams need on-court leaders

“We’re the extension of our coach on the court. We have to know our teammates’ strengths and weaknesses and where we can give them the ball and where we can’t. Since we’re seeing the whole floor, we’ve got to read defenses and get our teammates open and start the best plays we can. We see defenses shift and can change the play. We play a big part in dictating tempo, defensively and offensively.”

2. Speed kills

“We’re the ones who get the transition game started. Ball-handling and getting the ball up the court are essential to any fast break, and that means us doing our job.”

3. Know when to toe the line

“You do have to know whether you’re [inside or outside the 3-point arc]. It’s kind of instinct after a while. If you’re going to take a long jump shot, it’s probably better to take a 3. If I get the ball and I’m open, though, I probably just shoot it and don’t take a step back [beyond the arc]. It’s more about where you position yourself before you get the ball. A lot of times, you’re open for just a split second before you get the ball and don’t have time once you get it to take a step back.”

4. Not hard to guard

“We usually have to guard the other team’s best scorer. Dunwoody focuses a lot on defense, and our press creates panic and creates turnovers. We play better in a full-court game.”