Post-Summer 2013 Position Rankings: Point Guards

Posted on: August 16th, 2012, by Rick Staudt

We wrap up our week-long look at the position rankings for the Class of 2013 with the point guards. Sometimes referred to as “1”, the point guard is expected to be an extension of the coach on the floor. He’s the one that handles pressure, initiates the offense, and get others involved. This year’s group of point guards is especially strong.

At the top of the list is 6’1 Kasey Hill from Montverde Academy and the Florida Rams. Hill has been on the radar ever since his sixth grade year at Mount Dora Bible where he started on varsity. He moved to Montverde when he was a sophomore and has long been recognized as one of the top players in the class regardless of position. Hill is extremely gifted with the basketball. He’s quick, changes direction with ease, knows how to create space, and gets his teammates involved. Hill has always been a great driver and finisher at the rim but he’s improved his game with the development of a step-back jumper from mid-range and his three point shooting has become much better over the past year. Hill’s a good defender but can sometimes pick up cheap fouls by over-reaching for steals. He’s committed to the University of Florida and should provide an immediate impact for the Gators.

Just shade below Hill is 6’0 Solomon Poole from Jacksonville Terry Parker and the Atlanta Celtics. Poole has been called on to score much of his career so his point guard instincts are still developing but by all accounts he did a great job of running the show for the Celtics this spring and summer. Poole is strong and athletic, a smaller version of John Wall in some peoples’ opinion. He is a good shooter from deep but he has to be careful to not rely too much on that shot. When Poole can get out and run the floor or take his defender off the dribble and get to the rim, good things generally happen. He is an under-rated passer and distributor. Defensively he is very good when he sets his mind to it. The concern about Poole is his ability to control his emotions. He was suspended for six weeks last season after twice being tossed from games for unsportsmanlike conduct. Poole is heading to Georgia Tech in the fall of 2013 to play with older brother Stacey.

Taking the bronze in this category is 6’1 Rashawn Powell of Orlando Dr. Philips and Florida Assault. Of the top three point guards, Powell is the best shooter. He has very good range both off the dribble and the catch, can score from mid-range off the bounce, and finishes well at the rim in traffic. Extremely quick with the ball, Powell easily gets into the defense off the pick and roll or by just blowing by the defender. He’s a good passer but sometimes will try to score when an opening is really not there. Powell is a bit thin but a bouncy athlete that looks to dunk every chance he can. Defensively he has quick hands and feet and the ability come up with most loose balls. He’s a national top 100 player and being recruited by a host of high major schools.

Coming in at #4 is 6’1 Josh Heath of Tampa Prep and Team Breakdown. The son of USF head coach Stan Heath, Josh doesn’t appear to have the extra gear that the other three have but he is plenty quick and is able to get the ball where it needs to go. Heath sees the floor well, is cool under pressure with the ball, and connects on passes that most guards don’t realize are there. He’s greatly improved as both a shooter and scorer. Heath confidently strokes three pointers and has become extremely effective with a floater in the lane. When running the break, Heath gets the ball up the court via the quickest means possible either with the pass or the dribble. He gets the ball to his target in stride before the defense can catch up. Odds are an offer from USF is “understood” but other mid-major plus schools and higher have shown no fear in hoping young Heath might look play outside of the family business.

After a string of tremendous performances at the Pitt Jam Fest in early spring, our #5 point guard has gone from unknown to highly desired prospect. Joseph Chealey, a 6’2 point from Apopka and D-12 Warriors, got everyone’s attention with his quickness, consistent shooting range, and commitment to defense. He’s got a little bit more size than most of the point guards on the list and combined with his scoring abilities make him a highly desirable target for many a mid-major school (UCF recently offered). Chealey is not flashy but a true point guard. Chances are he is a “system” guy who will be much better in college than in high school.

Best of the Rest

DJ Bowles, 6’1, Oldsmar Christian

Josh Filmore, 6’2, Wekiva/Q6 Elite

Dallas Moore, 5’11, Boca Ciega/Florida Rams (UNF)

Justice Montgomery, 5’11, Orlando Christian Prep/D-12 Warriors

Allen Baez, 6’2, Miami Senior/D-12 Warriors

Deangelo Stephens-Bell, 6’2 Raines/Lee Bulls

Miguel Cartagena, 5’11, Montverde Academy

Undra Mitchum, 6’2, Leesburg/Florida Tarheels Elite

Marcus Dewberry, 6’0, Lake Wales/Q6 Elite Red

Keiran Williamson, 5’8, Panama City Rutherford

C.J. McGill, 5’9, Tampa Wharton