With June 15 less than a week away, we are looking at guards who will likely be receiving some calls next Monday from college coaches.
Tye Banks (6-3 SG, Springfield Lanphier)
Banks is a strong guard that is a creative finisher. He is a tough downhill driver that uses his shoulders to fend off defenders. With his pace and IQ, Banks is able to play lead guard when necessary. That versatility as a combo guard will make him more valuable to coaches. Banks is more of a penetrator than shooting, choosing to take advantage of his positional size in most cases. His jump shot is streaky, but shows some range off the dribble.
Jaylen Drane (6-3 PG, Simeon)
Playing big minutes for Chicago powerhouse Simeon, Drane is one of the most exciting point guards in his class. With his 6-foot-3 size and long arms, he fits the physical prototype of a high-major floor general. Drane changes speeds well, with an impressive top gear. He can knife through defenses and score on the move or read the help to find the open man. His isolation ability, pick-and-roll upside, and elite vision are going to entice a lot of coaches. All that he needs to complete his game is a consistent jump shot. Chicago State has offered Drane.
AaReyon Munir-Jones (6-2 SG, Tinley Park)
Munir-Jones is a very athletic, slashing guard that plays bigger than his 6-foot-2 listing. He has good shake off the dribble, understanding how to use counter moves and setup dribbles to break down his defender. Transition is where he looks the most comfortable both as a finisher and open court playmaker. His length allows him to rebound and defend better than most players his size. He hasn’t received a ton of attention, but Munir-Jones is a gifted two-guard.
Trey Pettigrew (6-2 PG, Fenwick)
Fenwick’s point guard is a sound decision maker with a ton of skill, good size, and solid athleticism. Pettigrew can shoot it from three and manufacture looks off a variety of moves from the second level. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, capable and willing to run in transition or space the floor as a shooter. A slick ball-handler, you can expect Pettigrew to win one-on-one battles in space and make the right decision. He should be a high-major prospect that brings in a ton of interest. Penn State and Wisconsin-Milwaukee have offered.
Cade Pierce (6-4 PG, Glenbard West)
Pierce is a lanky, cerebral guard that contributes all across the board. He controls the tempo, rebounds very well for his position, and makes plays within the offense. Pierce also has a compact shooting form that is consistent past the three-point line. His playmaking is going to be a differentiator at the next level, advancing the ball in transition, passing guys open off the dribble, and dumping off dimes off penetration. As he continues to grow and fill out physically, he will be able to play multiple positions in college. Pierce still has some untapped athletic potential that is only going to help his chances of attracting more mid-majors and Ivy League schools.