The class of 2024 is loaded with talent and there are players that could and should be targets for many programs at multiplel levels. The players at the top of the class are certainly gaining the recognition and eyes of college coaches but I believe that there are guards in that class that may be considered a bit underrated but could be in for big season this upcoming high school season. Here are six guards that should garner more attention this upcoming season.
2024 Quay Watson (Hopewell): I believe that Watson will become an even more familiar name around the region. He is coming off a terrific season last year, averaging 18.5 points per game and shooting 54 percent from the floor. Watson backed that up with a strong summer with Team United. Now, leading the charge once again at Hopewell, Watson is such a tough guard that creates well for himself, has a balanced attack, can finish strong around the basket, and score from multiple levels. Possessing crafty handles and feel with the ball, Watson is going to be one you will be hearing more about this season.
2024 Keenan Wilkins (Christ School): Wilkins is a known name for many around the area and one thing is for sure, he knows how to score the ball. But still believe he is one of the more underrated guards to watch out for and now he will be helping Christ School in hopes of a title. Wilkins simply knows how to put the ball in the basket, whether it is scoring with terrific range, having tremendous confidence in his pull-up game, or finding ways to score over defenders in the paint. He should be a great piece for his team, giving Christ School yet another weapon on the court.
2024 Evan Morton (United Faith): It has been a little bit of time since hearing Morton’s name, so we are giving everyone a reminder. Being part of the winning tradition last year at Weddington, Morton now will be a big piece for United Faith. He has a great feel for the game, doesn’t need the spotlight to be effective, and brings a nice two-way presence to the floor. Morton does a nice job in scoring from the perimeter or creating off the bounce, and he should bring that as well as his winning tradition to the table.
2024 Delani Hammonds (Ardrey Kell): Hammonds had a very good summer and really opened up more eyes to his game and what he can provide. That is why he could be one that sees his role continue to rise at Ardrey Kell, as he will be one leading the charge and having the ball in his hands. Hammonds is a quicky, shifty guard in the open floor, showing his ability to really be a playmaker, get around defenses with his speed, and bring a nice balance of finding teammates or making plays for himself. He is a high IQ guard that I believe will see a jump in his game this year and continue to be a floor general for Ardrey Kell.
2024 AJ Parsley (Mooresville): What a change it has been at Mooresville and they should be solid once again. One reason being is the addition of Parsley last year and now having him help lead the charge once again. Parsley is a smaller guard but is an absolute pest on the defensive end. He competes so hard, gets into his defender, and just plays with tremendous energy; the team should continue to feed off of that. Parsley also is a quick guard that isn’t afraid to make plays and help run the show.
2024 Fred Whitaker (Northwood): Northwood is going to be a team to watch once again this year. Drake Powell will be the go-to player but the play of Whitaker will also be huge for this team. The 5’10 guard is another one of those tough, scrappy guards that can make his presence felt on both sides of the court. He can get by his opponents in a hurry, has touch in the paint, and is another one of those pests on the defensive end. He may not get the recognition he always deserves but believe this could be a big year for the junior guard.