SCC Top Point Guards
The SCC was one of the most successful conferences in Southern Illinois last year. There were 6 teams that won 20 or more games. This year there will be some transition for some of those top teams. Here we talk…
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Continue ReadingThe SCC was one of the most successful conferences in Southern Illinois last year. There were 6 teams that won 20 or more games. This year there will be some transition for some of those top teams. Here we talk about some of the best returning point guards and some of the players tasked with moving into the role.
- Rylee Pickett is a 5’7 2020 guard from Greenville. Rylee had a very good year as a junior in the off guard role. This year she will be tasked with taking over the role as a primary ball handler. Rylee handles the ball well and is strong. Her strength allows her to be able to hold defenders off when they pressure her. Rylee will be needed to score more this year so there will be times where she is off the ball in a scoring role. When games get tight, she has the trust of Coach Dothager, the ball will be in her hands.
- Rylee Smith is a 5’7 2021 guard from Southwestern(Piasa). Rylee is a 2 year varsity player that has proven her ability to run a team. She is a scoring point guard. Rylee is an excellent facilitator and leader from the point. She shares the ball well, handles the pressure and can get the team into their sets. Rylee is not a flashy ball handler but strong and steady. She has improved her ability to handle the pressure through her vast experience.
- Shelby Taylor is a 5’5 2021 guard from Gillespie. Shelby has shown excellent speed with the basketball. She has the ability to get into the lane. Shelby is a left hander that finishes well in the lane and dishes well when the defense collapses. Coach Gray has used a deep bench which has limited Shelby’s minutes. Shelby shows signs of being a very good point guard if she keeps working.
- Rachel Holthaus is a 5’6 2022 guard from Pana. Rachel had an excellent summer session with the Predators. She played both 16u and 17u. Rachel has a high basketball IQ and can consistently beat defenders off the dribble. She is an excellent ball handler and passer. Rachel will need to be steady and run the show to help Pana replace two very strong 2019 graduates.
- Shelby Houchlei is a 5’6 2020 guard from Hillsboro. Shelby had to miss her junior season due to injury. She will return for her senior season and be counted on to provide ball handling and leadership. Shelby is an excellent softball player and has shown she is physically ready to go. With all of the primary guards graduated Shelby will be a big part of replacing them.
- Madyson Hill is a 5”11 2021 guard from Vandalia. Madyson is a very versatile player. She will be a primary ball handler this year. Madyson uses her height to see the floor and make good passes. She is a tough matchup. Madyson will take a smaller guard down low and beat a slower player off the dribble. She has the potential to have a big year.
The point guard is a very important part of a championship team. It is very common to see a good team with an average point guard fold come tournament time. These players will be a bug part of answering the question of who will win the SCC this year. Come February the pressure turns up and we will see who can step up in this group.