Guards in Charge Pt. 2: Steady as She Goes
This list features six PG’s with natural basketball instincts, such as the IQ to slow the tempo down and secure a good look in the midst of an opponents run, or the intuition to get particular players involved because they have a mismatch offensively. Such players are vital to combatting momentum swings and resetting team flow, and of course these abilities are integral to group resiliency when the going gets tough. Check out players with the basketball acumen and leadership to take care of business on the hardwood.
Hayden Wilkins, 5’7 PG – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’24
Wilkins sees the floor differently than most players. Hayden senses when passing windows will open and in that split second sets herself up with angles to slip a pass into the teeth of the defense. Wilkins has a tight handle, giving her the ability to handle pressure and get to her spots with ease, ensuring good looks at the hoop for herself and others. Hayden can score at all three levels, but that doesn’t interfere with her focus on getting teammates involved. Wilkins is a natural hooper and a sound decision maker; she’s currently taking her game to the next level.
Paige Winter, 5’7 PG – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’22 – Western New England Class of ’26
Paige is a quick guard with a knack for getting to the rim. Her slashing ability and vision allows her to get into the second layer of the defense and make plays from there, whether that’s finishing her own look, setting up forwards at the rim, or kicking out to shooters. Moreover, Winter plays with a winner’s mentality. Paige senses when to push the pace or set up the offense and defends well on-ball with quickness and physicality. I look forward to seeing her ongoing development at WNE University.
Sakoya Sweeney Sakoya Sweeney 5'6" | CG Lake Region | 2023 State NewE , 5’7 PG – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’23
Sakoya is one of those all-around players with few weak spots. Her handle is clean and she’s a poised decision maker as she deals with on-ball pressure; her jumper is smooth at all three levels and she can hit off the catch or the dribble. Sweeney leads effectively with her calm demeanor and a sense of control that not many players have. Sakoya has a strong frame and mindset, never backing down from a challenge, whether that’s defending the other team’s best guard or working diligently to get her team rolling on either end of the floor. Sweeney is one to keep an eye on.
Nicole Norton Nicole Norton 5'8" | CG Colchester | 2024 State NewE , 5’9 PG/CG- Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’24
The first thing that jumps out about Nicole is her fearless attacks to the rim where she routinely finishes through contact against bigger and stronger defenders. Her length allows her to get to the rim in one dribble from the perimeter, and her touch around the basket is uncanny. Her handle, and length, allow her to navigate pressure with composure, and I’ve always been impressed with how much zip she puts on her passes, thus forcing the defense to react quickly. Norton has good instincts in the open court, making sensible decisions in order to maintain possession and keep momentum in their favor. Nicole is a strong two-way player with a lot of upside.
Julia Decker, 5’6 PG – Manchester Mavericks Class of ’24
The first time I saw Decker play she led her team to a VT AAU State Championship as one of her team’s best players struggled with foul trouble. Julia plays with intensity and control, a pairing that not every player can maintain. Decker gets her work in defensively, consistently causing ballhandlers difficulty as she gets in their air space, threatening to rip the ball. Julia is adept at organizing the offense too, getting them into an action in the midst of ball pressure. Decker is an up-and-comer who plays with a chip on her shoulder, and she’s got the ability to go toe-to-toe with most in her class.
Maya Auger, 5’8 PG/CG – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’24
In my time watching Maya, it’s become clear she loves the work. She brings game-like energy to practice, pushing her teammates to compete while supporting them in their own development at the same time. Auger is solid on defense, using her strength to keep players out of the paint, whether she’s pushing them off their cut or defending on-ball. Maya handles the defensive pressure that comes her way with the ability to get by left or right, or she’ll buy time to set up an action, neutralizing aggressive defenders with her savvy decision making. From seeing her work ethic, she’ll consistently improve on both ends of the floor; I like her potential.