Minnesota high school boys basketball: Meet the top guards

See the top guards in the 2023-2024 season in Minnesota high school boys basketball

Author:
Jack Butler, SBLive Sports
Publish date:
Feb 9, 2024 5:49 PM EST

Minnesota high school boys basketball is full of talent in the 2023-24 season, and SBLive is highlighting the top players by position group.

We start with the guards, and the frontcourt will be posted next week.

MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL SCORES

The following athletes will be included in our "Who is the top guard in Minnesota high school boys basketball?" poll to be posted on Friday. Our lists and polls are intended to be fun and in no way discredits any other player who may not be mentioned.

CJ Armstrong, junior, Richfield

Armstrong is a prolific scorer for Richfield at 32 points per game. Armstrong exploded for 50 points in a 100-92 win over Two Rivers on December 5.

“CJ is an automatic scorer,” Richfield coach Omar McMillan said. “He is able to give a lot of defenses trouble. He has posted two 50 point games, two buzzer beaters against two top ranked teams: DeLaSalle and Mound Westonka. Not only a good player, but a good leader.”

Rysley Borman, senior, Pipestone Area

Borman is an efficient scorer for Pipestone at 46 percent field goal percentage with 25.5 points per game. He also grabs seven rebounds with 4.5 assists. Borman will play at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota.

“Borman is a fantastic player and kid,” coach Michael Slaba said. “He has been a captain and leader for us the last two years and also the player we have leaned on. … He is a great character kid. He has a career high of 38 points in a game and has passed 28-plus points in nine games this year. He will more than likely be getting his 1,000th point by the end of the season.”

DJ Smith, senior, Moorhead

Smith is a scoring guard averaging 18.4 points per game. But he can also rebound, and he is averaging 6.4 rebounds per game.

“Smith has been the model of consistency for our team all year long,” coach Matt Ellingson said. “His ability to score the ball at all three levels while also facilitating for others has been huge for our team this year. Smith had 43 points including a game-winning half-court shot against Sauk Rapids.”

Sawyer Markham, senior, Mayo

Sawyer was a 40 percent 3-point shooter last season to go along with 13 points per game. This season, Sawyer has jumped to 21 points per game

“Sawyer is the ultimate competitor that gives every ounce of himself on the basketball court,” coach Braden Markham said. “His desire to compete sets him apart from the majority of players. Sawyer creates havoc on defense, taking each defensive possession personally, and his offensive game has skyrocketed. … Sawyer is currently keeping his options open and deciding where to pursue his collegiate basketball career.”

Isaac Asuma, senior, Cherry

Isaac is a University of Minnesota signee and one of the top seniors in the country. He’s ranked as the No. 98 senior in the country, according to 247sports.com.

Isaac has a smooth jumper, and his 6-foot-3, 190 pound frame allows him to get to the basket against most defenders. Asuma had 20 points, 13 assists and six rebounds in a big game against Esko earlier this year.

Brevin Stoa, senior, Hawley

Brevin Stoa is a 1,000 career point scorer, and this season he is averaging 24.3 points per game with 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

“Brevin can score at all three levels,” coach Natham Stoa said. “Over his career, he has turned himself from a floor spacer as an 8th & 9th grader to a complete player over his final three seasons. This season he's added the ability to consistently get to the free throw line averaging over eight trips per game. He is one of the best passers that I have ever coached, often passing his teammates open on back cuts.”

Cash Chavis, senior, Park Center

Chavis’ list of accomplishments is long. He was named to SBLive’s All-State team last season, he’s been on the All-Metro team, and he’s been a Mr. Basketball candidate, among other individual and team accolades.

Chavis is signed to the University of Washington.

“Cash is the most electric guard in the state,” assistant coach Trent Witz said. “He is a walking highlight every night. He is our engine at Park Center. … He makes everyone on his team better by finding the open player and having the ability to finish at an elite level. He has been one of the most clutch players this season, single handedly taking over late games and leading us to wins.”

Daniel Freitag, senior, Breck

Breck is in the midst of an undefeated season, and Freitag is a leading reason why. He is averaging 24.4 points per game, according to stats submitted to MNbasketballhub.com. Freitag is the best athlete when he steps on the court. He recently threw an alley-oop to himself.

Freitag is signed to play for the University of Wisconsin.

Andy Stefonowicz, senior, Minnetonka

Stefonowicz possesses the skills of a modern guard. He can score and distribute, and last season he averaged 17 points per game, 6.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals.

The Skippers made it to the state tournament last season in large part because of Stefonowicz. He scored 22 points in a quarterfinal loss to Eastview.

Tameron Ferguson, senior, St. Cloud Tech

Ferguson is averaging a phenomenal 35.3 points per game this season, according to stats submitted to MNbasketballhub.com. He’s scored over 40 points four times this season, including a 51 point performance against Hiawatha Collegiate on December 5.

His scoring average is the top in the state, according to MNbasketballhub.com.

Jack Boos, senior, Rocori

Boos has been a high quality volume 3-point shooter for Rocori this season. He is shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc on seven attempts per game. Boos is averaging 28 points per game with three assists and four rebounds.

“Boos has proven to be an invaluable asset to our team, consistently demonstrating exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship,” coach Tyler Barker said. “He comes in the morning to shoot and stays late to shoot. His work ethic has not only elevated their individual performance but have also positively influenced the entire program.”

Jayden Moore, sophomore, Hopkins

A top sophomore, Moore already has offers from Baylor, Illinois, Minnesota and West Virginia. He’s averaging 18.7 points per game, but he’s also recorded multiple triple doubles this season, including one in a win over No. 1 Wayzata.

Jaleel Donley, junior, Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Donley is an explosive guard with style. Can finish in multiple ways near the rim, and he’s not afraid to attack any defender. His highlight reel is full of quick passes to players cutting, so Donley can find the open man as well.

He scored 31 points this season in a win against Chaska.

Cedric Tomes, sophomore, East Ridge

Tomes is making an impact as an underclassmen for the Raptors. He’s averaging 18.8 points per game, and he has received offers from Bryant, Iowa State, Minnesota and Northern Iowa, according to 247sports.com.

Christian Wiggins, sophomore, Wayzata

Another impact sophomore, this time for the defending Class 4A state champions. He’s the second leading scorer on the team at 14.3 points per game. He has offers from Northern Iowa and Wisconsin.

Zeke Austin, junior, Albany

Austin was a force last year for the Class 2A state champions. He was named to the Class 2A All-Tournament team with scoring totals of 15, 12 and 13.

Elijah Solum, senior, Spring Grove

Solum suffered an ACL tear in May, but he made his return in January to help Spring Grove make another run to the state tournament. In his return, Solum scored 33 points with three rebounds and three assists.

Nolan Groves, junior, Orono

Groves is a smooth scorer from any spot on the court. Groves is great at operating and creating space in the key to score. He’s averaging 24.8 points per game, according to MNbasketballhub.com, and he recently scored 50 points in a game against St. Louis Park.

“Nolan would be the first to tell you he was more excited about the team winning than the 50 points, but it was definitely a huge milestone to hit," coach Barry Wohler told the Star Tribune. "Nolan is such a competitor and steps up when his team needs him the most."

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