10 guards to watch in Utah high school boys basketball

Talent and experience along the guard line can quickly elevate any basketball team from middle of the pack to championship material. Several Utah boys basketball state title contenders occupy their lofty position because of an advantage in the backcourt they possess against opponents.

Keep an eye on these 10 guards who are back to lead their teams to more success after enjoying strong seasons a year ago.


Frank Jackson, Lone Peak (Highland)
Jackson is establishing himself as one of the top guards in the nation. The junior enjoyed a fine debut season with Lone Peak a year ago, averaging 17.9 points per game. His quickness, athleticism and ability to score anywhere on the floor make him virtually impossible to defend.

Jake Lindsey, Olympus (Salt Lake City)
Lindsey is the only major contributor returning for the Titans from a season ago, but he's skilled enough to offset the rest of the team's inexperience. He enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2013-14, averaging 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Lindsey committed to play for Baylor before the start of his senior season.

Jesse Wade, Davis (Kaysville)
If you're going to return only one starter, Wade is a great choice. He averaged 17.4 points. 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.4 steals for the Darts last season. The Gonzaga commit is a fantastic shooter and team leader.

Gabe Colosimo, Juan Diego Catholic (Draper)
Colosimo is a skilled player on both ends of the court. He can find all sorts of ways to take over a game. As a junior last year, he averaged 20.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.4 steals. With Colosimo leading the way, the Soaring Eagles could be the team to beat in Class 3A this season.

Brock Miller, Brighton (Salt Lake City)
Scoring points runs in the Miller family. Like his brothers before him, Brock Miller is a pure shooter. When he gets heated up, there isn't a defender in the state that can cool him down. Miller averaged 17.5 points a year ago and he's one of eight seniors leading the Bengals this season.

Cody John, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant)
The Tigers have one of the most imposing backcourts in the state, and John is one reason for it. He looks to build on a junior season where he averaged 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.7 steals. John has made his mark as both a scoring threat and a defensive ace.

Riley Court, Pleasant Grove
The Vikings reached the Class 5A final a year ago and are poised to be contenders again with Court at the controls. He averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a junior. Court's experience and familiarity with how the offense works will help Pleasant Grove break in several promising but inexperienced players.

Tyler Brimhall, Logan
The Grizzlies are a sleeper title contender in Class 4A. Brimhall is one reason why Logan is dangerous. He proved to be a consistent scoring threat as a junior last season, averaging 17.1 points and pulling down 5.4 rebounds per game. Brimhall's backcourt leadership should set up Logan for a nice playoff run at season's end.

Koby McEwen, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant)
Few guards fit the definition of complete player better than McEwen. He forms an explosive backcourt tandem with Cody John. As a junior last season, McEwen averaged 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 3.0 steals.

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports.