Arkansas' best high school boys basketball players: Meet the state's top point guards
By Kyle Sutherland I Photo by Jaison Sterling
With the high school basketball season wrapping up, SBLive is looking at the best boys players in Arkansas. Today, we feature the top point guards for all classes. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list as there are hundreds of great basketball players in the state.
Important note on position: In today’s position-less era of basketball, it is very rare that teams list one starter at all five positions, and many players are fully interchangeable across positions. For example, depending on game or matchup situations, an athlete may play the 1 or 2 guard spots, possibly a guard/forward role as a wing, or some have the talent to play all of the 1-5 positions. Please use the comments section to discuss other standout players in Arkansas that you want to add.
Soon, you will have a chance to vote on who you think is the top boys point guard in the state.
Damien Bohlman | Acorn | 6-3 | SR
Bohlman has been as consistent of a player as you could ask for Acorn. He averages 26 points per game and can do just about anything you ask. His points per game speaks for itself, but he is just as effective on the defensive end.
“Damien leads us in every category you can think of,” Acorn head coach Chris Ledbetter said.
Jaron Burrow | Buffalo Island Central | 6-3 | JR
Burrow eclipsed 1,000 career points in January and is averaging 21 points and seven rebounds per game this year. He could not miss in a February 8 game against Crowley’s Ridge Academy with a 40-point performance, 33 of those from 3-point range.
“Jaron has crazy-good skills,” BIC head coach Mike Kinard said. “An amazing shooter and competitor.”
DaCarter Coleman | Sylvan Hills | 5-10 | JR
In a conference not short on consistent guard play, it would be easy to overlook some, but Coleman has really shown out this season with excellent ball handling skills and deep shooting range. He was named the BM Sports Report Player of the Game on February 5 following a 20-point performance in a 70-63 double overtime win against Little Rock Christian.
Nate Coley | Parkview | 5-9 | JR
Coley had a December to remember being named the MVP of the Charles Ripley Tournament and averaging 11.5 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals at the end of 2021. He is a nightmare for opposing teams on defense being a constant threat to snag a steal and has also been known to block shots.
Justin Crews | Sheridan | 6-0 | JR
Crews is an excellent 3-point shooter and has averaged around 16 points per game and four assists for the Yellowjackets, which leads the team.
“Justin is one of the hardest players to guard in a one-on-one setting,” Yellowjackets Coach Joe Scott said. “He is very good at taking players off the bounce and creating a pull-up shot or finish move.”
Tristan Cunningham | Riverview | 6-0 | JR
Cunningham has contributed 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the Raiders this year, and head coach Kirklan Pettis alluded to him as a tone-setter for the team. “Typically when he has an off night it is hard for us to win, and he has carried us in some games this year,” Pettis said."Tristan has played a huge role as a sophomore. He has a ‘leader’ mentality, a very positive attitude, and he has gotten better as the season has gone along.”
Carl Daughtery Jr. | Maumelle | 6-3 | SR
The UCA signee is set the take Maumelle on another run after coming up just two points shy of a state title last year. He has enjoyed a dominant season with multiple games over 30 points and is averaging just shy of 20 per game.
“Carl is a great young man with a high basketball IQ,” Maumelle head coach Michael Shook said. “He continues to improve his game that in turn helps our team improve.”
Drake Fowler | Bryant | 6-2 | SO
Fowler contributed in the secondary for the Hornets’ football team that won its fourth state title in a row and is now playing a key role for one of the sleeper basketball teams in Class 6A. He has averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds, four assists, and 2.5 steals per game.
“Drake does everything for us and affects winning in so many ways” Hornets head coach Mike Abrahamson said. “He scores, rebounds, defends. He leads our team in deflections, which we use to measure effort and activity level. The sky's the limit for this young man.”
Ryan Forrest | Marion | 6-3 | JR
From tip-off until the final horn, Forrest plays as hard as anyone on the floor. He eclipsed 37 points on Jan. 11 against Nettleton and is one of the top leaders on a Marion team primed to make a deep run in the Class 5A state tournament.
Travis Gentry | Greers Ferry West Side | 6-3 | SR
Gentry has had a great career and has grown into one of the top small school players in the state averaging 19.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. The Eagles are +15.7 when Gentry is on the floor, and as shown in his numbers he has no problem getting the ball in the basket but can also dish out shots as well.
Colby Glidewell | Lavaca | 6-1 | SR
Glidewell is one of the senior leaders on a Golden Arrows team that clinched its sixth regular season conference championships in a row and looking to go all the way in Class 2A. He is averaging 12 points per game on a team that may not have a superstar, but as a unit have experienced great success.
Jadyn Haney | Fayetteville | 6-0 | SO
If you have followed our work, you have heard us mention the number of sophomores contributing to Fayetteville’s great season and Haney has been a big part of that. Purple Dogs head coach Brad Stamps and his staff have been aware of Haney’s potential since he was in middle school.
“We followed and tracked him for a few years at Woodland Junior High and for our freshman team,” Stamps said. “He’s a true point guard that is like having a coach on the floor. The kids respond to his voice.”
Rece Hipp | Rose Bud | 5-11 | JR
Hipp has been one of the top reasons for the revival of a Rose Bud program that had fallen on hard times after only winning nine games last season. Through conference play this season he has averaged 23.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists along with seven double-doubles and a triple-double.
“Rece is whatever level of work ethic comes above gym rat,” Ramblers head coach Bradley Moss said. “He wants to win and that’s it. The most competitive kid I have ever coach and is everything you want in a point guard.”
Kameron Jones | Rector | 6-2 | JR
Jones has been slowed by injuries this year but has been a force when healthy averaging 22 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He has posted a triple double three times this year and was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Kell Classic Tournament.
“He is a matchup nightmare for opponents,” Rector head coach Matt Mills said. “He is too strong for your guards to defend and to quick and skilled for the bigs to match up. His will to win is simply unmatched.”
KJ McDaniel | Cutter Morning Star | 6-5 | JR
After transferring from Lake Hamilton following a successful sophomore campaign, McDaniel has thrived at Cutter. He has filled out many stat sheets throughout the year, but his biggest performance came on February 11 when he flirted with a quadruple double-15 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks, 7 assists, 2 steals-against Dierks handing the Outlaws just their second loss of the season.
QJ King | Mills | 5-8 | JR
Mills got off to a slow start to begin the season but King has been one of a handful of players who have stepped up with the absence of the team’s top player Javion Guy-King due to injury. He earned all-tournament honors in December’s Neosho Holiday Classic averaging 17 points. In the semifinals of that tournament against St. Joseph (Mo.) Lafayette Irish he eclipsed 24 points (12-12 free throws) and 7 rebounds to lead the Comets to the finals.
Colby Lambert | Fountain Lake | 6-2 | JR
Lambert is highly effective as both a ball handler and scorer, but also on the defensive end as the leader for the Cobras. He is shooting 64% from the field and has averaged around 15 points and 5 rebounds per game.
“Colby is our primary ball handler but also leads us in scoring and has made big shots for us all season,” Cobras Coach Jacob Dettering said. “He has improved from last season by scoring more in transition, driving the basketball, and mid-range opportunities.”
Jaylen Lee | Bentonville | 6-2 | JR
Lee is a great ball handler and checks all the boxes a coach wants in a point guard, but is also a highlight waiting to happen as he has shown on multiple occasions, he can drive the lane for a thunderous dunk.
“Jaylen is a very skilled guard that makes his teammates around him better,” Tigers Coach Dick Rippee said. “He is a very underrated shooter from the perimeter and makes great decisions out of our ball-screen offense.”
Matthew Lester | Eureka Springs | 6-0 SR
When the word ‘consistent’ comes to mind, I think anyone who follows Highlander basketball will say Lester fits the mold. A two-time all-state selection, Lester is one of Eureka Springs’ all-time leading scorers with over 2,000 career points.
“He has a tremendous basketball IQ,” Eureka Springs head coach Brian Rambo said. “He could possibly be the best player I have ever coached in terms of ball handling.”
Donyae May | Russellville | 6-0 | SR
May is a great floor general who always seems to know not just his role, but the other four around him while averaging around 20 points per game. He took an unofficial visit to Arkansas back in September and has received plenty of college interest.
“Donyae has led us on the floor,” head coach Kyle Pennington said. “I am very proud of the continued growth.”
Christian Moore | Jacksonville | 6-0 | SR
Arguably the best pure shooter in the state, Moore has averaged around 20 points per game this season hitting buckets from just about everywhere on the floor. Along with great ball-handling skills, he has improved his playmaking ability becoming more of a true point guard as opposed to just a shooter.
Courtland Muldrew | Springdale | 6-1 | FR
Muldrew has been turning heads playing at a level much higher than a typical ninth grader. In a recent game with Southside, he exploded for 30 points and was also named the Shelter Insurance Player of the Week following strong performances over Rogers and Har-Ber. He also led the Red Dogs with 18 points in victory over first-place Fayetteville. He has averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
“Courtland has adapted well to the speed and physicality of the varsity game,” Bulldogs head coach Jeremy Price said. “He is dangerous in the open floor leading and finishing on the break.”
Antoine Palmer | Arkadelphia | 5-9 | SR
Palmer is one of a handful of senior leaders who have led the Badgers to a successful season with hopes of earning more. He posted 22 points against McDonald County, a Class 5A powerhouse in Missouri, in early December and has not slowed down from there consistently putting up double-digit performances.
Walker Patton | Bergman | 5-10 | JR
“Unstoppable” may be used loosely in sports, but Patton has pretty much been that this season. He is averaging 27 points each time out and hitting 40% of his shots from 3-point range.
Head coach Bo Martin mentioned he takes no less than 17 shots per game while getting face guarded almost every night. Simply put “ he’s special,” Martin stated.
Zac Pennington | Lake Hamilton | 6-0 | JR
Pennington’s numbers are slightly down from last season due the depth of the Wolves’ roster but he has still managed to total 15 points per game and six assists dishing out shots as the team’s floor general. He also boasts a stellar 3-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
“Zac has worked very hard,” his head coach and father Scotty Pennington said. “He has improved leaps and bounds defensively from last year.”
Mike Reddick | Dumas | 6-0 | JR
On top of being a stellar athlete, Reddick also takes care of business in the classroom ranking fourth in his class with a 3.9 GPA. He averaged 13 points and 4 rebounds during his sophomore season and has increased that this year to 21.9 points 4.2 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3.9 assists each time he steps on the court.
“Mike is crafty at getting to the basket and finishing around the rim with both hands,” Bobcats Coach Larry Harris said. “He is also very skilled in the mid-range game with pull-up jumpers and timely floaters.”
Kellen Robinson | Episcopal | 6-2 | FR
The younger brother of Razorback basketballer KK and Bryant guard Khasen Robinson, Kellen has already burst onto the scene strong as just a ninth grader. He is averaging 28 point and 6 rebounds a game to go with 3.7 assists and 2.7 steals, and also has an offer from Auburn.
“His talent and leadership have been key factors to our success this season,” Episcopal head coach Brandon Friedel said. “He can score it at all three levels while also reading the defense and creating for others.”
Gavin Snyder | LR Central | 5-10 | JR
Snyder has really come on during February and is described as being “a dawg for us all year” by head coach Brian Ross. He is an every-game starter averaging 10 points per game, which is second on the team, and scored 18 points two straight games against Cabot and Conway, respectively. He also leads the team in rebounds, shoots well from 3-point range, and is great from the charity strips hitting 90% of his shots.
“The best thing about Gavin is he plays his best in chaos,” Ross said. “His physical toughness helps him make plays on both ends of the floor.”
Caleb Squires | Wonderview | 6-2 | SR
Squires has been dominant for the Daredevils in leading them to 30 wins and counting this year averaging 25 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. He has over 2,000 career points including a school-record 48 against Guy-Perkins and then followed that up with a double-double (34 points, 10 rebounds) in a win over Sacred Heart.
Josh Stewart | Siloam Springs | 6-3 | SR
Stewart has averaged 17 points per game with 7 rebounds and 3.3 assists to go with 2.3 steals per game on defense. He has received multiple offers from Division II schools and plans to play at the next level.
“Josh is a dynamic player, capable of changing the game with his scoring or defensive savvy,” Panthers head coach Tim Stewart said. “What truly makes Siloam Springs special this year is his ability to get his teammates involved. His hustle and tenacity, mixed with a field goal percentage of 66% has led us to a successful year.”
Layne Taylor | Farmington | 6-0 | SO
Taylor is without question one of the top three or four players in the Arkansas in the 2024 class. He has been great averaging 26 points per game shooting 52% from the field, including a school-record 61 points against Huntsville in December. And that is just one big accomplishment of note.
“Layne is an unselfish teammate and has an unbelievable basketball IQ,” head coach and father Jonny Taylor said. “He leads our team in points, assists and steals.”
Nevi Tell | Magnolia | 5-7 | JR
Tell has helped Magnolia continue to remain one of the top overall teams in the state and helped the Panthers win the Creed bracket over Parkview in the King Cotton Classic when he chipped in on 15 points. He has averaged around 15 points per game in conference play for the Panthers who seem to be the favorite in Class 4A.
Braedon Welch | Elkins | 5-11 | SR
Welch has been Elkins’ second-leading scorer putting up 15.4 points each time out and makes this Elks’ offense go. After finishing football season in November, Welch had a great basketball debut scoring 23 points, 15 of those coming from 3-point range. He followed that up the following day with a double-double (21 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and has not slowed down since.
Amarion Wilson | Jonesboro | 5-11
Known as “A”, Wilson is one of the more underrated shooters who takes care of the basketball.
“If there is a better true point guard in the state, I have not seen him,” Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift said. “He is a solid defender as well who sacrifices his body as well as anyone.”
