Arkansas' best high school boys basketball players: Meet the state's top point guards

Some of the top Arkansas prep boys basketball point guards

Benton's Jon Bell

By Kyle Sutherland | Photo by Tommy Land 

With the high school basketball season in full swing, SBLive is looking at the best boys players in Arkansas across all classifications. Today, we feature the top point guards.

There are hundreds of standout boys basketball players in Arkansas, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. It is also worth noting that many of today’s backcourt players are defined as “Combo Guards” and play both roles, so some athletes might be listed at their secondary positions. 

You can discuss the other point guards worthy of fans’ attention in 2022-23 by connecting with us on Twitter at @SBLiveARK or by emailing nate@scorebooklive.com.

Bryson Bauer | Bergman | JR | 6-0 

Bauer is the floor general for the Panthers, who are currently Class 3A’s top team, and has shown consistency in multiple categories all year averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Kylan Baker | Brinkley | SR | 6-0

Also a star in the 8-Man football ranks, Baker led the Tigers with 19.5 points per game as a junior. Baker has averaged 18.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game and led the Tigers to a championship in December’s Helena Holiday Tournament.

Tadrian Baker | Riverview | SO | 6-3

If you did not know about him already, surely Baker is now on your radar following a 35-point performance over Rose Bud in the 3A-6 district semifinals when the Raiders came back from 22 down at halftime. That was just one of his big performances and on the year Baker has averaged 18.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and a very impressive 7.8 assists per game.

Jon Bell | Benton | SR | 6-3

The game may not have counted in the win-loss column, but Bell made his presence felt in the Panthers’ benefit game against Greenbrier putting up 30 points and 8 rebounds. Bell has averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

Tucker Bowman | Bentonville West | SR | 5-10

One of three returning starters from last year, Bowman knew he would need to step up even more this season after averaging seven points and six assists as a junior and he has done just that. Bowman has helped the Wolverines to a No. 1 spot in SBLive’s Power 25 rankings and was a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

KeShun Brown | Watson Chapel | SR | 5-8

He may not be the biggest, but Brown has the heart of a giant and has especially made his presence felt on the defensive end. He has averaged 9.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and a steal per game for the Wildcats. Central Baptist College has offered.

Lyndell Buckingham | Marion | SO | 6-2

After playing as more of a reserve during his freshman year, Buckingham’s has moved into a much higher role typically running the point for the Patriots who are currently the state’s top team in Class 5A.

Jaron Burrow | Manila | SR | 6-3

Burrow averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists playing at Buffalo Island Central last season and is now back at Manila where he had initially played through his eighth grade season. This year, Burrow has averaged 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 63% from the field and 48% from long range.

Bryson “Champ” Calamese | Joe T. Robinson | SR | 6-1

Calamese really came on last year as the Senators’ second-leading scorer and led the team in assists. This season, he was named to November's Jammin’ 4 Jerseys all-tournament first team and has averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game while shooting 42% from long range through mid-January. Calamese will continue his playing career at Allen Community College in Kansas.

Demario Carter | England | SR | 6-2

The lightning-quick floor general can fly down the court and either hit a shot from anywhere or drive to the basket and finish with a dunk. A senior leader for the Lions, Carter has averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game.

LaBraun Christon | Lake Hamilton | SO | 6-1

Christon has played his part as a starter in various roles with Zac Pennington as the current point man, but per head coach Scotty Pennington this time next year he will be “the guy” to direct the offense. He has shown flashes as a starter all year of what he can be and has averaged nine points, four rebounds, three assists, along with three steals per contest this year.

DaCarter Coleman | Sylvan Hills | SR | 5-10

The heart and soul of a young Bears squad, Coleman has averaged 17.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals. He led Sylvan Hills to a 3-0 championship run in early December’s Battle of the Brier and dropped 32 points in a recent loss to Maumelle.

Nate Coley | Parkview | SR | 5-11

One of the better points in Arkansas, Coley is tough as nails and makes an impact in all facets of the game averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He is no doubt one of the best backcourt defenders you will find and has a knack for setting his teammates up for the right shots.

Jaxon Conley | Har-Ber | SO | 6-2

Conley may not always be the Wildcats’ primary ball handler, but the offense typically goes through him, and head coach Tommy Deffebaugh gives him the freedom to make his own decisions when he has the ball in transition. Conley has connected on 46% of his shots from the field and averaged 15 points per game along with 5 rebounds.

Jayce Couch | Corning | JR | 6-2

One of the Top 5 students academically in his class maintaining a 3.9 GPA, Couch is still somewhat of an overlooked prospect in the far northeast corner of the state. He was injured to start the year, but has since averaged 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. Some honors from this season include being named to the Williams Baptist University all-tournament team, First National Bank Battle of the Border all-tournament team, and December’s Farm Bureau Player of the Month.

Braden Cox | Sloan-Hendrix | SR | 6-1

Cox has helped Sloan-Hendrix earn one of the best starts in Class 2A averaging 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. He also averaged 17 points as a junior and was named to the Williams Baptist University all-tournament team among many other honors.

Justin Crews | Sheridan | SR | 6-0

Crews runs the point for the Yellowjackets and averaged 15 points per game as a junior, including a career high 43 against Texarkana. Crews started this season off with a bang dropping 40 in a close loss to Episcopal and has averaged 22 points and 2.2 steals per game through the midway point. He eclipsed 1,000 career points on January 10.

Tristan Cunningham | Riverview | JR | 6-2

An effective long-range shooter, Cunningham can also score on multiple levels and is a primary piece of the young Raiders’ squad. He has averaged 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds this season. He displayed one of his stronger performances in early January in a win over Rose but putting up 26 points, 20 of those in the second half.

Cooper Ellis | Conway Christian | SR | 5-11

Ellis’ best accomplishments are in the classroom (4.3 GPA), but has also been highly effective on the hardwood scoring over 1,200 points in his career. Ellis has averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game this year.

Noah Futch | Jessieville | SR | 6-1

Futch is very underatted considering all he has accomplished through last season including the 3A-5 Player of the Year, Garland County Player of the Year, and eclipsed 1,000 career points midway through this season. Through this December, he is averaging 30.9 points (including a career-high 40 points on December 20), 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He was also named Player of the Game during the Bergman Thanksgiving Classic.

Ta’Vion Galbert | Hampton | SR | 6-3

Galbert plays multiple positions on the floor for the Bulldogs and has filled out the stat sheet this year averaging a double-double (20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds) 6.5 assists.

Caden Griffin | Cedar Ridge | 6-2 | Guard

Griffin has been a solid addition to the Timberwolves since coming over from Melbourne where he averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game as a sophomore. Despite missing six games due to injury this year, Griffin has mirrored that consistency averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds through late January. He earned Player of the Game honors in December’s Bad Boy Ronnie Brogdon Invitational and has a Division I offer from DePaul.

Gavin Hall | Paragould | SR | 5-8

An exceptional long-range shooter, Hall may be undersized but plays big and has averaged 20 points per game as a senior. Hall tied a school record for most three made in a game (9) against in November during a 28-point performance against Manila. He has been offered by Crowley’s Ridge College.

Jadyn Haney | Fayetteville | JR | 6-1

Many of the things Haney accomplishes does not show up on the stat sheet, but the one that sticks out is his average of six assists per game on the year, setting his teammates up for the best shots. He can certainly score when needed but is a true floor general in directing traffic.

Jai’Chaunn Hayes | White Hall | SO | 6-7

While it may be cliche, the only way to describe Hayes’ season thus far is pure dominance averaging 27.5 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game while playing a tough non-conference schedule, as well as competing in the South conference - the state’s deepest league in Class 5A. It is not a surprise anymore for Hayes to put up 30+ in a game and he has also had multiple 40-point contests.

Rece Hipp | Rose Bud | SR | 5-11

Described by Ramblers head coach Bradley Moss as “whatever level of work ethic comes above a gym rat,” the Henderson State signee averaged 21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game for Rose Bud as a junior. He scored 45 points in December’s Lonoke Goldfish Classic in a victory over England and followed that up with 34 against LISA Academy.

Tyrell Honey | Hot Springs | JR | 6-2

Honey has helped the Trojans gain a lot of traction in Class 5A during the back half of the season as currently one of the top teams in the South conference. He has averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

Ethan Hopkins | White County Central | JR | 6-3

One of the small school standouts, Hopkins has shined averaging 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while connecting on 48% of his two-point field goal attempts. Hopkins was selected to this year’s NEA Tournament all-tournament team.

Jordan Jasper | LISA Academy North | SR | 6-2

Jasper came onto the scene last season averaging 18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds for LISA Academy North and has taken even more steps forward this year. This season, Jasper is averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals per game while shooting 53% from the field.

Cedric Jones | Bryant | SO

The sky's the limit for what Jones has shown this year as an underclassman running the point against some of the state’s top competition. He came through in the clutch to hit a game-winning three in December’s John Stanton Classic and also had a double-double in a victory over Benton.

Kameron Jones | Rector | SR | 6-2

Despite facing adversity with injuries, Jones averaged a double-double as a junior scoring 19.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. When healthy, he is one of the more underrated players in the state regardless of classification and has averaged 21.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a solid 6.2 assists per game.

QJ King | Mills | SR | 5-10

Coming off an all-state football campaign, King is primed to get the Comets back to the state championship game. After averaging 12 points and 5 assists per game a season ago, King has put up 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists halfway through this year.

Zack Kublanov | Haas Hall Academy | SR | 5-1

Outside of Northwest Arkansas, Haas Hall is not a known school which has hindered Kublanov’s exposure. However, his production on the court has been outstanding as he has averaged an incredible 36 points per game, scoring 40+ in multiple contests and had 50 points in an early season win over Thaden. Kublanov has scored over 2,000 career points and maintains a 3.8 GPA.

Colby Lambert | Fountain Lake | SR | 6-2

Lambert demands a lot of attention following an outstanding junior year, but has still averaged 17 points per game along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals each time out through mid-January. He has over 1,200 career points.

Jaylen Lee | Bentonville | SR | 6-2

“True Floor General” has been a popular term for Lee and he has continued to shine for the Tigers this season after averaging 13.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game after leading the Tigers to the 6A state finals as a junior. He was a McDonald’s All-American nominee this year and has averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while connecting on 37% of shots from long range.

Cole Linville | Rural Special | JR | 6-1

An overlooked star from the Class 1A ranks, Linvville came on the scene as a sophomore and has continued to display consistency in his 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. He also does a great job at setting his teammates up for quality shots as evidenced by his six assists per contest.

Jerry Long | Osceola | SR | 5-8

The injury bug has plagued Long for the majority of this season, but he put the state on notice as a junior earning the Most Valuable Player of the state tournament for the 3A champion Seminoles. He led Osceola with 16 points, along with 4 rebounds and 4 steals in the state championship game.

Justin May | eStem | JR | 6-0

May opened plenty of eyes when he had multiple high-scoring games as a sophomore and has continued making progress as a three-level scorer for the Mets. Under new head coach Monty Patel, May has individually excelled averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. As a long range shooter, he averages two three-pointers per contest.

Tramond Miller | Drew Central | SO | 5-9

Pirates head coach CJ Watson has raved about Miller’s progress and has appointed him to run Drew Central’s offense. Miller has averaged a team-high 17 points per game in conference play while also leading in assists. He had a big game in a recent win over Pine Bluff Dollarway scoring 28 points and pulled down 7 rebounds.

Luke Moore | Central | SO | 6-1

Playing a deep Tigers’ squad, the future is bright for Moore but he has already made an impact averaging nine points, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while connecting on 47% of his shots from the field and 41% from long range.

Beck Morrow | Mountain View | SR | 6-1

Morrow is the usual quarterbacks of a Yellowjackets backcourt that all averages double-digit points per game. He is second on the team with 12.3 points per contest, along with 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and a solid 6.2 assists each time out.

Amare Neal | Tuckerman | SO | 5-9

Neal caught the attention of Division I programs during his freshman season and is far from hitting his ceiling. He made the Williams Baptist University all-tournament team in December and has averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a solid 6 assists per game while shooting 34% from the field.

Kellen Robinson | Episcopal | SO | 6-2

One of the state’s more dominating presences on the court this season, Robinson has terrorized opposing defenses averaging an incredible 35 points per game, along with 7.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per contest. It would take a novel to list all of his individual performances, but the 61-point performance on January 12 broke a school record and is tied for ninth-best all-time in state history.

Tyler Parham | Brookland | JR | 6-4

With the exception of Northeast Arkansas, Brookland has been a bit of a sleeper in Class 4A and Parham has been one of their primary reasons as one of Region 3’s best backcourt performers. He has averaged 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game for the Bearcats this year.

RJ Patton | Conway | SR | 6-5

If you like guards that can defend with the best of them, Patton is your guy as he has really shown out on that side of the ball, while also showing effectiveness offensively averaging 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Walker Patton | Bergman | SR | 5-10

Patton averaged 26.4 points per game as a junior and connected on 140 three-pointers. Through this December, he averaged 21 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds per game and shot 43% from long range. He hit a game-winning three in the NorthArk Tournament championship game to seal the deal for the Panthers.

Zac Pennington | Lake Hamilton | SR | 6-0

The Southern Arkansas signee has been as consistent of a player as you could ask for the Wolves during his career. He set a school record with 11 three-pointers made against Arkansas High and connected on 8 against Hot Springs Lakeside. Pennington has averaged 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals each time out this year.

Mike Reddick | Dumas | SR | 6-0

The oldest of the three Reddick brothers who excel on the court, as well as in the classroom, the Arkansas-Monticello signee led the Bobcats to the 3A state finals as a junior while also leading the team in scoring with 17 points per game, along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game. Through December, Reddick put up 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game.

Sam Reynolds | Wonderview | SR | 6-5

Reynolds started this season with a bang scoring a school-record 52 points, along with 14 rebounds, in a loss to County Line, then bested that with 54 points against Lamar, and also put up 48 against Valley Springs. He averaged 22.3 points and 7 rebounds as a junior and is averaging a double-double with 31 points and 11.2 rebounds, along with 4.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game this year.

Marktavious Roby | Marianna Lee | SR | 6-2

Under a new coaching regime, the Trojans remain a state title contender in Class 2A once again, with Roby playing a major part in that who brings plenty of valuable experience to a young squad. He has averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assist per game this year. 

Dae’Marion Savoy | FS Northside | SR | 6-2

Also a top contributor for the Grizzlies’ football team during his prep career, Savoy is primarily a guard but can defend all positions. He has increased his numbers on the hardwood this season to 12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Brandon Scott | Charleston | SR | 6-0

Fresh off leading the Tigers to a 3A state title in football, the two-time all-state performer on the hardwood has quickly dominated in less than a handful of games averaging 26 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per contest.

Ryder Scribner | Harrison | FR | 6-3

The best is yet to come for the youngster, but plenty of great things have already happened for Scibrner this season as he has averaged 10.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for the Goblins. At the backend of the year, Scribner has averaged 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists per contest.

Isaiah Sealy | Springdale | SO | 6-7

The 73rd-ranked overall player in the country per 247Sports, Sealy is one of the two driving forces between what the Red Dogs do and has been since his freshman year. He has averaged 18.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this season.

Addison Shelton | Maumelle | SR | 6-0

After a productive all-conference junior campaign at Parkview, Shelton has been a key reason for Maumelle’s growth as the squad’s senior leader. He has dealt with injury this year, but when he has been on the court his presence has been felt, as evidenced by the recent victory over Jacksonville when he got the winning layup for the Hornets.

Taylor Smith | Nettleton | JR | 6-4

Smith is a guard who may not be known to many outside of Northeast Arkansas, but very well should be. He can pull up or drive to the basket, and has averaged 21.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.4 steals, along with 1.4 blocks per game for the Raiders.

Gavin Snyder | Central | SR | 5-10

If there is a tougher, more aggressive guard in the state who earns every point more than Snyder, he would be tough to locate. Not only is Snyder a great shooter and defender, he wants every rebound as he led the Tigers offensively in that category as a junior. He has averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game while shooting 45% from long range and 80% at the free throw line this year.

Lidge Stinson | Waldron | SR | 5-9

Stinson has been consistent in the back court for the Bulldogs’ and was named as the Most Valuable Player in the Bill Frye Invitational . He has averaged 14 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals this year while shooting 40% from long range.

Ethan Stafford | Glen Rose | JR | 6-2

Stafford had a 37-point performance in the Beavers’ upset victory of Jessieville on January 17, and he has scored 30+ in multiple games this year. For the season, Stafford is averaging 23 points and 7 rebounds per contest while shooting 50% from the field.

Eli Tate | Concord | SO | 6-0

Tate has been the Pirates’ floor general since his freshman season. He has really demanded - and earned - a lot of attention despite playing in the state’s smallest classification and has averaged 21 points and 4 redbouns, as well as shown his strong passing ability with 6 assists per contest.

Layne Taylor | Farmington | JR | 5-11

Arguably the state’s top shooter, it seems like Taylor has been giving opposing teams fits forever and he still has another year to go. He was tabbed the SBLive Arkansas Sophomore of the Year in 2022 after scoring 26 points per game (53% from the field) and is on a tear yet again averaging 26 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest while connecting on 54% of his shots from the field.

Jayce Tillman | Jacksonville | SO | 6-3

The Titans have experienced some growing pains this season, but Tillman has been a bright spot after coming over from Mills. He has averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds per contest on the year while maintaining a 3.5 GPA and has bumped his averages to 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest in February.

Phillip Tillman | Jonesboro | SR | 6-0

If it were not due to a bevy of talent in last year’s senior class, Tillman would have likely been on the floor more frequently, but he has patiently waited his turn and been a highly effective guard, as expected. He has averaged 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists midway through the year.

Kesean Washington | Blytheville | SR | 5-7

It has been uttered several times that Washington “may be 5-7, but he plays like 6-7” and he proves it every time he touches the floor. He runs the point for the Chickasaws after averaging 15 points and 5 rebounds per game during his junior season at Forrest City. He was named to the all-tournament team of December’s Poplar Bluff Showdown. Midway through this season, Washington has averaged 12 points and 4 rebounds per contest while shooting 39% from long range.

Jeremiah “Beans” Wells | Blytheville | JR | 6-2

Wells has thrived in a much larger role on a senior-heavy squad after contributing eight points per game as a sophomore for the 4A state runner-up Chickasaws. He has increased his point total to 13 per game, along with 5 rebounds per contest, while shooting 38% from long range.

Jameel Wesley | Little Rock Christian | JR | 6-2

Wesley currently has a Division I offer from Southeast Missouri State and many others inquiring. He has increased his point total from six points as a sophomore to 13 per game this season, along with four rebounds and four assists per contest.

Deion Buford-Wesson | Jonesboro | SR | 5-11

It says something when Wes Swift calls you the best on-ball defender he has ever coached, but it has been proven time and time again against not just some of the state’s best, but in the country. This year he has averaged 15 points and 2 steals per game.

Jones White | Vilonia | SR | 6-1

The track star has quietly been one of the more impressive players for the hardwood Eagles when he was named all-state as a junior. He has averaged 10.1 points and 2.8 assists and averages two made three-pointers per game while shooting 45% from long range as the Eagles’ primary ball handler.

Riley Whiteaker | Calico Rock | SR | 6-1

The top returning player for the Pirates from last season, Whiteaker has continued to put up big numbers connecting on 57.1% of his field goal attempts and averaging a double-double (23.5 points, 11 rebounds) along with 6 assists and 4 steals per game. He is also connecting on 57% of his shots from the field and 42% from long range.

Joseph Whitfield | Southwest Christian Academy | JR | 6-1

Whitfield recently helped the Lions win the Mingo Valley Invitational in Tulsa (Okla.) and has averaged 16 points, 4 assists and 2 steals per game so far. Whitfield had a stretch in early December when he averaged 26 points per contest.

Zane Widener | Clinton | JR | 6-2

Widener also stars for the Yellowjackets on the football field and now that he is fully in basketball mode, he has thrived while transitioning from a wing role to a floor general averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game while connecting on 55% of his shot attempts from the field. As of late January, Widener has also compiled two double-double contests.

Ja’Kory Withers | North Little Rock | JR | 6-1

Withers comes from a talented basketball background and has come on strong for the Charging Wildcats averaging 14.2 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He was named the Most Valuable Player of November’s Rumble on the Ridge Tournament.

BJ Woodruff | Morrilton | JR | 6-0

Woodruff has come on strong in the Devil Dogs’ backcourt shooting a solid 63% from two-point range and 55% overall from the field while averaging 11.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest.