The Point Guards

The 2006-07 basketball season is right around the corner. Starting today and running through next week, High School Confidential will break down the top players, position by position.

We’ll divide each position into three categories: The Elite, The Up and Coming and The Sleepers, then give you two players to keep an eye on.

THE ELITE

Derrick Rose, 6-3, Sr, Simeon: What else can be said? He’s the best player in the state and the best point guard in the country.

Demetri McCamey, 6-3, Sr, St. Joseph: Over the spring and summer, McCamey has become a true point guard. He’s one of the strongest guards in the country. Commited to Illinois.

Michael Thompson, 5-11, Sr, Lincoln Park: He’s the most natural point guard in his class. Thompson is an instinctive floor general with a deadly three-pointer. Commited to Northwestern

Jacob Pullen, 6-1, Sr, Proviso East: The best defender of the bunch. Pullen is a prime-time player — he’s at his best in the biggest games. Commited to Kansas State

Aaron Johnson, 5-8, Sr, Hubbbard: He proved a lot this summer. Johnson is well known on the national club basketball circuit and an afterthought in Chicago. Commited to UAB.

UP AND COMING

Jeff Jordan, 6-2, Sr, Loyola: Showed what a talented distributer he his at Nike Camp.

Sam Maniscalco, 6-1, Sr, St. Patrick: The best shooting point guard in the state. Commited to Bradley.

Kevin Dillard, 5-11, Jr, H-F: One of the most valuable sophs in the state last year, even with an orthodox shot.

Josh Parker, 6-1, Sr, Thornton: Looking for a breakout year.

Bruce Durham, 5-11, Sr, Lockport: Streaky, but an exceptional scorer.

THE SLEEPERS

Darreon Ingram, 5-11, Sr, Curie: Drew rave reviews this summer

AJ Rompza, 5-9, Jr, Young: Needs to become consistent this season.

Isiah Williams, 6-0, Jr, Farragut: Williams didn’t take the large step forward last season that many expected. Still, his potential is unlimited.

Jamal Daniel, 5-10, Jr, Bloom: No one knows who he is. That will change this season.

Michael Horton, 5-10, Sr, Von Steuben: Horton, Mike Dinuno and Deonte Lundeen give the Panthers a three-headed point guard.

TWO TO WATCH

Armani Williams, 6-1, Jr, Elgin: Very impressive this spring. He has the talent to be among the elite guards in the state next season.

Ardarius Simmons, 5-7, Jr, Marshall: Marshall coach Lamont Bryant is raving about his young point guard.