SBLive’s 15 must-see point guards in Washington girls basketball for 2021-22: They identify things others don't - and make winning plays

Led by Gatorade state player of the year Kyra Gardner, of Raymond, and the nationally-ranked Garfield duo of Malia Samuels and Katie Fiso, this group has playmaking flair

They came to win games - and also ended up making dazzling plays.

No position controls the game of basketball quite like point guards. And after talking and polling other coaches and media outlets, here are SBLive WA's 15 must-view point guards in Washington for 2021-22.

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BOYS: POINT GUARDS | BIGS | OFF-BALL GUARDS | WINGS

GIRLS: POINT GUARDS | BIGS | OFF-BALL GUARDS | WINGS

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15 MUST-SEE POINT GUARDS IN WASHINGTON

AUBREY AMENDALA, Tumwater, sr.

Tumwater's Aubrey Amendala was the catalyst for everything the Thunderbirds did - and was voted 2A EvCo MVP / Photo by Todd Milles

What didn't this 2A Evergreen MVP do? She made perimeter shots. She dictated flow. She broke pressure. The Dixie State signee was truly the one irreplaceable player on this roster.

TEAGAN COLVIN, Liberty of Spangle, soph.

Even though she plays for a Class 2B school, Teagan Colvin is one of the best point guards in the 2024 recruiting class / Photo by Todd Milles

A gold-standard talent with a blue-collar work rate - Colvin did everything for the Lancers, and was a nightly triple-double threat. Ignore the 2B label, she would star in any program.

DEVIN COPPINGER, Nooksack Valley, soph.

The Northwest Conference MVP led the Pioneers all the way to the Class 1A state title game, losing to Lynden Christian / Photo by Mike Hughes

If it's pure power you like, Coppinger is the player you want running your squad. Not only does the Northwest Conference MVP use strength to get to the rim, she has crafty moves, too.

KATIE FISO, Garfield, soph.

In her first season running the point for Garfield, the Bulldogs repeated as Class 3A champions, defeating Lake Washington / Photo by Vince Miller

The highest nationally-ranked player on this list, Fiso's debut high school season was a smashing success. Best vision-passing combination in the state, and plays defense like a free safety.

NATALIE FRALEY, Kelso, sr.

Unfortunately for the 3A GSHL player of the year, a serious knee injury knocked her out of the 3A tournament / Photo courtesy of Kelso athletics

A deadly scorer with the basketball in her hands, nobody had more explosive scoring spurts during the season than this Utah State signee. She led the Hilanders to a 3A district title.

KYRA GARDNER, Raymond, sr.

After leading Raymond to a sixth-place finish in the 2B championships, Kyra Gardner was named Gatorade state player of the year / Photo by Todd Milles

There are good athletes - and there is this level of elite physical skills. Her elevation was second to none, and this WSU signee has one of the prettiest mid-range games in the sport.

MYA GROCE, Pasco, sr.

When this team became hers to run two seasons ago, the Bulldogs took off and won the Mid-Columbia crown / Photo by Vince Miller

The heart and soul of the 4A/3A Mid-Columbia champions, her on-ball pressure dictated things for defensive-minded Pasco. Also broke the 1,000-point scoring mark for her career.

ANIYAH HAMPTON, Hudson's Bay, sr.

After enduring an injury-interrupted first couple of seasons, Aniyah Hampton led Hudson's Bay to a sixth-place showing in 2A / Photo by Andy Buhler

The best point guard in the Vancouver area, Hampton showcases her tantalizing talent by making two or three plays a game that few cannot - and that usually determines the outcome.

KEIRA HANSON, Issaquah, sr.

There was no better floor general to run two different systems in one season than this Vermont signee / Photo courtesy of Keira Hanson

Whatever needed to be done for the Eagles - Hanson did it. The consummate team player, she was as steady an all-4A KingCo first teamer was there was. Signed with Vermont.

HOPE HASSMANN, Tahoma, jr.

The two-time 4A NPSL player of the year continues to lead Tahoma to unchartered heights as a program

For all the superb qualities Hassmann possesses - high basketball IQ, reliable jump shot, consummate leadership - arguably the best thing is her work rate. Committed to Cal Poly.

JAMISON PHILIP, Ellensburg, fr.

No team in Washington had more ways to lock down an offense than 2A champion Ellensburg - and she was the most dangerous threat / Photo by Sean Carter

Yes, she is the list's lone ninth grader. But have you seen that first-step burst? Philip already controls action with high-grade defensive intensity - and the offensive skills are next.

MALIA SAMUELS, Garfield, jr.

This former Metro League MVP finally got the 3A title she coveted in her first season at Garfield / Photo by Mason Kelley

Who wouldn't want the ultimate bulldog performer on your team? Paired with Katie Fiso, Samuels was asked to be more of a scorer with the Bulldogs than she was at Eastside Catholic.

VERONICA SHEFFEY, Woodinville, sr.

In her final season at Woodinville, Veronica Sheffey shed past disappointment by helping the Falcons win the 4A title.  / Photo by Vince Miller

One word - winner. This San Diego signee has run the Falcons' point for four seasons, and her effort as a defender with strength, and distributor with vision never wavered for the Falcons.

ROSA SMITH, Lake Washington, sr.

What a career for Rosa Smith, who led Lake Washington to back-to-back 3A title game appearances, and was named 3A KingCo MVP / Photo by Vince Miller

Pound for pound, this Idaho signee might be the toughest-minded playmaker in Washington with her magnificent ball-handling, underrated burst and ability to win close games.

JAZMYN STONE, Annie Wright, sr.

Jazmyn Stone led the up-tempo Annie Wright attack, and was arguably the most talented player in Class 1A / Photo courtesy of College of Charleston athletics

The 1A Nisqually MVP is like that purring Lamborghini who revs up effortless energy - this College of Charleston signee just can't be slowed down, as a scorer (25.0 ppg) or as a playmaker.

More point guards to watch: Gracie Brammer, Hockinson, sr.; Madelyn Brown, Auburn, sr.; Monique Carter, Emerald Ridge, jr.; Chloe Deharo, West Valley of Spokane, soph.; Allie Greene, Neah Bay, jr.; A'niyah Heavens, Chiawana, sr.; Lainee Houillon, Sumner, soph.; Jersey Huerta, Kentwood, jr.; Ella Koebelin, Klahowya, sr.; Lucy Lynn, Gonzaga Prep, jr.; Analyssa Maldonado, Eisenhower, sr.; Keira Marsh, Arlington, sr.; Kyla McCallum, W.F. West, sr.; Macie Milum, Richland, soph.; Olivia Moore, Mead, sr.; Iliana Moran, Hanford, sr.; Taylor Schwab, Gig Harbor, soph.; Izzy Simmons, Hermiston, fr.; Kacey Spink, Ferris, sr.; Kylee Stephens, La Center, sr.; Kiara Stone, Bellarmine Prep, soph.; Baylor Thomas, Lake Stevens, sr.; Nikole Thomas, Kamiakin, jr.; Payton Torrey, Mossyrock, jr.; Grace Turley, Mount Si, jr.; Ciona Wells, Lincoln of Tacoma, soph.; Jewel Young, Decatur, jr.